'Gloom lifting' for family budgets

The pressure on household finances has eased to its weakest levels in three years, in a sign that the "gloom is lifting", a report has found.

Co-op AGM faces up to bank worries

Concerns about the financial health of the Co-operative's banking arm are likely to loom large when the food-to-funerals group faces members at its AGM.

'Bedroom tax' prompts payment surge

The number of people claiming extra handouts from councils to meet housing costs has soared following the introduction of the so-called "bedroom tax", figures have revealed.

New shared equity scheme announced

A new £120 million shared equity scheme designed to help home buyers shows that the Scottish Government steps in to help people in tough times, according to Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Jockey Club bond hits £15m target

The Jockey Club's new retail bond romped to its £15 million target as savers flocked to invest in horse racing.

Ofcom clampdown on nuisance calls

A fresh clampdown on claims management firms has been launched by Ofcom after it found evidence of people being plagued with "annoying" and "distressing" nuisance phone calls.

Morrisons to use Ocado deliveries

Supermarket Morrisons is to start its online groceries business by the end of this year after unveiling a tie-up with delivery firm Ocado.

Petrol and diesel prices down: AA

Average petrol and diesel prices have fallen but the situation remains fragile, according to the AA.

Tenants squeezed by rising rents

Tenants are facing further pressure on their finances as rents have increased in every region across England and Wales for the first time in 18 months, a lettings network has reported.

Lottery sales soar to record £6.9bn

National Lottery sales hit an all-time high of £6.9 billion over the last year with a record return to good causes, operator Camelot has announced.

House price figures 'bode well'

Further signs of growing housing market confidence have been reported as a property search website revealed the lowest level of asking price reductions in at least three years.

RBS set to axe another 1,400 jobs

Royal Bank of Scotland has announced it is cutting 1,400 jobs in the latest round of redundancies since it was bailed out by the taxpayer.

Flood insurance deal to last longer

People who live in high flood-risk areas will be insured against flooding for an extra month under the current deal between the Government and the insurance industry, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has said.