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The PM writes back on bank charges Gordon Brown wants a 'negotiated solution' for quick payouts The Prime Minister today responded to our open letter on bank charges, and revealed he's called the banks and regulators together to negotiate a quick solution. Previously quiet on the issue, the Government's now taking it seriously. I was also called by one of the No. 10's senior aides who confirmed that, assuming next month's Supreme Court decision's positive, they want payback system avoiding courts and the ombudsman, where people simply write to banks asking for charges back. Below's an extract from the letter... "Dear Martin, I certainly agree once the legal issues have been resolved, any compensation due should be paid as swiftly as possible. How compensation should be paid depends on how the case is resolved. I know for consumers fighting for fair treatment the extremely lengthy legal processes can be unacceptable. As you know, people in financial difficulties can still have their complaints heard now, and your website gives helpful information on this. The Government is committed to doing all we can to agree better ways of resolving cases involving mass complaints in future. As for the charges that are the subject of the test case, I believe that a negotiated solution could be in everyone's best interests, and so we have called on the banks and the regulators to explore a quicker way to resolve this without further delay. People need confidence that when they open an account, they will be treated fairly, charges and fees will be transparent and reasonable, and their savings will be safe. I am pleased to see that RBS, Natwest, Halifax and Bank of Scotland have all announced substantial reductions to their charges in recent days, which will immediately help many thousands of consumers. We are now taking extensive action to reform the banks' culture, to stop irresponsible banking practices, and to support more effective consumer education and information so that people can get a better deal. As your website and your campaigns have shown, our efforts to ensure that our banking system of the future is sustainable, responsible and transparent, must go hand in hand with efforts to put power back into the hands of consumers and ensure a fair deal for all. Yours sincerely, Gordon Brown" For the full version and much more info, see the MSE News Story: The PM on bank charges or Discuss: PM on Bank Charges The reclaim campaign is now in a political phase, and all three party leaders have responded to our request to state their policy; see MSE News: Nick Clegg backs automatic payout & David Cameron considers automatic payout Yet the most important message remains: if you've had charges in the last eight years, get your claim in quick; see Bank Charges Reclaiming

Week of Tue 15 - Mon 21 Sept '09 (Last week's position) 1. Top Savings Accounts (2) 2. Top Beauty Deals (-) 3. Freebies, Freebies (1) 4. Ryanair Flight Sale (4) 5. Cheap Gas & Elec (-) The above excludes daily deals notes Premium bonds rate boosted from 1% to 1.5% Halifax to slash bank charges No energy cuts this year as big 6 refuse to bow to regulator pressure British Parking Association to answer private parking critics Debt management firms may face regulation This week's full MSE News list

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The Ones Not To Miss MSE

New top 3.3% AER easy-access savings - highest since UK base rates dropped to 0.5%.
In March, UK interest rates dropped to 0.5%, and savings went into the doldrums, yet gradually competition's hotted up for savers' cash. New Top: New customers getting Citibank's Flexible Saver (Issue 6)* get 3.3% AER (min. £1), with unlimited withdrawals. This online & phone account includes a 2.25% year long bonus; once seen as negative, but now effectively a minimum 2.25% rate guarantee. Alternatives: The top clean (no-bonus) account is from Intelligent Finance (part of Halifax), paying 2.85% AER (min £1), or if you don't want a variable rate, and can lock your cash away for a year; Chelsea BS pays a fixed 3.8% AER. Safety: All these accounts have the full £50,000 per person, per institution UK financial protection. FULL info & more best buys in the Updated Guide: Top Savings Related: Safe Savings, Regular Savings, Best Bank Accounts

New! Special phone no. to get free votes for X Factor, Strictly & more. Rather than the 35p premium rate, dial a local rate number (poss within your inclusive mins), listen to a 15-sec ad, and your vote's placed. See the Deals Note: Free X-Factor Votes

Help change the law. Ever been given a higher loan / card rate than you applied for? Treasury Investigation
Most credit cards & loans are rate for risk, so you only know what you'll be charged by applying. The problem: Each new application leaves a footprint on your credit file that may hit your credit score, meaning if the rate's too high, it's more difficult to go elsewhere; it's an anti-shopping around vicious circle. Parliamentary investigation: After a suggestion by MSE, the powerful Treasury Select Committee of MPs, is running a speedy inquiry into this issue. It needs your help: To build evidence, it wants to hear your experiences, suggestions and comments. To do that and for more info, see the MSE Forum Note: Treasury Credit Rating Inquiry Related: Check your Credit Rating, Debt Problems

Urgent! Got Tesco points? Get 2x their value on wine & cosmetics before 30 Sept. Tesco's closing its Double-Up scheme, where normal £5 vouchers can be traded-in for £10 of wine, cosmetics, baby or gardening vouchers to spend in-store. It ends 30 Sept, but vouchers last until 30 Dec. See the Updated Guide: Boost Loyalty Schemes

Get 12 FREE bottles of wine (£6.99 p&p) just for opening up a current account - you needn't bank there Internet bank Smile, part of the Co-Op, is offering a case of wine to new customers. What's the deal? To get the wine voucher, open one by Wed 1 Oct, and pay in £800/month for two months, though you needn't keep the cash there, you can withdraw it, and you needn't shift direct debits over. Do be aware opening a current account adds a credit search to your file, so only those with good credit histories should do this. Is it any good? If you want an ethical account, it's a good option, though there are much better rates out there ... Free £100: Alliance & Leicester* gives £100, free annual Europe travel insurance and a 0% overdraft for the first year, although you must properly shift to it. Alternative free wine: Gas & elec comparison site Uswitch* also offers a case of wine if you switch through it via this link. FULL info in the Forum Note: Smile Current Account Offer Related: Best Bank Accounts, Credit Ratings, Credit Card Freebies, Cheapest Gas & Elec Get Free WiFi at Starbucks. Grab one of its loyalty cards in store, register then top up £5 on it (which you can spend on coffee) and you get the free WiFi. Full details in the Forum Note: Free Starbucks WiFi

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New Restaurant Vouchers 2for1s at Strada, Giraffe and Cafe Giardino. These join Slug and Lettuce 50% off, Prezzo £10 two courses & drink, ASK & Zizzi's buy one main get another for £1, plus two pizzas for £10 at Pizza Express in the Daily Deals List: Restaurant Vouchers

Last chance! Direct Line's Car & Home Ins. sale ends 30 Sept. Quotes last 90 days
Until 30 Sept, Direct Line's giving 50% off contents cover* and 7 days for the price of 6 car insurance* (ie 14% off). A good deal, as it's usually price competitive anyway, and isn't included by comparison sites. Quotes last 90 days: Even if you're not at renewal, get a quote now, and it's valid for 3 mths. If it comes out with an even better sale, just re-quote. Don't assume it's cheapest: No one provider, even with a sale, is ever always cheapest. Grab as many quotes as possible; to do that speedily, combine as many comparison services as you've time for in the following order: Car Insurance: MSP*, GoCompare*, Confused*, CompareTM* Home Insurance: Confused*, MSP*, GoCompare*, CompareTM* FULL info & how to get cashback in the Updated Guides: Cheap Car Insurance, Cheap Home Insurance Related Insurance Guides: Van, Motorbike, Travel, Boiler

Special 20% off code means Ugg boots £120 all-in (normally £150). Full details, plus sparkly Uggs for £100 in the Deals List: Cheap Ugg Boots

Urgent. 1p(ish) European flights (Oct-Dec). Ends midnight Weds 23 Sept. Yet another 'million' Ryanair 1p each-way flights (inc. some charges) from 11 UK airports to over 25 European destinations. Speedily find them using the Updated Guide: 1p Flights, then beat scores of add-on charges with Budget Airline Fee Fighting Related: Cheap Flights, Cheap Hotels

The Tart Alert. Tool of the Week. It's not just how, but when that counts ... Lots of products are designed to be cheap for a short time, then the price shoots up; if you're not careful, you pay a fortune, eg, credit card 0% rates ending, or car insurance renewal letters so late you don't have time to do a comparison; never mind mortgages, mobile contracts, capped energy deals or savings bonuses ending. Tool of the week: Enter your dates into the Tart Alert, and it sends a free text or email at exactly the right moment, allowing you to shop around for a better deal. Related: Best Balance Transfers, Mortgage Finding, Gas and Electric, Cheap Mobiles, Top Savings New vouchers! Instant 20% off Habitat & Brantano, 20% off New Look (in free mag), 25% off Whistles (mag), Superdrug 20% off online make-up. These join 30% off Gap, 20% off Karen Millen, Debenhams & £10 off Oasis online. Full details in the Deals Note: Shopping Vouchers

Holiday Inn £29 & £35 UK Christmas room sale starts this Sat. At 00.01am on Sat 26, Holiday Inn Express rooms for 17 Dec - 31 Jan go on sale for £29 (usually £40-£60) and Holiday Inn rooms £35 (usually £50-£80). See the Deals Note: Hotel Sales

Orange mobile customer? Get PAID £15 for free broadband or get £8 of Tesco Deals with every £20 top up
There are some cracking current deals around, if you've an Orange mobile. Free broadband & £15: If you've an Orange contract for over £15/month you're eligible for its free broadband, better still sign up via comparison site SimplifyDigital* before midnight 30 September and it'll send you £15 cashback. PAYG boost: A voucher in Tesco's free in-store magazine is offering an extra 200 Clubcard points per £20 Orange top-up; while worth £2 in-store they're worth £8 in Clubcard deals. Full info in the Forum Note: Orange Deals Related: Cheap Broadband, Tesco Points, Cheapest Mobiles

New grocery coupons! Inc. 2for1 Rustlers burgers, 50p off Charmin loo roll, 30p off Warburtons bread, Kenco coffee & Tabasco sauce. These & loads more easy click 'n' print coupons to cut food costs. See the Deals Note: Supermarket Coupons

Last Chance. Free BT line installation (usually £123). On Tues 30 Sept, BT's free new lines, second lines or reconnections deal's scheduled to end. Last time, it was extended, but go quick just in case. See the Deals Note: Free BT Line Installation Related: Cheap Home Phones

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The Big & Easy Ways to Save Checklist

Quick links or click the titles for full pros, cons, alternatives & more savings

0% Balance Transfers: Top pick: Virgin* 16 mths 0%, 2.98% fee (APR 18.6% for BTs) Cheap Broadband: Plusnet* £6/mth up to 10 Gb download. Cheap Gas & Elec + Cashback! Top comparison site: Energyhelpline* Top Uninsured Loans: £7.5k-15k: A&L*, Sainsburys 7.9%, Tesco* 8% (can be 7.8%) Free Budget Planner: Use the free planner or do a complete Money Makeover Top Cashback Credit Card: Top pick: Amex Plat* 5% for 3 mths. (APR 18.9%) Free New-Mortgage Guide: Order a copy now for free! Also see: Remortgage Guide Home Phone & Broadband: TalkTalk* £19.41/mth or Tiscali* £17.49 Holiday Bargains: Cheap Flights, Travel Insurance, Hotels, Packages, Travel Money Teen Cash Guide: Free 40 page PDF guide to teach your kids about money MoneySaving Books: The Money Diet, Thrifty Ways, Three Lessons

More MoneySaving MSE

O2 Sim only mobile deal: 800 mins, 600 texts & unlimited web £11.25/mth & free £10. It's possible to get £100 cashback and a free prepaid card pre-loaded with a tenner when you grab O2's year-long, SIM-only SIMplicity package (usually £20/month) via a cashback site. The cashback brings the effective cost down to £11.25/mth. See the Forum Note: £100 O2 mobile cashback Subsidised compost bins from £8 (usually c.£30) until 30 Sep. Govt-supported agency Recycle Now is working with local councils to subsidise compost bins, see the Forum Note: Feed your garden for free Being asked to pay back 2003-5 tax credits? Citizens Advice may be able to help It's launched a campaign to try and write off all the tax credit overpayments from the first two years of the scheme (2003-5), as systemic problems meant many were paid too much. It's asking the Govt. to clear the debt for complicated & hardship cases, or where claims weren't renewed on time. See the MSE News Story: 2003-5 Tax Credit write offs Related: Tax Credit Overpayment Help Last chance to claim a £2,000 Scottish Widows payout. Scottish Widows demutualised (when it was bought by Lloyds) in 2000, and existing policyholders were entitled to payout. These averaged £2,070 each, and if you didn't claim it, the clock's ticking. See the Forum Note: Scottish Widows payout

Q. Can I have more than one ISA? A. Yes, but you can't pay new money into more than one ISA of each type per tax year. There are two types of ISA, and each year you get a £7,200 allowance, of which up to £3,600 can go in a cash ISA and the remainder in shares (these allowances are increasing in the very near future). Once a new tax year begins on 6 April, you can open up a new ISA of each type with an entirely different provider, so over the years, since ISAs were set up in 1999, you could have lots. Despite the fact that you can’t add new money into two ISAs of the same type during one tax year, you are allowed to transfer to a different ISA provider midway through a year. Discuss: More than one ISA? Suggest: A question of the week (big general issues not personal q's pls)

Great 'Disguised Own Brand' Revisited Hunt
Want to know if there's any real difference between Heinz ketchup and Tesco's own brand, or a Sony DVD player and an unbranded box? Us too! So this week, we're revisiting the uber-popular Disguised Own Brand Hunt to tap MoneySavers' insider knowledge for their top non-branded goods. We particularly want to hear from you if you work in a factory producing disguised own brand goods. Add your ideas/read other people's: Great Disguised Own Brand Hunt Past Great Hunts: View all

MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Should Antony & Cleopatra get a pre-nup?
Loved-up Antony and Cleo are tying the knot soon. She's a very successful entrepreneur with large savings and a huge house, but Antony's a newly qualified teacher, earning a fraction of her salary. Cleo believes the marriage will last forever, but has friends who've got burnt. A new ruling means pre-nups now have real significance in UK law. Enter the Money Moral Maze: Should Cleo ask Antony for a pre-nup? Previous MMDs: View All

Battenberg Britain book giveaway result. 20 copies were up for grabs. Find out if you were lucky enough to blag one in the Forum Note: Battenberg Britain giveaway

Quick Forum Tips Warning! Bargains listed here tend to sell out quickly Tips, Tricks & Treats

Top deal! Blu-ray Complete Matrix Trilogy £16.99 inc P&P. Keanu find it cheaper? JK Rowling's Tales of Beedle the Bard for 50p. Usually £7. Online at Tesco.com 54-inch stunt kite £3 all in. Usually £20, limited stock. Reel one in! Tesco 9ct gold jewellery bargains, inc. £70 earrings for £22. Bling it on! Slow cookers £7 in-store at Asda. Go slow! Transformers Optimus Prime Battle Blaster £10 at Amazon. RRP £30. Nice bot! Free baby safety seminar & goodie bag. Eight venues nationwide. Just call to book Debt Free Wannabe chat of the week: Debt has made me a maths geek! Competitions thread of the week: Win a convertible VW Beetle Old Style (Thrift) Board thread of the week: Get organised, Old Style

Board of the week: Techie Stuff
The ever-popular Techie Stuff board is full of useful technical advice on how to use your bargains buys or ask for help if you're stuck. Recent discussions include How can I back up all data?, Cable to connect my stereo speakers to my TV?, Kaspersky Vs Norton

Great 'What's your favourite MSE forum thread' Hunt Result
Last week, we asks for your favourite MSE forum threads, whether useful, interesting, or just hilarious. There were some great picks including Best charity shop & boot sale bargains, The Grocery Challenge and Spider in potatoes

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Andrea's Freebies Freebies, Freebies, Freebies

Tate Interactive Games, HMV Music Downloads, Rowan Tree for Schools, Motorbike/Scooter Safety Skills Day (London), Oxy Face Wash

Odds and Ends MSE

Martin's Appearances...Weds 23 - Tues 29 Sept
These are scheduled appearances, though other ad hocs may happen. See the appearances list for updates.

• Thurs, GMTV, ITV1, some time between 8:30 & 9:30am. Deals of the Week
• Next week Tues, Wed, Thur GMTV with Lorraine, ITV1. 100 days to Christmas special

This week's Martin's Blog: Banks may play nasty, but it doesn't mean their staff are
"ITV Tonight, Should I fix ...what will the outcome be?" and "A New Campaign: Stop Credit Ratings Being Anti-Shopping Around". Read m'blogs (or RSS users access)

Where do MoneySavers bank? This week's poll. Vote and Top bank discussion.

The economy's L-shaped. 5,946 voted last week. Asked what shape you think the economy's in, 47% voted L, with a flat(ish) period following the recent sharp drop, and 35% went with the less optimistic W, predicting another drop. Just 8% expect to see a sharp rise (V-shaped), and 10% hadn't a clue. See the Shape of the economy poll results.

Archna's Free Game of the Week! Send Abuba home. Abuba the Alien

My lunch is a work of art! That’s it for this week, but before we go, if you're out of packed lunch ideas, check out these ridiculous Japanese bento lunchboxes, which turn it into an art form. Little boxes of fun!

We hope you save some money

Martin & the MSE team

Explanation of * Links

FSA NOTE: Referring people to insurers or insurance intermediaries can in some circumstances require FSA authorisation. For this reason, Martin Lewis of Shepherd's Studios, Rockley Road, Shepherd's Bush, London W14 0EH is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

How this site is financed. Any links with a * by them are affiliated. That means go via this link and a contribution may be made to MoneySavingExpert.com, which helps it stay ad-free and free to use. You shouldn't notice any difference, the links don't impact the product at all and the editorial line (the things I write) is NEVER impacted by it. If it isn't possible to get an affiliate link for the best product, it's still included in exactly the same way. As I believe transparency is important, I'm including the following 'un-affiliated' web-addresses for the same things: citibank.co.uk, alliance-leicester.co.uk, directline.com, moneysupermarket.com, gocompare.com, comparethemarket.com, confused.com, uk.virginmoney.com, energyhelpline.com,firstdirect.com, halifax.co.uk,talktalk.co.uk, tiscali.co.uk . Read more about this in how this site is financed.

MoneySavingExpert.com is the free to use Consumer Revenge website focused on how to save you cash. It's owned, and run by ultra-focused journalist and bestselling author Martin Lewis. On TV amongst other things Martin is GMTV's Money SavingExpert and presents money programmes for ITV1 Tonight. On Radio Martin has regular slots on Radio 2 Vine and Radio 1 Whiley. He's also a columnist for the News of The World, Moneywise and the Sunday Post. Find out more: About the site and its funding.

Disclaimer: This e-mail is based on journalistic research. It does not constitute financial advice. Any information should be considered in regard to your own specific circumstances. All tips are followed at your own risk and should be followed up with your own research Full Terms & Conditions.

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