Savings stories back in the hot seat

This mid-week’s money sections saw insurance and investment stories take a tumble from 25 per cent and 20 per cent last week to just 16 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. In their stead, the number of savings and utilities articles leapt up to claim 24 per cent and 16 per cent apiece.

The combination of rising inflation and stagnant interest rates means that the future is bleak for savers. Despite this, in the Daily Mail, (@thisismoney )Sylvia Morris pointed out that as banks are facing difficulties in raising money; some are turning to savers and offering higher rates than usual when the base rate is this low. However, Morris did advise savers to read the small print of ‘top-rate’ accounts as many severely limit the number of times you can withdraw money and you will need to be prepared to move your money in a year’s time.

Utilities stories were also widespread throughout the money sections. The Daily Mail and Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror )both reminded readers that thousands of people still haven’t claimed their £100 refund from NPower (due to the energy supplier overcharging on gas bills) and urged customers to come forward. This extra money could be particularly useful now as Graham Hiscott in the Daily Mirror reported that OFT is investigating reports that Britain’s heating oil market hiked up prices by up to 60 per cent during the big freeze.  Customers also suffered delays in deliveries and difficulties switching to rival providers.

The rest of the scores this week were:

Charity                  0%

Credit cards        8%

Fraud/scams      4%

IFAs                       0%

Insurance            16%

Investment        12%

Mortgages          8%

Pensions              8%

Regulation          4%

Savings                 24%

Tax                         0%

Utilities                 16%