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This news section features the latest consumer and business finance issues. You will also find FLA News Releases and Media Contacts.

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform: Consumer law to be simplified

The Government is planning fundamental changes to UK consumer law, to benefit consumers, reduce burdens for business and help enforcers.

FSA calls for all insurance comparison websites to provide consumers with clear, fair and not misleading information

A Financial Services Authority (FSA) assessment of the insurance comparison website market has found evidence of both good and bad practice, but the regulator is looking for all websites to ensure that users are treated fairly.

Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee hold Bank Rate at 5%

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee today (8 May) voted to maintain the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves at 5.0%.

Insolvency Service – First quarter 2008 statistics

Today (2 May) the Insolvency Service issued first quarter 2008 statistics for company liquidations and personal insolvencies. The data show that the number of companies in liquidation was up 4.0% in the first quarter of 2008, when compared with the same quarter one year ago, while the number of personal insolvencies fell 13.2% over the same period.

Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) is 6.0% for May 2008

The FHBR will be 6.0% for May 2008, which represents no change on April 2008. There has been little movement in the cost of three-month money since the Bank of England announced plans to inject £50 billion into the banking system to ease liquidity problems at the beginning of this week. Current trends in three-month money costs suggest FHBR will remain at 6.0% in June.

Bank of England - Special liquidity scheme

The Bank of England is today (21 April) launching a scheme to allow banks to swap temporarily their high quality mortgage-backed and other securities for UK Treasury Bills.

New rules target rogue lenders and debt collectors

Tough new protections come into force today (7 April) to protect people from rogue lenders and debt collectors.

Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) is 6.0% for April 2008

The FHBR will be 6.0% for April 2008, which represents no change on March 2008. However, the cost of three-month money in the interbank market has increased significantly over the past month and if this trend continues then the FHBR is likely to rise in May.

FSA reports firms are adopting good practice to tackle money laundering

The FSA has today (14 March) published a report into firms' management of money laundering risk. It concludes that:

FLA Budget 2008 round-up

FLA has examined the Budget to draw out issues which are relevant to members. The Budget was handed down on 12 March 2008

SAF - Dealer competence test reaches new milestone

The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) is delighted to report that John Coombes of Howards Peugeot, a Taunton-based dealership, has become the 3000th individual to gain the Certificate of Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) Competence.

Developing financially capable young people

Teaching young people to better manage their money can help prepare them for the world of bank accounts, credit cards, insurance and mortgages, according to the latest report by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

Crosby report published

Sir James Crosby's independent review, 'Challenges and opportunities in identity assurance', is published today (6 March).

A financial fringe benefit for MPs’ constituents

The Financial Fringe has produced this guide, aimed at MPs, Councillors and members of the devolved Parliaments and Assemblies, to be used as an information tool in public surgeries. It provides guidance on the wide range of financial products and issues experienced by consumers in their everyday lives.

Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 which were laid in Parliament today (3 March). These Regulations will implement the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive.

Otto Thoresen sets out recommendations for a national money guidance service

Otto Thoresen has today (3 March) published the final report of the Thoresen Review of Generic Financial Advice. The report sets out a high-level blueprint for a national money guidance service to provide the people of the UK with the knowledge, understanding and confidence to make better decisions about money issues.

Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) is 6.0% for March 2008

The FHBR for March 2008 will be 6.0%, down from 6.5% in February. The cost of three-month money in the interbank market has remained relatively stable over the last month and at the end of February was at similar level to that reported at the end of May 2007.

Judge rules against FOS over “unfair” case fees

A County Court judge has ruled the Financial Ombudsman Service is wrong to charge an adviser a case fee when the case is rejected by the FOS.

FLA Treating Customers Fairly conference

Sarah Wilson, Director of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) at the FSA, this morning (12 February) gave a speech at a well-attended FLA conference stressing the importance of firms implementing a TCF culture.

OFT publishes credit card comparisons report

The OFT has published its report into credit card comparisons, which makes a series of recommendations to help consumers choose a credit card.

Financial Services Authority publishes its 2008/9 business plan

Today (6 February) the FSA has published its 2008/9 annual business plan. The plan sets out the FSA's programme of work for the year ahead to address the risks highlighted by the Financial Risk Outlook which was sent to members last week.

New standards for IVA providers come into force

A new set of standards to help people resolve their debt difficulties through Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) come into force today (1st February), following an agreement between IVA providers and the credit industry.

European Commission launches Consumer investigations

Meglena Kuneva, the European Commissioner for Consumer Protection, has today launched a new "Consumer Market Watch" process to investigate how markets in various sectors of the economy perform from a consumer perspective.

Chancellor publishes financial stability consultation

As has been widely trailed, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has today (30 January) launched a consultation on proposals to strengthen the current framework for financial stability and depositors. The consultation paper is a joint publication by HM Treasury, the Financial Services Authority and the Bank of England.

FSA Financial Risk Outlook 2008

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today (29 January) published its Financial Risk Outlook (FRO) warning firms and consumers of the "risks inherent in a significantly less benign economic environment". It identifies the following five priority risks for the economy:

Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) is 6.5% for February 2008

The FHBR will remain at 6.5% in February 2008. The cost of three-month money in the interbank market has fallen by just over 40 basis points since the end of December. Based on the current level and trend in three-month money costs, it is likely that the FHBR will fall to the pre-credit crunch level of 6.0% for March 2008.

New tax relief for entrepreneurs

A new capital gains tax relief for entrepreneurs, reflecting the Government's continued commitment to supporting small business and enterprise was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer today (24 January).

MoJ Consultation on Administration and Enforcement Restriction Orders

The Ministry of Justice has today (16 January) published a consultation paper proposing to give people who need extra time to pay off their debts the option to go to court for a new Enforcement Restriction Order.

Consumer Credit Directive - agreement reached

The European Parliament has today (16 January) adopted an amended text of the Consumer Credit Directive, which applies to credit agreements between €200 and €75,000.

OFT publishes revised consumer credit guidance

The OFT has published revised guidance on fitness and requirements for Consumer Credit licence holders and applicants, as well as a statement of policy on civil penalties for failure to comply with requirements.

Justice Committee releases first report into Protection of Private Data

MPs have expressed serious concerns that there are more cases involving the loss of personal data by the government which have yet to come to light.

Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) is 6.5% for January 2008

The FHBR will remain at 6.5% in January 2008. Central Banks intervened to improve liquidity in the financial markets in mid-December and since then the upward pressure on the three-month interbank rate has eased.

A message from the Financial Ombudsman Service

The Financial Ombudsman Service has written to stakeholders to explain the differences in figures between the October presentation and the January plan.

Treasury launches consultation on the implementation of the Payment Services Directive

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Kitty Ussher said that opening up the EU payments market to greater competition as a result of the Payment Services Directive would improve consumer choice, and make cross-border payments cheaper, easier and more efficient while also providing effective consumer protection.

Generic Financial Advice update

Around 5000 people have taken advantage of a free, impartial and independent generic financial advice service as part of a 12-week trial testing out the concepts of delivering information and guidance on money matters, from jargon busting to saving for retirement.

Rolling stock market investigation - emerging thinking

The Competition Commission (CC) has today (19 December) published the latest document as part of its investigation into the market for the leasing of rolling stock for franchised passenger services and related maintenance services in Great Britain.

JMLSG welcomes HM Treasury approval of new industry guidance

The Joint Money Laundering Steering Group welcomes the Treasury's approval of the revised JMLSG guidance for the financial services industry.

SAF - Dealer competence test goes from strength to strength

FLA is delighted to report that Glenn Trew of Blue Motor Finance has become the 2,000th individual to gain the Certificate of Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) Competence.

New White Paper on the Integration of EU Mortgage Markets

The European Commission has published a White Paper on the Integration of EU Mortgage Markets.

Financial services: Commission encourages better financial education for EU citizens

The European Commission has adopted a Communication on Financial Education. The Commission stresses the importance of increasing the ability of Europe's citizens to understand and engage with financial products and services.

FSA cuts back on detailed insurance selling rules but tightens up where customers are not being treated fairly

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today (18 December) published its new Insurance Conduct of Business sourcebook (ICOBS) which sets out the standards and requirements for general insurance firms on how they deal with their customers.

Business Tax Reform: draft legislation on capital allowances published

The Government is today (17 December) publishing two technical notes containing draft legislation on the key new elements of the capital allowances system, announced as part of the package of reforms to the business tax system in Budget 2007.

Consultation launched into the use and sharing of personal information

A consultation into how personal information is used and shared in the public and private sectors has been launched today (12 December) by Richard Thomas and Dr Mark Walport. FLA will be responding to the consultation.

Tackling over-indebtedness in Britain

People struggling with debt are being helped by a range of government initiatives. The fourth cross-government Over-Indebtedness Annual Report examines action that is being taken to tackle the problem. FLA assisted with the drafting of this report, and has a place on the Over-Indebtedness Task Force.

Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) is 6.5% for December 2007

The FHBR will remain at 6.5% in December 2007. The cost of three-month money in the interbank markets remained stable throughout October and the first part of November but has started to rise again as uncertainty continues to surround the extent of losses stemming from the US sub-prime crisis.

OFT publishes statement of consumer protection enforcement principles

The OFT is reviewing its enforcement methods and has drawn up an overall statement of our enforcement principles, linking to other existing guidance on more specific compliance issues.

BERR Consumer Credit Act 2006 Stakeholder notice

The Stakeholder Notice provides an update on arrangements to implement the Consumer Credit Act 2006. It relates specifically to the third Commencement Order and the proposed Legislative Reform Order (LRO) to exempt buy-to-let lending from consumer credit regulation.

Commission proposes to modernise VAT rules for financial services and insurances

The European Commission has today (28 November) adopted a proposal for a Directive aiming at modernising and simplifying the complex VAT rules for financial and insurance services and securing a level playing field in the pan-EU market for these services as far as VAT is concerned.

SOCA publishes the first Annual Report on the Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) regime

The first Annual Report on the Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) regime, published today (28 November), highlights substantial progress since Sir Stephen Lander's review of the regime of March 2006.

JMLSG Board approves Money Laundering Guidance

The JMLSG Board has today (13 November) approved revisions to its Guidance to reflect changes in the UK AML regime to be introduced by the Money Laundering Regulations 2007.

House of Lords report on UK Regulators

The House of Lords Select Committee on Regulators today (13 November) published its report into the state of UK Regulation.

Reminder of FSA keyfacts logo transition period ending

Last year, following consultation, the FSA amended the rules around the use of the FSA 'keyfacts' logo to reflect the fact it had been registered as a trademark (adding the ® symbol).

2007 State Opening of Parliament: Queen's Speech

Twenty-two Bills and seven draft Bills were included in this morning's (6 November) Queen's Speech.

Competition Commission publishes emerging thinking on PPI

This morning, 6 November, the Competition Commission has published their emerging thinking on PPI, along with nine working papers and the results of a qualitative survey of PPI customers which was conducted in July 2007.

FSA publishes 'Treating Customers Fairly: Measuring Outcomes' guidance

Today (6th November) the FSA have published a document setting out the intended outcomes from their Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) project and measuring progress by regulated companies in achieving them.

OFT publishes anti-money laundering guidance

The OFT have published guidance for those businesses that they will supervise (estate agents and some consumer credit lenders) for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes.

Card companies lose s.75 appeal

Credit card firms have been told by the House of Lords today (31 October) that they must give refunds to people who buy goods or services abroad which are undelivered or damaged.

European Parliament publishes draft report on Consumer Credit Directive

Kurt Lechner MEP, the rapporteur (draftsman), has published his draft report on the Consumer Credit Directive.

FSA becomes UK payment services regulator

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Kitty Ussher, today (29 October) announced that the FSA will take on responsibility for regulating payment services such as direct debits, card payments, and remittances. This stems from the Payments Services Directive.

Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) will be 6.5 per cent in November.

After hitting a nine-year high of 7 per cent in October, FHBR will fall back to 6.5 per cent in November as the high weekly rates associated with the summer's market turbulence fall out of the eight-week moving average on which FHBR is based.

Thoresen Review team publishes Interim Report into Generic Financial Advice

Today (22 October) the Thoresen Review team have published their Interim Findings of their review into generic financial advice. FLA has responded both to Otto Thoresen and publicly, with concerns over the targeting of advice and the funding proposals

Attorney General sets out a new vision for fighting fraud

Today (9 October), the Government gave the green light to a groundbreaking initiative to protect business, taxpayers and the public from fraud. FLA and its members have put a lot of effort into stamping out fraud and will continue to work with the new initiatives announced by the Attorney General today.

Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review

Today (9 October) the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the combined pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review. FLA have drawn out points of interest to members, and have included these in a summary document.

FHBR - October 2007

The Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) for October 2007 is 7.0%, the FLA announced today (28 September). This is an increase on September's FHBR of 6.5%.

FSA releases Thematic update on the sale of payment protection insurance

The FSA has released the report of its Third Thematic Review into the Sale of Payment Protection Insurance today (26 September). FLA has responded to the concerns commenting that improvements have been made, and that industry is working hard to improve information given to consumers.

Competition Commission makes Home Credit Order

The Competition Commission has today (13 September) made an Order following written representations on the draft Order posted on 29 June 2007.

Thoresen Review announces consumer pilots of Generic Financial Advice

The Thoresen Review, an independent review set up by HM Treasury to look at how Generic Financial Advice (GFA) can be provided, today (10 September) announced that Consumer Direct, in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau, Cumbria County Council and Agilisys, and A4e will operate GFA consumer pilots in the North West, London, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire.

Industry Guidance key role in Principles-Based Regulation

The Financial Services Authority's (FSA) new framework for recognising Industry Guidance comes into effect today (4 September). FLA is actively engaged in this work with FSA to make sure that any guidance in FSA regulated areas is fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

FHBR - September 2007

The Finance House Base Rate (FHBR) for September 2007 is 6.5%, an increase on August's 6.0%.

Competition Commission releases issues statement on rolling stock leasing market

The Competition Commission (CC) has today (17 August) published an issues statement as part of its investigation into the market for the leasing of rolling stock for franchised passenger services and related maintenance services in Great Britain.

Conservatives publish competitiveness proposals

The Conservative Party Economic Competitiveness Policy Group has today launched its report entitled 'Freeing Britain to compete.'

Sentencing Advisory Panel launches consultations on fraud offences

Greater consistency is required in sentencing for fraud offences. That is the clear message set out in a consultation paper issued today (16 August) by the Sentencing Advisory Panel.

Inflation falls in July

CPI inflation was 1.9 per cent in July, down from 2.4 per cent in June.

Government must act now to maintain confidence in the internet

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee have today (10 August) highlighted the threat to the future of the Internet posed by e-crime, and have argued that the Government must do more to protect individual Internet users.

Tackling Money Laundering Suspicious Activity Reports

The Home Office has released a consultation paper looking at how Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are reported.

Financial problems? 3 million young adults would consider bankruptcy

While a generation ago bankruptcy was the preserve of the failing business, many of today's young adults see declaring bankruptcy or opting for Independent Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) as an acceptable solution to their financial difficulties.

Unclaimed assets within the financial system

The Treasury Committee's eleventh report on unclaimed assets within the financial system has been published today (7 August).

Local government finance: supplementary business rate

The communities and local government committee has today (7 August) published its seventh report of the Session on local government finance: supplementary business rates.

Company liquidations and personal insolvencies in Q2 2007

The Insolvency Service today issued second quarter statistics for company liquidations and personal insolvencies. Highlights from the release include:

Amendment to Capital Allowances (Energy-saving Plant and Machinery) (Amendment) Order 2007

The Government has today (1 August) published Statutory Instrument 2165/2007 concerning an Amendment to Capital Allowances (Energy-saving Plant and Machinery) (Amendment) Order 2007.

FSA grants waiver to firms on complaints handling

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today (27 July) issued a 'waiver' from its complaints handling rules that apply to unauthorised overdraft charges complaints.

OFT launches test case on unauthorised overdraft charges

The OFT will today (27 July) commence proceedings in the High Court for a declaration on the application of the law in respect of unauthorised overdraft charges.

FSA issues latest publications to support delivery of TCF initiative: Culture and Management Information

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today (26 July) issued its latest publications to support the delivery of the Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) initiative, which continues to be a key priority for the FSA's work in the retail market.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury launches consultation on business tax reform

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jane Kennedy MP, today (26 July)launched a consultation on changes to capital allowances - part of the package of reforms to business tax announced in Budget 2007.

Next steps in tackling regulation reform

John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform today (25 July) announced the next steps in tackling regulation reform and creating a dynamic business environment.

HMT publishes Money Laundering Regulations

HM Treasury has today (25 July) published the Money Laundering Regulations which implement the Third Money Laundering Directive.

Management of large business Corporation Tax

HMRC has made progress in changing the way it deals with Corporation Tax for the largest businesses in the UK, the NAO says today (25 July), but there are ways in which it can improve, particularly in focusing on higher amounts of tax at risk.

OFT publishes its Annual Report

The OFT today (23 July) published its Annual Report.

Manufacturing lifts economy

GDP rose by 0.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2007, compared with a rise of 0.7 per cent in the previous quarter.

Expanding foundation trust sector delivering real benefits to patients, says Monitor

Transparent and robust regulation is helping the rapidly-expanding foundation trust sector deliver significant benefits to patients, Dr William Moyes, Executive Chairman of Monitor, the independent regulator of NHS foundation trusts said today (19 July).

Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group publishes consumer guide

Auto Trader, eBay Motors, Exchange & Mart, FLA, Motors.co.uk, and the Metropolitan Police have joined together to form the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group, VSTAG, to combat vehicle-related fraud.

Inflation falls in June

The consumer price index rose by 2.4 per cent in June down from 2.5 in May.

Firms agree to change the way they sell PPI over the internet

Major finance firms have agreed to change the way they sell payment protection insurance (PPI) over the internet, following action by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

Government announces legislative programme

The Government today announced its draft legislative programme for the next parliamentary session.

Conservatives publish proposals on debt

The Conservative Social Justice Policy Group has published its report into the social breakdown of Britain, one volume of which concerns 'Serious Personal Debt'.

FSA publishes 'payment protection insurance and unsecured personal loan comparative tables'

The FSA has today (9 July) published payment protection insurance and unsecured personal loan comparative tables.

Bank of England raises base rate to 5.75 per cent

Today (5 July) the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee raised the base rate 25 basis points from 5.5 per cent to 5.75 per cent

House price growth continues

The latest research from Halifax show that house prices continue to increase but the rate of growth is slowing.

FSA finds poor practice by intermediaries and lenders within sub-prime market

The FSA has published its latest review of the behaviour of intermediaries and lenders within the sub-prime mortgage market, and as a result of claimed poor practice has started enforcement action against five firms.

The FDA becomes the ABFA

The UK trade association for invoice finance has changed its name. The FDA became the ABFA (Asset Based Finance Association) on 2 July.

Consultation on changes to Regulation of Number Plate Supply

The DVLA has today (3 July) released a consultation on changes to the regulation of number plate supply.

FSA visit motor dealerships on sale of PPI

The FSA has visited 150 firms in June (including 40/50 motor dealerships) to assess the quality of PPI sales and to ascertain whether accurate sales records have been kept.

Industry invites comments on changes to anti-money laundering guidance

The Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) is inviting comments on proposed amendments to its risk-based guidance which has been updated to reflect new Money Laundering Regulations.

FSA sets out a principles-based future for general insurance regulation

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today (29 June) published a consultation paper proposing to radically reform the rules firms need to follow in carrying out general insurance business with their customers.

Home Credit Market Investigation: Notice of intention to make an Order, Draft Order & Explanatory note published

The Competition Commission has today (29 June) published some information relating to their Inquiry into the Home Credit market.

DfT publishes Capability Review

The Department for Transport has published a Capability Review since its creation in 2002 which recognised the challenges facing the department and sets out its key priorities for moving forward.

Most vehicle operators have yet to plan for the London Low Emission Zone

A recent survey by exhaust specialists Eminox shows that with eight months to go before the London Low Emission Zone becomes law, 62% of the 1,000 operators surveyed have yet to plan how they will deal with the LEZ.

OFT announces consumer credit consultations

The OFT is today (26 June) announcing a formal consultation on the draft guidance on fitness and requirements for holders and applicants of Consumer Credit licences, as well as simultaneously consulting on a draft statement of policy on civil penalties for failure to comply with requirements.

OFT to work with the credit card industry to improve consumer information

The OFT has today (26 June) announced a new programme of work with the credit card industry and consumer bodies to make the cost of credit cards easier for consumers to understand.

A guide to payment protection insurance (PPI)

Insurers, banks, mortgage lenders and consumer credit providers have joined forces to produce a consumer guide to PPI. This explains how PPI works and advises customers on what they need to ask the seller to ensure the product is suitable for them.

Ministry of Justice: Consultation on Freedom of Information Fees Regulations ends

Consultation on draft Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations closes today (21 June).

HM Treasury: Ed Balls publishes credit union review consultation

Economic Secretary, Ed Balls signalled the government commitment to the mutual sector today (21 June) by publishing a consultation document that aims to ensure the sector has the best toolset to operate in the modern economy.

New EU cash declaration rules commence 15 June

A new European Union (EU) law on travellers declaring cash comes into force tomorrow. It is being introduced to help combat money laundering.

Retail sales growth continues

UK retail sales rebounded in May and underlying growth remained firm the Office for National Statistics revealed on Thursday.

FLA launches dealer competence test

Leading motor finance professionals from the Board of FLA (Finance & Leasing Association) today (13 June) launched a motor finance Competence Test, aimed at helping dealerships improve their staff’s understanding of selling finance products responsibly.

Inflation falls in May

CPI annual inflation was 2.5 per cent in May, down from 2.8 per cent in April.

DfT publishes fixed penalty notice consultation

The Department for Transport has issued a consultation which explains how the current fixed penalty notice regime works, and why a graduated fixed penalty scheme and a deposit scheme are being introduced.

DTI consults on Scottish floating charges

The DTI is consulting on the use of the power provided by the Companies Act 2006 which would enable floating charges registered in the Scottish register of floating charges to be treated as if they have been registered with the Registrar. This will remove the burden of double registration for Scottish floating charges.

DTI consults on unfair selling practices

Consumer Minister, Ian McCartney today (29 May) published a consultation that will implement the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) aimed at outlawing aggressive and unfair trading and selling practices.

OFT publishes draft Guidance on Unfair Trading Regulations

The OFT and DTI are conducting a 12 week public consultation (until 21 August) on draft Guidance on the proposed Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations implementing the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive into UK law.

Economic growth solid in first quarter 2007

GDP rose by 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2007, in line with its average rate over the past decade, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed today.

Business Investment down 1.3% in first quarter 2007

Business investment for the first quarter of 2007 is estimated to be 9.6 per cent higher than the same period of last year and 1.3 per cent lower than the previous quarter, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

Financial Ombudsman Service publishes annual review of personal finance disputes

The Financial Ombudsman Service - the independent organisation that settles disputes between consumers and financial companies - today (22 May) publishes its annual review for 2006/07.