Uk money news stories - 18 September 2024

Vodafone-Three merger: tens of millions could face higher bills, says UK watchdog

The regulator’s expressed concern about a proposed merger between telecoms giants Vodafone and Three, saying it’ll lessen competition and lead to higher mobile bills, which is particularly worrying for those least able to afford them already. But Vodafone and Three have hit back…

How lucky are YOUR Premium Bonds? We investigate why some numbers and letters seem more likely to win the £1m jackpot

If you’ve got Premium Bonds, you might’ve heard the rumours that some - older ones for example - are luckier than others. NS&I insists the prize draw is completely random but is there a way to work out if you’ve got a ‘lucky’ bond or not?

Family inheritance feuds surge to five-year high

Hundreds of people took their families to court last year after they were cut out of inheritances - a 38% increase since 2019. Law firms suggest soaring property prices and cost of living pressures make it more likely for relatives to challenge a will. 

Lloyds plans to close another 54 branches

Another tranche of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches are planning to be shut, taking the total number of closures to almost 300 in two years. We’ve got the full list of branches that won’t be here for much longer. 

‘I charge my son rent’: Four parents on how they teach their children about money

Financial education isn’t on the curriculum until secondary school in England, and even then there’s no consistency in the way it’s taught. In the meantime, parents are taking their kids’ money lessons into their own hands…. 

Ovo Energy to pay out nearly £2.4m over customer complaint failures

The energy supplier’s been ordered to compensate 1,395 customers following failures in dealing with their complaints. Some people had to wait up to 18 months for their issues to be resolved! Ovo also has to pay £2m to the energy industry voluntary redress scheme “in recognition of the severity of consumer detriment caused”.