A new report from energy regulator Ofgem reveals that UK energy switching levels hit five million in 2007 - but that whole groups of customers are missing out. In particular, pensioners, unemployed and low-income families are not switching to lower tariffs.

The price comparison and switching website uSwitch has described the Chancellor's promise to tackle fuel proverty by compelling energy suppliers to offer more competitive tariffs to less well off households as a "brave attempt" which could prove to be "too little, too late" for millions of vulnerable people.

As householders reel under inflation-busting rises in energy prices, the companies that supply our heat and light have come under attack for failing the most vulnerable members of society.

The credit crunch appears to be tightening, and experts say that that there will probably be a further drop in the amount of credit available to consumers in the coming few months.

There's bad news on the horizon: your gas and electricity bills could go up in early 2008. British Gas has already increased prices for its tracker plan which follows the market trend in wholesale energy prices with a 13% increase in gas prices and 15% increase in electricity. Now everyone is waiting to see which supplier will make the first move and increase the cost of its standard plans. Read on to discover how you could make savings.

In September 2006, the Department of Trade and Industry (now BERR) concluded its investigation into credit card cheques. This stipulated that all credit card providers had to display a summary box explaining the purpose, key features and associated charges of credit card cheques. However, several areas of concern still remain.  

Despite a rise in average household incomes since 1997, the amount of "disposable" income has actually dropped by 2% according to price comparison website uSwitch.com. Yet the company says that by switching suppliers for utility bills, householders could save up to £1,778 by investing less than three hours at their computer.