We got in touch with Santander to ask what was going on. How can Santander justify this reduction whilst simultaneously increasing their mortgage rate? I've just received notice of an interest rate reduction on my Santander Easy Access Limited Edition (Issue 3) a/c from its current 5.2% to 4.2% w.e.f 20th May. Several readers wrote in wondering how mortgage rates could go up at the same time the bank was lowering rates for some of its savers. One of the most commented on stories in the Money blog this week has been Santander announcing a hike to some of its mortgage rates (it lowered others). The company will have to pay £24.9m in redress to its customers, which will lower bills, while a further £15m fine will be absorbed by the water firm, according to Ofwat.
Regulator Ofwat said an investigation that started in May last year found evidence of a "significant failure of governance and management oversight". Welsh Water has been ordered to pay out nearly £40m after the industry watchdog found the firm misled it over its record of tackling leaks and saving water. The sportswear giant said sales in the US were likely to fall again this year as stores deal with a drop in demand and excess stock.Ĭhief executive Bjorn Gulden said the results were "by far not good enough" but the end of 2023 was better than expected.Īdidas was left with Yeezy shoes worth $1.3bn (£1bn) after cutting ties with West over his antisemitic comments in 2022. It said it would not hand a bonus to workers "after careful consideration" (they have given staff a bonus every year bar two since 1953) but would increase overall pay.Īdidas has posted its first annual loss in more than 30 years, as it continues to deal with the impact of the end of its lucrative deal with US rapper Kanye West. The company behind Waitrose grocery shops and the John Lewis department stores recorded a profit of £56m, after a loss of £234m in the previous financial year. John Lewis has returned to profit for the first time in three years but staff face another year with no bonus. Scammers posing as HMRC via phishing emails, calls and texts may try to persuade people to send them money in addition to stealing personal details that will be harvested for use in future scams. HSBC has warned people could see a spike in impersonation scams as the end of the tax year approaches.įraudsters stole £1.1m from HSBC customers in March last year, with people more likely to expect to be contacted by HMRC to clarify details on their tax returns before April. The centre, in the online giant's base in Rheinberg, Germany, will be filled with 1,000 pallets of relief items like tents, blankets, and hygiene kits. Launching a new animal welfare policy, the tour operator said it was committed to experiences that do not threaten the welfare or conservation of animals.Īmazon has opened its first disaster relief hub in Europe, housing items needed after incidents such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods. EasyJet packages will not offer attractions such as zoos or anything that involve animals in performances and sporting events.