Economists have warned the rise could mean further tax hikes or spending cuts by the government.
The move is intended to make it easier for people to access banking services, but some warn it will lead to more branch closures....
Temperatures could fall as low as -16C with travel disruption likely to road and rail services....
The Kremlin reacts to the US president-elect's remarks saying the Arctic is in Russia's sphere of interest....
England suffer a blow to their women's Ashes preparation as the only warm-up match is abandoned because of rain....
Wednesday's headlines include wildfires in LA and economists warning of rising government borrowing costs....
Yellow snow and ice warnings spanning Wednesday and Thursday are in place across the UK....
Hordes of shade covers have taken over beaches - stoking debate over the country's culture....
The EU's two leading members were reacting to the US president-elect's plans to acquire Denmark's autonomous territory....
Irish national weather forecaster Met Éireann has issued a fresh orange warning in the Republic....
Dozens of flood warnings remain in place across the region following heavy rain....
The alert will run for 24 hours from midday, covering Grampian, the Highlands, Orkney & Shetland, Dumfries & Galloway and across Ayrshire....
Ukraine has not acknowledged the fall of Kurakhove in the war-torn region of Donetsk....
Forecasters warn of difficult driving conditions as workers and school pupils return after the Christmas break....
The Met Office says wintry weather is expected to bring icy roads and travel delays across the UK....
Jordan Maclachlan left his home in the Highlands for Ukraine three years ago....
Almost 200 flood warnings have been issued in parts of England....
It comes as Ukraine's president says only the US can provide security guarantees leading to an end to the war....
A campaign group led by Prof Alexis Jay also warns against "politicising" sexual violence....
Yoon is waiting out the arrest warrant in his residence, newly fortified by barbed wire and buses....
Rain warnings are in place for southern England and south Wales, with flood warnings issued as snow melts due to milder temperatures....
While Trump eyes Greenland, Norway and Russia have put the brakes on their polar region investments....
Amber warnings for heavy snow and ice remain in place for parts of England, Scotland and Wales, with travel delays and power cuts likely....
World number one Aryna Sabalenka warms up for her Australian Open title defence by winning the Brisbane International....
Amber weather warnings are in force and travel disruption is expected in some parts of the UK, as snow continues to fall....
Moscow accuses Ukraine's military of deliberately targeting journalist Alexander Martemyanov....
Experts say the stud, found at a detecting rally, could be one of "less than a dozen in the country"....
Huw Ware says it was the biggest day of his life as he called in the new champion....
Ms Itooka lived through two world wars and was credited with a sprightly spirit all her life....
Much of the UK is facing a cold snap, so here are some tips to cope with low temperatures....
Bitterly cold conditions fuelled by an Arctic blast are sweeping the UK and could result in disruption....
