Disabled individuals are facing unequal treatment from banks, with reports of a customer having to sit on the floor at a branch while waiting in line. A study conducted by consumer organization Which? revealed varying experiences for disabled bank clients, with some banks offering minimal inclusivity efforts. In the UK, an estimated 16.8 million people have disabilities, representing a quarter of the population. However, Which? points out significant discrepancies in the services provided by major banks in the country.
The consumer group surveyed over 2,200 individuals with impairments affecting their daily lives to rate their current account providers on various criteria. Families are sharing their challenges in selling vacant retirement properties inherited from elderly relatives. Despite lowering the price by £55,000, one man struggles to sell his late mother’s retirement flat, incurring substantial annual fees while the property remains unsold.
In a separate incident, Danone issued additional recalls of infant and follow-on formula due to potential toxin contamination. The affected batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate formula may contain cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning. This action follows a previous recall in Ireland after the products were distributed through online sales.
The TV licence fee will increase from £174.50 to £180 starting in April, a £5.50 rise from the current rate. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed the adjustment, emphasizing the necessity of a TV licence to record live TV programs on any channel or to watch BBC iPlayer content.
Despite the Bank of England freezing rates, the average cost of new mortgages has slightly risen. Moneyfacts experts note an increase in the average two-year fixed residential mortgage rate from 4.85% to 4.86% and the five-year fixed rate from 4.95% to 4.96%. Barclays, following HSBC and Nationwide, has raised its mortgage rates by up to 0.15% for fixed residential purchases and remortgages.
VISPA, a UK broadband provider based in Manchester, has ceased operations, leaving customers to seek alternative internet services. Reports indicate the company faced financial difficulties, legal address issues, and negative reviews on Trustpilot. Customers received emails confirming the cessation of VISPA’s trading activities.
Lidl, a discount supermarket chain, announced a £29 million pay rise for around 35,000 employees, marking its seventh wage increase since 2023. The entry-level pay will rise to £13.45 an hour nationally, with longer-serving staff potentially earning up to £14.45. Pay rates in London will also increase, making Lidl claim the title of the highest paying UK supermarket.
Greene King is offering complimentary pints of Guinness during the Six Nations rugby kickoff weekend. To redeem the offer, patrons must book a table for any Six Nations game on February 7 through the Greene King website and present the booking confirmation at the bar. This promotion is part of the Fans Reunited campaign, endorsed by Rugby World Cup champions Martin Johnson and Jason Robinson.
Halifax reports the average house prices in January and their annual changes.