Disabled individuals are facing unequal treatment by banks, with a customer sharing their experience of having to sit on the floor while waiting in a branch. A study conducted by consumer group Which? revealed varying encounters for disabled bank clients, highlighting that some banks offer limited inclusivity measures.
In the UK, there are approximately 16.8 million disabled people, constituting a quarter of the population. Despite this, Which? noted significant discrepancies in the services provided by major banks in the country. The investigation involved over 2,200 individuals with disabilities affecting their daily lives, who rated their current account providers on various criteria.
Meanwhile, families are struggling to sell vacant retirement properties inherited from elderly relatives. One family slashed the asking price of a late mother’s retirement flat by £55,000 but has been unsuccessful in selling it, incurring substantial annual fees while the property remains empty.
For instance, Joan Taylor purchased a flat in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, in 2015 for £225,000, leaving it to her family upon her passing at 96 in June 2024. Despite lowering the asking price to £170,000, her son Gordon Taylor faces challenges in selling the property due to restrictions on buyers.
Danone has issued recalls of infant and follow-on formula due to potential toxin presence, affecting specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate formulas. This action follows a previous recall in Ireland after concerns arose about the products containing cereulide, which can lead to food poisoning.
In another development, the TV licence fee is set to rise from £174.50 to £180 in April, representing a £5.50 increase from the current rate. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed the news, emphasizing the requirement of a TV licence for recording live TV programs on any channel and for watching BBC iPlayer content.
Moreover, the average cost of new mortgages has slightly increased despite the Bank of England’s stagnant rates. Industry experts noted a rise in two-year fixed residential mortgage rates to 4.86% from 4.85% and a rise in five-year fixed rates from 4.95% to 4.96%. Financial institutions such as Barclays have adjusted their mortgage rates upward, despite the Bank of England maintaining its base rate.
VISPA, a UK broadband provider, has ceased operations, leaving customers to seek alternative internet services. The Manchester-based company faced financial challenges, including overdue accounts and negative reviews, prompting its decision to commence liquidation proceedings.
On the employment front, around 35,000 Lidl supermarket workers are set to benefit from a £29 million pay rise, marking the seventh pay increase since 2023. The entry-level pay nationally will rise to £13.45 per hour, with longer-serving staff potentially earning up to £14.45. In London, pay rates will increase from £14.35 to £14.80 per hour.
Furthermore, Greene King is offering free pints of Guinness during the Six Nations rugby tournament kick-off weekend. Interested individuals can claim a complimentary pint by booking a table for any Six Nations game on February 7 through the Greene King website. The initiative is part of the Fans Reunited campaign, endorsed by Rugby World Cup winners Martin Johnson and Jason Robinson.
Lastly, Halifax reported the average house prices in January and the annual change, providing insights into the housing market trends.