Weekly news roundup – 19th November 2010

1 min Read Published: 20 Nov 2010
healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The weekly roundup of the headlines most affecting your personal finances. Click on a headline to read the full story.

Your money and Irish banks

Should you be worried if you have savings tied up in an Irish bank, or one of its UK divisions?

Mortgage lending 'still subdued'

UK mortgage lending continues to stagnate, the Council of Mortgage Lenders says as it releases figures for October.

OECD slashes UK growth forecast for 2011

Austerity measures pose "headwinds" British growth, the OECD warned, as it slashed its forecast for the UK in 2011, but called the Coalition's fiscal tightening 'substantial but necessary'.

Government reveals top spending

The details behind Whitehall spending over £25,000 made since the election are published by the government.

Ministers meet to finalise EU rescue

Government officials will meet on Saturday to complete the plan, which will involve at least €15bn ($20bn) of spending cuts and tax increases.

Scottish Power increases prices

Scottish Power announces that its standard domestic gas and electricity prices will rise from next week.

Surprise fall in UK unemployment

The number of people claiming the UK’s main out of work benefit fell unexpectedly in October as record levels of part-time working continues to boost the job market

Little help for Tesco Clubcard members

Clubcard vouchers' exchange rate will fall from four to three times their face value as Tesco brings in double points scheme.

UK inflation rate rises to 3.2%

The UK inflation rate rose unexpectedly to 3.2% in October, prompting another letter from the Bank of England governor.

Women twice as likely to work beyond pension age

Twice as many women as men say they will have to work into retirement,

Gartmore crisis could cost the group £5 billion

News of Roger Guy’s exit from Gartmore has dropped another bombshell on the already troubled funds group and anxious advisers invested in his funds are considering alternatives.

Which savings accounts beat inflation?

Savers will have to lock their money away for at least three years to find a rate of return that beats inflation.

Third of workers over 50 have no pension pot

A third of workers approaching retirement do not have any pensions savings, a survey has found.

Mortgage 'mistakes' written off

Yorkshire and Clydesdale bank customers succeed in challenging demands to pay mortgage arrears.

UK economy may need more stimulus, says Bank of England's Martin Weale