Disabled individuals are facing unequal treatment from banks, with reports of customers having to sit on the floor while waiting in branches. A study by consumer organization Which? highlighted the varied experiences of disabled bank clients, indicating that some banks are not fully committed to inclusivity.
In the UK, an estimated 16.8 million people have disabilities, representing a significant portion of the population. However, Which? has identified significant discrepancies in the level of service provided by major banks in the country.
Which? surveyed over 2,200 individuals with impairments affecting their daily lives to evaluate the performance of their current account providers on various criteria. The results revealed disparities in how different banks cater to disabled customers.
In other news, families are struggling to sell retirement properties inherited from elderly relatives. One family shared their challenge of trying to sell a retirement flat that belonged to their late mother, even after reducing the asking price by £55,000. The property, purchased for £225,000 in 2015, remains unsold, leading to substantial annual fees for the family.
Moreover, Danone has issued recalls of infant and follow-on formula due to potential toxin contamination. Specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate formulas are affected, with concerns over the presence of cereulide, which can cause food poisoning.
The TV licence fee is set to increase from £174.50 to £180 in April, as confirmed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This fee hike applies to recording live TV programs on any channel and watching BBC iPlayer content.
Furthermore, the average new mortgage rates have slightly increased despite the Bank of England’s decision to maintain rates. Barclays, HSBC, and Nationwide have raised their fixed residential mortgage rates by up to 0.15%.
In technology news, VISPA, a UK broadband provider, has ceased operations, leaving customers to find alternative internet services. The company, established in 1999 and based in Manchester, has reportedly entered liquidation proceedings due to various issues, including financial challenges and negative customer feedback.
Additionally, discount supermarket Lidl has announced a £29 million pay rise for around 35,000 workers, marking its seventh wage increase since 2023. The entry-level pay will rise to £13.45 per hour nationally, with higher rates for longer-serving staff and in London.
Lastly, Greene King is offering free pints of Guinness during the Six Nations rugby tournament. Customers can claim a free pint by booking a table for any Six Nations game on February 7 through the Greene King website, part of the new Fans Reunited campaign featuring Rugby World Cup winners Martin Johnson and Jason Robinson.