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Confused.com Reveals Car Insurance Prices Rise By More Than 12% Year-On-Year

Confused.com has revealed that the price of car insurance has risen by more than 12% year on year.

According to the Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index, drivers have been lumbered with an average year-on-year rise of 12.3% in the cost of comprehensive motor insurance cover – this equates to a£92 jump in just 12 months.

The biggest annual price hikes affect postcodes in the North of England. As of quarter three 2011, Bradford has suffered a 27.5% year-on-year rise in the cost of average comprehensive cover and Oldham has fared even worse with a 27.9% year-on-year increase. Liverpool and Manchester have also seen insurance prices driven up significantly as has the Ilford area of Essex.

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) customers have not gone unscathed however, suffering an annual rise of 19.9%, equating to an increase of £192 over 12 months.

This rise of 12.3% year-on-year is especially significant when compared to the Consumer Price Index – a measure of inflation – which currently stands at 4.5%, making the rises in car insurance prices almost three times as high as inflation in the UK. The national average comprehensive car insurance premium currently stands at£843.

Top five UK areas with the highest annual premium rises year-on-year, based on the Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index are Oldham (27.9%), Bradford (27.5%), Liverpool (26.8%), Manchester(26.6%) and Ilford (23.7%).

The five UK areas with the lowest annual premium rises year-on-year include Perth (0.3%), Kirkwall (0.8%), Motherwell (2.2%), Dumfries (2.4%) and Edinburgh (2.5%).

Despite the year-on-year hikes, there is some good news for drivers as the average price of a comprehensive car insurance policy fell by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2011: the first quarterly decrease for over three years.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance for Confused.com commented: “The year-on-year picture is quite worrying as some drivers are being hit with more than 25% increases. Car owners in the affected areas are going to have to be as savvy as ever to find the cheapest and best deals for them by shopping around.”

For a more detailed look at the latest index, interested parties can visit: http://www.confused.com/infographic/car-insurance-interactive-2.

Over 4 million quotes are used in the construction of each quarter’s car insurance price index – this makes it the most comprehensive insurance index in the UK.

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Confused.com Reveals Motor Maintenance Ignorance Endangers The Safety Of Others

Confused.com has revealed that drivers know very little about car maintenance with a worrying 72% unaware how to check brake fluid levels, leaving them in potential danger at the wheel.

Moreover, 69% of motorists have no clue how to check their engine coolant, a fluid which prevents a vehicle from overheating and if left unchecked can cause serious damage to the motor.

In fact, 57% of drivers don’t even know how to change a tyre, while 47% are also unable to even locate the jack.

As Car Care week kicks off, Confused.com is urging drivers to take the time to get to know their motors and keep their cars roadworthy in a bid to keep Britain’s drivers and pedestrians safe.

Motorists are so laid-back about car maintenance that 48% haven’t even looked at their car manual, but with over 28.5 million cars on the road, Brake the road safety charity and Confused.com are urging drivers to love their cars more in a bid to cut down on accidents.

Katie Shephard, spokesperson for road safety charity, Brake, said: “Driving is one of the most dangerous things people do on a daily basis. It’s vital that all drivers are doing regular maintenance checks of their vehicle to ensure they are safe on the road. Shockingly, five people are killed and a further 65 are seriously injured on UK roads every day. Brake urges all drivers to check their vehicle regularly to ensure they’re not endangering their lives, and the lives of innocent road users.”

Gareth Kloet, Confused.com Head of Car Insurance added: “Car maintenance is essential. We all love a bit of TLC so don’t forget your cars need a helping hand to. A lack of car maintenance can cause road safety issues and 72% of drivers don’t know how to check their brake fluid. If a car has insufficient brake fluid, air can get into the brake lines and your vehicles ultimately could stop working and cause serious problems, not only for you but also for others.

“Make sure you do regular checks on your car and also ensure you have breakdown cover just in case the worst happens.Shop around for the breakdown cover you need as costs can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

To encourage the nation to care for its cars, Confused.com has put together a car maintenance video offering a solution to some of the problems highlighted.

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Confused.com Research Reveals Weather Conditions Are Affecting Home Insurance Claims

From an Indian summer to predicted snowfall in a matter of weeks, Britain’s weather remains a mystery with adverse conditions severely affecting home insurance claims, Confused.com has found.

In the last year alone, storm related home insurance claims have risen by 68% overall, with policy holders in Central Scotland 117% more likely to claim for a storm.

Storms are not the only weather conditions affecting home insurance claims with lightning striking twice for 1 in 10 unlucky UK residents; particularly in Wales and the West where people are 89% more likely to be hit by lightning than the UK average. Surprisingly, London, known for its lack of green space is the area that is 47% more likely to make claims due to falling trees.

With unpredictable weather likely to continue as winter approaches, Confused.com is reminding customers to check their home insurance and make sure they are covered for adverse weather.

Mark Gabriel Head of Home Insurance said: “The consequences of having insufficient home cover are potentially severe. Many Insurers will offer home emergency cover as an optional extra on their contents policies – you will either be charged extra on your standard annual premium, or pay a monthly subscription fee.But make sure you shop around for cover as premiums can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

Interested customers can read the full ‘lightning strikes twice’ home insurance research here at Confused.com:
http://www.confused.com/press/releases/lightning-strikes-twice-for-nearly-1-in-10-customers-who-claim.

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Northern Rock Launches New eBond Issues

Northern Rock has launched two new issues of its new online fixed rate e-bond account, providing competitive interest rates for those savers who wish to operate their accounts online. e-bond (issues 18 and 19) will are available now.

With a minimum deposit of just £1, customers can benefit from a competitive fixed rate of interest until 20 October 2012 on e-bond issue 18, which pays 3.00% gross*/AER** annually. Alternatively, they can choose e–bond issue 19, which pays 3.25% gross*/AER** pa, fixed until 20 October 2014. Monthly interest rate options are also available on all three products. Accounts must be opened and operated online and initial deposits can be made online by electronic transfer from another bank or building society.

Account holders can choose to have their interest paid annually (interest is calculated daily) on 5 August, or monthly (the monthly interest rate is 0.30% below the gross* annual rate) on the 7th of the month (available next business day).

Additional deposits to the bonds can be made during the offer period up to a maximum of £500,000 per customer. The fixed rate bonds (Issues 18 and 19) are non-redeemable and none of the issues allow any withdrawals or closure during their respective fixed rate periods. The bonds are offered on a strictly limited issue basis and will be withdrawn without notice once fully subscribed. Once withdrawn, no further deposits will be accepted.

Full product details are available at Northern Rock’s website at northernrock.co.uk/savings.

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Confused.com Find Bald Tyres Can Mean Insurance Claims Are Denied

Confused.com has revealed that drivers could see their motor insurance claims denied and face fines of up to £10,000, simply by failing to take proper care of their tyres.

One defective or bald tyre could see drivers hit with a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points or up to £5,000 and 6 points for two defective tyres.

In fact if all four tyres were defective, the maximum fine could be as much as£10,000 with a whopping 12 penalty points.

As Tyre Safety month kicks off, Confused.com’s new poll of drivers also reveals that many motorists don’t know how to keep their tyres roadworthy. The company interviewed 2,000 motorists and found that:
– 57% of drivers don’t know the correct tread depth for their tyres which is 1.6mm
– 58% don’t know the correct pressure of their tyres
– 18-24 year olds are least likely to know how to put air in their tyres
– 87.4% of people do not change their tyres for the winter weather

According to the poll, 58% of people do not know what the correct tyre pressure is for their vehicle with18-24 year olds being the key culprits. On top of this, 1.4% of people don’t even realise that their tyres need air.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Tyre maintenance may not sound like the most exciting topic on the planet but is important to basic road safety. If your tyres have too much air or too little this can wear the tread of tyres down quickly.”

“If a tyre has a tread of less than 1.6mm it is qualified as an illegal tyre. If the police stop someone with an illegal tyre they will be fined up to £2,500 for each illegal tyre. If someone is in a crash and their tyres are below the legal tread limit, a fine can be issued causing their insurance to be denied.”

“Tyres must be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are up to road safety standards. An easy way of checking tyre tread is the 20p check. Place a 20p coin into the main tread of the tyre and if the rim of the coin is covered by the tread this shows it is a legal road worthy tyre.”

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Saxo Bank Continues International Expansion With New Office In Moscow

Saxo Bank, the online trading and investment specialist today announced the opening of a new representative office in Moscow in order to respond to growing demand by Russia’s sophisticated investor base.

The opening of the Moscow office is a strategic move by online trading specialist to strengthen and expand its position as a leading provider of online trading and investment solutions. The office will act as a broker boutique offering Russian investors a broad list of exchanges and instruments available through Saxo Bank’s award winning trading platform.

There have been promising developments in Russia this year, with retail sales growth accelerating in August reaching 7.8% year on year (y/y). Unemployment declined whilst real wage growth picked up to 3.9% y/y which has filtered through to every segment from discount to luxury. Consumers’ increasing maturity and sophistication has increased the HNW sector of the market and thus stimulated their risk appetite and desire for better returns, which fits Saxo Bank’s investor profile.

The Moscow office will be headed by newly appointed COO Igor Dombrovan, who said: “Sustainable success is driven by customer focus, and the new representative office will enable us to have greater access to clients in Russia. The Russian retail market has demonstrated solid growth rates over the last several years, making the sector one of the most actively developing markets in the economy. This has been fuelled by growth in the overall economy, growing consumption and an increasingly organised marketplace. The new office will enable us to further support and educate this growing market with its highly sophisticated investor base.”

Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen, co-founders and CEOs of Saxo Bank, said in a joint statement: “While opening an office in Moscow is a strategic decision to support our European expansion and growth strategy, it has always been a priority for Saxo Bank. Russia has always been a good market for Saxo Bank because Russian clients are highly sophisticated investors. The new office will enable us to provide a more comprehensive on-the-ground service to clients and potential clients in the region.”

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Confused.com Reveals The Rudest Drivers And Launches Etiquette Guide

Confused.com has revealed the results of a new poll which suggests motorists need a fuel injection of mannersConfused.com. The majority of UK drivers consider themselves to be courteous drivers (92%) but think that almost 1 in 3 (31%) of other motorists are in the slow lane when it comes to courtesy in the car.

If motorists could stop other drivers doing one thing while driving it would be using mobile phones at the wheel (27%), tailgating (23%) and showing aggressive behavior (22%). Drivers would also like to see more road users indicating at junctions (35%); less litter thrown out of car windows (17%) and more people letting drivers out at junctions (11%).

London and the North West are home to the rudest drivers (by their own admission), and young drivers, older drivers, people in white vans and in four wheel drives are UK motorists’ biggest bugbears on the road according to the UK poll of 2,000 motorists*.

The poll of 2000 drivers in the UK was carried out by Onepoll on behalf of Confused.com and all figures have been rounded up to the nearest 1%.

For more information on the driving etiquette guide from Sim De La Torre, and other motoring articles, visit Confused.com.

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Confused.com Reveals That Overvaluing Possessions Could Lead To A Higher Insurance Premium

Confused.com has revealed that valuing contents incorrectly could see customers paying more than they need to for home insurance.

According to new research by Confused.com, in 2011, the average amount people are valuing their home contents at is £50,000 with the most expensive value being £5 million.* Some of the most unusual items insured in 2011 included an astronaut autograph collection, a hot tub and a signed 1966 world cup final programme.

But Confused.com are warning that although these possessions may mean the world to their owners, getting them valued correctly is essential as people may be paying more for their home insurance than they should be.

With the economy taking a turn for the worst, Confused.com is urging homeowners to be money savvy and remember that home insurers will only pay out the market value of an item, so it is false economy to insure your contents for more than they are worth.

Mark Gabriel, Head of Home Insurance at Confused.com said: “People always ask whether they need home insurance. Home insurance gives peace of mind should the worst happen. Everyone places a different value on their possessions but getting the right amount of cover is important.

“Do your research when valuing your home contents as you want to make sure you are not over-estimating and paying a larger insurance premium than you should be. On the flip side, one of the most common problems is under-insurance for contents because many people do not realise the value of possessions.

“There is so much competition when it comes to home insurance providers on the market today, so use a price comparison website to ensure that you get a great deal and get your worldly possessions insured, no matter how unusual they are.”

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ForexTrading.net Releases New Videographic on the Forex Market

ForexTrading.net, a new online forex magazine is aiming to keep users updated with all the latest happenings in the world of forex trading, through a videographic that has been published on the site.

The new videographic will give users of the site an overview of the forex trading market, and can even be embedded into users’ personal websites or blogs where it can be shared with other interested internet users.

Recent years have seen a number of changes in the forex trading market; not only has the number of people who trade in this manner shot up, but the way in which trading occurs is constantly evolving as well. For instance, in 2010 alone, cross-border trading transactions constituted 65% of trading activity. This implies the power of technology and its effects on the forex market.There has also been a rapidly growing disparity in algorithmic trading versus manual trading. In 2004, algorithmic trading only ranked at 2% of all trades, however in 2010 it comprised 45% of the trading share. Similarly the global foreign exchange market turnover was 20% higher in April 2010 than in 2007, with average daily turnover of 4 trillion USD compared to 3.3 trillion USD. As such, it’s very important for forex traders and internet users who follow the market to keep updated, and ForexTrading.net videographics will allow users to learn about forex in a manner that’s informative yet fun, and share their findings as well.

Nanna Arnadottir, editor at ForexTrading.net said: “The forex trading industry has some great news and commentary sites, but it can be a bit starved of interesting blogs with real quality content. That’s what we’re aiming for with ForexTrading.net, that and a bit of personality, which I think the videographic really provides.

It’s a fun way to take in a lot of facts and you can share it or post it on your own blog, so everyone is a winner.”

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TradingFloor.com Releases New Video Commenting On Eurozone Crisis

TradingFloor.com has released a new video featuring Steen Jakobsen, chief economist at Saxo Bank, warning that solutions to the Eurozone debt problems need to be found before the Cannes G-20 Summit in November.

The new video highlights the sense of urgency for a solution to Eurozone problems, which has increased with market reaction clearly indicating intolerance with the current pace of progress, especially of late concerning the ratification of the 21 July changes to the European Financial Stability Facility and a solution for Greece.

Jakobsen mentions that there are some significant steps to take these days like key Eurozone member votes on EFSF ratification. Despite previously strong opposition to further rescue measures for troubled Eurozone members, anything but ratification is unlikely, says Steen. The Slovenian and German parliament has already given its thumbs up with Finland and Austria expected to follow suit by the end of the week. Though once approved by all member states this supposed knight in shining armour will not be able to ride easily to the rescue of failing nations. Unanimous (not majority) votes are required for decisions – like expansions of the facility – to be passed.

Meanwhile, talk about the concept of a European Investment Bank leveraging on the EFSF to ring-fence European banks from any fallout from the EU debt crisis, is hardly seen as a band aid but rather a ploy which will hardly solve anything, according to Steen.

Steen likens Greece’s attempts at new austerity packages as an attempt to save the troubled nation at the goal line. With 99 per cent probability of default then talk of saving Greece is actually quite comical, he says. Meanwhile, austerity fatigue is apparent as evidenced by more strikes across Athens. Ultimately Greece needs debt forgiveness and a clean slate but a free-ticket to safety would hardly go down well with other troubled Eurozone nations. Nevertheless, Greece has become kind of a scapegoat due to increased talk of contagion (which is not an economic concept but rather a policymakers’ excuse for not doing what needs to be done domestically). Contagion or not, it doesn’t change the fact that there is no way out for Greece other than default, concluded Steen.

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Northern Rock Maintains Healthy Interest Rates For Fixed Rate Cash ISA Savers

Northern Rock is launching three new issues of its fixed rate cash ISA, offering savers the chance to take advantage of tax-free* interest rates.

The new accounts, which are fixed over one, three and five years, are available now with a minimum initial deposit of £500.

A strictly limited issue, the fixed rate cash ISAs (issue 174-176) allow transfers from other providers and Northern Rock has increased the interest rates it pays for savers who are happy to lock their tax-free* savings away, whether for the short or long term.

The product can be opened either by post or through Northern Rock’s branches and additional deposits (£250 minimum) can be made to the cash ISA, within HM Revenue and Customs limits (£5,340 per tax-year). This issue may be withdrawn without notice once fully subscribed.

To ensure funds are accepted they must be received within 30 days from account opening. Any deposits received after 30 days may be returned. This includes any funds transferred in from existing cash ISAs. Subscriptions are not allowed to any other Cash ISAs in the same tax year(s) that customers subscribe to this Cash ISA, even if they have not used their full annual allowance(s).

Interest, which can be added to the account or paid into another account, is paid annually on 30 November. Minimum withdrawals of £250 can be made from the account, subject to a charge equivalent to 60 days’ loss of interest on the amount withdrawn (Issue 174), 120 days’ loss of interest on the amount withdrawn (Issue 175) and 180 days’ loss of interest on the amount withdrawn (Issue 176). If balances fall below£500, our current basic rate of interest will be paid (0.10% tax-free* pa /AER**).

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Northern Rock Launches New Fixed Rate e-ISAs

Northern Rock has launched three new online issues of its Fixed Rate Cash e-ISA to complement its competitive portfolio of internet-based savings accounts.

e-ISA offers those who prefer to operate their accounts via the internet an online option for their tax-free* savings. e-ISA is a cash ISA set at a competitive fixed rate of interest over a choice of one, two or three years and can be opened with no minimum initial deposit.

Interest, which can be added to the account or paid into other savings accounts, is paid annually on the first business day following 5 August on minimum balances of £500 (balances which fall below this amount will earn Northern Rock’s prevailing rate of interest, 0.10% tax free* pa /AER**).

Strictly limited issues, the Fixed Rate Cash e-ISAs (issues 22, 23 and 24) allow transfers in from other providers and additional deposits can be made to the cash ISAs, within HM Revenue and Customs limits (£5,340 per tax-year from 6 April 2011) within 30 days after the product is withdrawn (excepting postal applications to transfer in from other banks and building society ISA accounts, which must be received while the product remains on sale).

30 days following the products withdrawal, no further deposits will be accepted and all three issues may be withdrawn without notice once fully subscribed.

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Confused.com Reveals The Cheapest Cars To Insure For Young Drivers

New research from Confused.com has revealed the cheapest cars to insure for 17-20 year olds. The results showed the Ford Ka2 topping the leader board, followed closely by the Peugeot 107, while the worst car to run for young drivers looking for low insurance prices was the Honda Civic*.

The costs of car insurance for young drivers hit record highs in the second quarter 2011, with 17-20 year olds paying as much as four times the average amount for car insurance.

The Confused/Towers Watson price index showed that motor insurance based on a 17-20 year old male is now £4,006 per year for comprehensive cover, highlighting the need for research when buying a car.

To help young drivers, Confused.com has undertaken research to give teenagers a helping hand and unveiledthe five cheapest and most expensive cars to insure for 17-20 year olds.The research also highlighted that 50% of under-25s could save up to£594 on their car insurance premiums by using Confused.com.

Gareth Kloet, head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Young drivers and learners are telling us that the cost of insurance is the biggest barrier to getting behind the wheel: more so than the cost of buying the car.

“Buying your first car should be exciting, not a worry about whether you can afford the insurance costs. Here at Confused.com we want to offer young drivers the chance to find the perfect car with the cheapest insurance.”

“Once the car has been found drivers should shop around for cover as premiums can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

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TradingFloor.com Releases Video On The Federal Open Market Committee Meeting

TradingFloor.com, the home of Saxo Bank’s trading commentary, financial research and analysis, has released a video discussing the Federal Open Market Committee meeting (FOCM).

With the deterioration in the US economic outlook being further cemented by recent disappointing macro data, there is now mounting expectation that the Federal Reserve will once again come to the rescue and kick-start the world’s largest economy. Therefore, all eyes are set to be on the latest Federal Open Market Committee meeting and what will or won’t be decided in terms on new monetary stimulus.

The latest FOCM meeting has been extended to a two day meeting to allow for further discussions. The last meeting saw an extension of low rates until 2013, and Steen Jakobsen, chief economist at Saxo Bank, believes that the next step will be an Operation Twist Light.

Back in the 60s, The Operation Twist, meant that people sold short term bonds and bought long term bonds, which was seen as a twist, hence the name. This time this will not be possible, because the rates have already been lowered. This means only the long end part of the equation will be executed, with long term bonds being bought. However, Steen doesn’t think this will be a lot for the market in the long term.

This alone is not going to be enough to turn it around. Steen believes that the market always likes to be promised something new, which means President Obama will need to balance the delivery of the Operation Twist Light and throw in something new as well.

Steen also comments that the situation in Europe will have an effect on the timing of any announcements from the US. While it is clear that the US realise the situation in Europe is not good for the US, Steen believes that the Federal Reserve will ultimately do what is the best for the US.

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Confused.com And Dogs Trust Study Reveals How Owners Keep Their Dogs Happy On Car Journeys

According to a new study into car owners and their pets by Confused.com, more than one in three (39%) pet lovers takes their dogs or cats on car journeys with them regularly. Of those surveyed, 41% say their pets enjoy being in the car.

The Confused.com study reveals that listening to the radio helps pet owners keep their animals amused on longer journeys with Adele, Madonna and Lady Gaga being the most popular artists to keep pets happy on the move.

Some owners admit to singing to their pets to keep them amused. Apparently Radio 1 is the top choice for in-car pet entertainment, closely followed by Radio 2 and 5 Live.

Confused.com has teamed up with the charity Dogs Trust to help ensure dogs enjoy the car journey even more by avoiding travel sickness and staying safe. 12% of pet owning motorists say they let their dog stick his head out of the window on the journey but according to experts at Dogs Trust this is not a great way to keep your pet happy.

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust said: “Dogs might really enjoy the sensation of having their heads out of the window but it is dangerous for them so we would always advise keeping ears, paws and noses inside the vehicle while the car is moving.”

25% of pet owners who take their dog or cat in the car say that their animal enjoys the journey, as long as they keep them amused. Talking to them and taking plenty of their toys are the top ways that dog and cat lovers use to keep them happy.

Almost 10% of pet owners say they have almost had a near miss when driving because of their pet’s behaviour in the car.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Road trips should be as fun for our pets as they can be for us, and keeping our pets happy in the back is also going to reduce distraction for us as drivers, making our journeys safer for us and our animals.”

For more information on the keeping canines comfortable in cars, read more at http://www.confused.com/press/releases/Keep-canines-comfortable-in-cars

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Experian Reveals Unlawful Social Housing Subletting In The UK Could Be Costing £2bn A Year

New research by Experian Public Sector has revealed that the threat of social housing tenancy fraud in the UK could be significantly larger than previously thought.

Based on an initial analysis of 125,000 social housing arrangements at just ten UK local authorities and housing associations in both rural and urban areas, Experian Public Sector’s experts estimate that potential fraudulent occupancy of social housing, such as subletting, could exist at a minimum of 157,077* properties when extrapolated up across the rest of the UK.

The Audit Commission estimated the level of tenancy fraud at 50,000 properties in 2009** but Experian Public Sector’s analysis suggests that the figure could now be at least three times higher than this.

The preliminary findings follow a series of data matching exercises which analysed social housing tenancy lists at ten UK local authorities and housing associations. The analysis looked for data that might suggest subletting and warrant further investigation. This involved the use of compliant information to identify a range of fraud indicators, including the number of tenants not currently occupying their tenancy address and found living at another address.

The analysis indicates that potential fraud, such as subletting, could exist within a minimum of 3.1 per cent of social properties. When extrapolated nationally, based on 5.06 million social properties, this suggests potential fraud could exist at a minimum of 157,077 properties in the UK.

If all of these social properties were subject to fraudulent activity and made available to people currently in temporary accommodation, the reduced cost and saving to the tax payer would be in excess of £2.0 billion*** a year. Freeing up existing social housing means reduced waiting lists which could also mean fewer new social properties need to be built.

Nick Mothershaw, Experian’s director of Fraud and Identity Solutions, commented: “Our initial research suggests that the level of social housing tenancy fraud in Britain could be much higher than previously estimated. It also demonstrates how more effective data matching can quickly provide a reliable indication of what could be illegal occupancy and subletting. This means investigators can prioritise and deal swiftly with fraudulent cases. Reducing social housing tenancy fraud will significantly reduce the cost of temporary accommodation which we estimate to be at over £2 billion a year.”

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Confused.com Urges Motorists To Fall Back In Love With Service Stations

Confused.com has revealed new research which shows that motorists are shunning motorway service stations on long journeys and risking their lives as a result. The survey by car insurance experts revealed that 79% of drivers are not taking sufficient breaks on UK roads.

The research, which explores the UK’s motorway service station habits, found that a third (32%) of motorists have fallen out of love with the ‘airports of our roads’ and actively avoid stopping, even on long journeys.

One in seven of those questioned admitted that they would not take any breaks at all during a four-hour journey. However, research from Newcastle University has revealed that this bad driving habit can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Dr Joan Harvey, Chartered Psychologist at Newcastle University, who carried out the research said: “When driving on motorways, or other monotonous roads, a motorist’s maximum concentration level is only maintained for 20-30 minutes, after this time they will start to become bored and will drive on ‘auto-pilot’. After a further 40 minutes of driving their blood sugar levels will drop. These two factors are a dangerous combination as the motorist will start to feel sleepy and will be slower to react to any hazards that might occur.”

Dr Harvey’s research outlines the need for motorists to stop at every third service station (or every hour and a half) on long journeys to ensure they do not become bored and put themselves at risk.

One in ten motorists prefer to park-up and picnic on long journeys – packing their snacks before leaving and pulling up at the service station to tuck in.

Further research supports this, IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) chief examiner Peter Rodger commented: “Research suggests that one in five crashes on motorways are sleep-related. Regular breaks at service stations are essential for preventing such accidents from happening.”

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Our research shows that only 8% of us are service station worshippers. By highlighting the huge variety of great service stations dotted along our motorways, we hope to convert more motorists to the happy service station side of life. We’re calling for all motorists to re-kindle their passion for the service station and stay safe on the roads, particularly over the busy Bank Holiday weekend.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Finds EDF’s Gas Price Rise Could Cost UK Customers Dearly

Confused.com has revealed that EDF Energy’s recent price rise announcement could cost UK energy customers over £100 per household.

This announcement has seen gas prices rise by 15.4% and electricity prices rise by 4.5%. EDF’s energy prices have increased by £116 on its standard cash/cheque tariff effective from 10th November 2011.*

The Big 6 energy suppliers price rises mean an average increase of £160 per year to an average standard bill paying by cash or cheque, increasing from £1,132 to £1,292.**

EDF was the last of the major energy suppliers to announce its price rise, which is set to affect 3.2m customers. However, more than 25m households are expected to see an average of £160*** added onto their gas and electricity bills from 10th November 2011.

Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com said: “Now that all the major supplies have shown their cards, consumers are now in a position to make an informed decision on switching their gas and electricity without fear that their chosen tariff could go up in a few months’ time.

“There are always ways to reduce your fuel bills, such as considering a dual fuel tariff, paying by direct debit and managing your account online. If you are concerned about future rises, a fixed of capped tariff will offer price security although you’ll be paying over the odds if prices fall. Of course, cutting down the amount of energy you use and investing in some energy efficiency measure will reduce your bills even further and continue to save you money in future.”

More information on energy prices and household utilities comparison can be found on Confused.com’s website.

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Saxo Bank Announces New Offshore Renminbi CNH

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, today announced that the new USDCNH currency cross is now available on its trading platforms. Clients of Saxo Bank will now be able to trade the offshore Chinese renminbi against the US Dollar.

Streaming prices on ticket sizes up to USD 3 million will be available during regular FX trading hours from 8am Mondays Sydney time to 5pm Fridays New York time. Larger trade sizes will be available on a Request for Quote (RFQ) basis. The Margin Requirement for the USDCNH is 8% and the minimum trade size is USD 5,000 notional.

The USDCNH will be available to all Saxo Bank’s clients, including those of white label clients, but will not be available to clients of Saxo Capital Markets HK.

Claus Nielsen, Head of Trading, Saxo Bank comments: “Over the past few years, the Chinese government has allowed the renminbi to appreciate against the US Dollar, and has gradually deregulated the currency’s trading. CNH offers an important option to take and manage renminbi risk and exposure to real investments and positive yield. The development of the offshore renminbi CNH is integral to China’s broader strategic plans to internationalise and turn the renminbi into a viable reserve currency.

“London, whose 37 per cent share of the global forex market is twice the one of its nearest rival New York, has just been officially approved by China as an offshore centre for trading renminbi. We expect USDCNH to become an interesting trading currency for our clients in the future.”

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