News - 2012

NHS logo more
18 Dec 12

Poverty will no longer be considered in allocation of NHS funds

The NHS commissioning board have said that beginning next year they will terminate the current system of funding, which distributes money based on a formula involving age, income and regional price differences. It will be replaced by a flat increase of 2.3% next year.

Andrew Tyrie more
17 Dec 12

Commission on Banking Standards to call for breakup of banks

The Parliamentary Banking Commission looks likely to call for a radical overhaul of Britains financial system when it reports this Friday. The Commission, chaired by Conservative MP Andrew Tyrie, are expected to demand tougher regulation, including legislation that would authorise regulators to...

Photo from El Valdez at sxc.hu more
17 Dec 12

Lords debate Credit Unions

Lord Kennedy of Southwark last week opened a debate in the Lords on the benefits of Credit Unions (CUs) and the challenges they face as their presence in the marketplace expands. The work of CUs was widely praised in the house, though it was acknowledged that improvements in both their management...

credit cards more
17 Dec 12

Working households’ experience of debt – a StepChange Debt Charity report

StepChange Debt Charity has released a report detailing how declining household incomes and stagnant income from wages are causing many working households to struggle with both credit commitments and with payments for essentials like rent, fuel and council tax.

fuel poverty on the rise more
17 Dec 12

Fuel poverty on the rise

The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group (FPAG) has warned that up to 300,000 households could fall into fuel poverty this winter, and the nations total number of fuel poor homes is expected to reach nine million by 2016.

Ofgem Logo more
17 Dec 12

Ofgem announces major upgrade to infrastructure

In a press release this morning, Ofgem revealed details of a 24.2bn programme to improve gas and electricity networks across Britain.

Money more
12 Dec 12

Universal Credit Impact Assessment published by Department for Work and Pensions

The DWP this week published a report assessing the impact of universal credit on claimants, in comparison to the current system.

Christians against poverty logo more
12 Dec 12

Debt Counselling key to financial health, research finds

A piece of research released yesterday by debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty found that a programme of support is crucial in helping people to remain out of debt following financial troubles.

Bank of England more
10 Dec 12

UK and US financial regulators issue joint plan for failing banks

The Bank of England and Americas Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have today issue a joint action plan for an international approach when banks fail.

profit more
07 Dec 12

Which? reveals persistence of hard sell culture in banks

A new report by consumer watchdog Which? reveals that despite promises from banks to focus on customer service rather than selling products, staff are still feeling under pressure to meet sales targets and consumers are still feeling under pressure to buy.

George Osborne more
06 Dec 12

Benefits squeezed in Autumn statement

The Chancellors Autumn statement reveals a less optimistic outlook for growth than that displayed in the March 2012 budget. The period of austerity will last longer than previously thought, meaning further squeezes for people who claim benefits.

final notice more
03 Dec 12

Energy bill spells price hikes for consumers

The Government has released the details of its new Energy Bill, which will see a rise in prices for households and consumers. Energy suppliers and some of the most energy intensive industries on the other hand will not be expected to pay the costs of switching to renewable energy.