Weekly news roundup – 3rd December 2010

2 min Read Published: 03 Dec 2010

 We’ve trawled the news for you and highlighted the headlines that could affect your finances, so you don't have to. Click on a headline to be taken to the full story.

Mortgage approvals still falling

The number of new mortgages being approved for house buyers has fallen for the sixth month in a row, Bank of England figures show.

House prices will fall 2.7pc in the next year, says Office for Budget Responsibility

House prices will fall 2.7pc in the coming year, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast, in stark contrast to its 2.3pc prediction of growth just five months ago.

 

Chancellor George Osborne unveils tax reforms

The latest forecasts from the independent fiscal watchdog prove the Government's austerity plan is working, said Chancellor George Osborne, as he unveiled a package of tax reforms.

Snow takes its toll on business

Many businesses are being affected by poor weather conditions as staff struggle to travel through snow, but working from home may be the answer for some.

Savers, act now or miss out on higher interest rates

Banks and building societies jostling to give best deal to customers taking money out of NSI's account after a year.

Telegraph plans to charge for online content

Newspaper group is drawing up plans to charge for internet content next year, joining the likes of News International and the Financial Times that already charge for content

Icy temperature triggers benefits

Cold weather payments are triggered as temperatures plummet across the UK, but there are concerns that some may miss out.

Top-to-bottom public sector pay link proposed

Top pay in the public sector should not normally be more than 20 times that of the lowest paid worker in any public body, the government is advised.

Rents reach three-year high

Rents are rising at their fastest rate for three years.

House price declines easing off

House prices continued to fall during November, but at a much slower rate than during the property slump in 2008, according to figures released by Nationwide building society today.

EDF online saver dual fuel deal is cheapest, survey says

Consumers could save up to £404.94 on energy bills by switching from their current supplier.

Bubble fears grow as investors pile into emerging markets

With the sovereign debt crisis taking hold in Europe investors have piled into a emerging markets, adding clout to fears a bubble will develop in the region.

Big freeze causes jump in power prices

Cold temperatures and supply problems from Europe combine to push the price of electricity for day-ahead delivery up almost 30 per cent overnight

FTSE stages biggest rally in three months on eurozone hopes

The FTSE staged its biggest one-day rally in three months on hopes the ECB could step up its purchase of eurozone government bonds.

OFT warns on 'misleading' offers

The Office of Fair Trading warns retailers about tricking customers with misleading price offers and vows tougher action.

Bank of England 'hard-nosed' about tackling inflation

The Bank of England is 'as hard-nosed as ever' about keeping inflation under control despite overshooting the 2pc target.

Hold on tight for the next credit crunch

The West stands on the verge of a new banking crisis.

Hurry, your Tesco Clubcard points will be worth less after this Sunday