Disabled individuals are facing unequal treatment from banks, with one 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 levels of service for disabled bank customers, with some banks only giving superficial recognition to inclusivity.
In the UK, there are approximately 16.8 million people with disabilities, representing a quarter of the population. However, Which? highlighted significant differences in the services offered by major banks in the country. The group surveyed over 2,200 individuals with impairments affecting their daily lives to assess their satisfaction with their current account providers across various criteria.
Meanwhile, families are struggling to sell unoccupied retirement properties inherited from elderly relatives. One individual lowered the asking price of his late mother’s retirement flat by £55,000 but has been unsuccessful in selling it, resulting in substantial annual fees while the property remains vacant.
The situation exemplified by Joan Taylor, who purchased a flat in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, in 2015 for £225,000. Following her passing at the age of 96 in June 2024, her son, Gordon Taylor, reduced the price to £170,000 but continues to face challenges in selling the property due to restrictions on potential buyers.
Additionally, Danone issued recalls of infant and follow-on formula due to potential toxin contamination. The affected batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate formula may contain cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning.
Moreover, 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 for a TV licence to record live TV programs and to watch BBC iPlayer content.
In the mortgage sector, the average cost of new mortgages has slightly increased despite the Bank of England maintaining its rates. Notably, Barclays, following HSBC and Nationwide, raised its mortgage rates for fixed residential purchases and remortgages by up to 0.15%.
Furthermore, UK broadband provider VISPA has ceased operations, prompting customers to seek alternative internet services. Industry reports highlighted various challenges faced by VISPA in recent years, leading to the company’s decision to cease trading and initiate liquidation proceedings.
On a positive note, discount supermarket Lidl announced a £29 million pay rise for around 35,000 workers, marking its seventh wage increase since 2023. The supermarket will raise entry-level pay nationally to £13.45 an hour, with higher rates for longer-serving staff, positioning itself as the highest-paying supermarket in the UK.
Lastly, Greene King is offering free pints of Guinness during the Six Nations rugby tournament. Customers can claim their free pint by booking a table for any Six Nations game on February 7 through the Greene King website, as part of the new Fans Reunited campaign endorsed by Rugby World Cup champions Martin Johnson and Jason Robinson.