A disparity in banking services for disabled individuals has been highlighted, with reports of customers having to wait on the floor at branches. Which?, a consumer group, conducted an investigation revealing varying levels of inclusivity offered by different banks. Despite there being an estimated 16.8 million disabled people in the UK, the quality of service provided by major banks differs significantly.
Which? surveyed over 2,200 individuals with impairments affecting their daily lives to rate their current account providers on various criteria. Meanwhile, families are facing challenges in selling inherited retirement properties, as seen in the case of a man who had to reduce the asking price of his late mother’s flat by £55,000 but still struggles to find a buyer. The property, located in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, was purchased for £225,000 in 2015 by Joan Taylor, who passed away in June 2024 at the age of 96.
Danone has issued recalls of infant formula due to potential toxin contamination, affecting specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate products that may contain cereulide. Additionally, the TV licence fee is set to increase to £180 from April, up by £5.50 from the current rate. The rise was confirmed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, emphasizing the necessity of a TV licence for watching live TV or BBC iPlayer content.
Mortgage rates have slightly increased despite the Bank of England’s decision to maintain rates. The average two-year fixed residential mortgage rate has risen to 4.86%, and Barclays, following HSBC and Nationwide, has raised its rates for fixed residential purchases and remortgages. VISPA, a UK broadband provider, has ceased operations, leaving customers to seek alternative internet services due to financial difficulties.
Lidl has announced a £29 million pay increase for its 35,000 workers, marking its seventh wage rise since 2023. The supermarket chain will raise entry-level pay to £13.45 an hour nationally from March 1. Greene King is offering free pints of Guinness during the Six Nations rugby season, and customers can claim the deal by booking a table for any game through the Greene King website. Lastly, Halifax reported the average house prices in January and the annual change in prices.