UK Business News

Northern Rock splits as suitors circle

Restructuring of the state-owned bank is formally completed as potential bidders mull over their approaches

Taxpayers face bill as banks shun rescue fund

Government is having difficulty raising necessary funds from private sources for National Investment Corporation

• Banks bruised over 50 per cent levy

• The great bank hold-up

Finance chiefs upbeat, with fewer fears

Survey finds highest level of optimism in more than two years, but worries remain that the worst is not over

• Consumer confidence wanes on the high street

• It's time to rebuild trust with the City

Kraft share rally may sweeten Cadbury offer

Shares in the US food company rose in last days of the year - which could save it £167m as it prepares to raise its bid

World Business News

New EU tax rule could prove trap for business

Compliance with European law on VAT for services under attack for increasing burden of paperwork

Spain’s economy brings bull reprieve

As Spain’s unemployment rate approaches 18 per cent, the country's bullrings are quieter than they once were

• S&P changes outlook for Spain to negative

• Spain turns down the air conditioning

Bernard Madoff’s UK arm is wound up

Liquidation of Bernard Madoff’s London-based investment business could shed new light on the fraudster’s operations

• Conveyancing firm Wolstenholmes closed down

• Eversheds offers guidance on new bribery law

Tullow Oil’s Ugandan move

The FTSE 100 oil explorer is preparing to scupper a deal that would see half its prized oilfields in Uganda sold to Eni

Analysis

Recovery should not be at cost to our children

Public borrowing is taxation deferred, and politicians have few incentives to cater for the young, still less those unborn

Britain doesn’t need a dose of shock therapy

We’ll have to endure some pain over the next few years, but ignore the pundits — the economy isn’t a basket case

We’re picking up the bill for right-to-buy

It’s folly that taxpayers pay for poor families to live in luxury homes. We need more social housing

Law  

Thousands to be saved from losing homes

The Government plans to close a legal loophole that allows mortgage lenders to seize homes without getting a court order

Camra calls on consumers in pub fight

Campaign for Real Ale vows to launch legal challenge to OFT ruling that big pub companies are not behaving anti-competitively

Dickensian ‘logbook loans’ to be banned

Kevin Brennan, the Consumer Minister, says lenders are able to seize cars from vulnerable borrowers without court orders

Money  

10 easy steps to a prosperous new year

Your first resolution for 2010 should be to sort out your finances. Times Money shows you how

• Where the experts will be putting their money

• Recycle your Christmas and let virtually nothing go to waste

The five best childhood collectibles

From Superman to Scalextric models, we explain why your attic could turn into a real treasure trove

• Is now the time to cash in on collectibles?

• How to sell on eBay

How to complain about goods or services

If you air your grievances effectively, you need never feel short-changed. Follow our easy five-step guide

business travel  

Profile: Telecoms boss Ian Carr

The MD of Team Simoco explains why he always packs his pyjamas and discusses the company's Beijing sickbed

Stop moaning about travel disruption, it's Christmas

Business travellers have faced trying times in the past two weeks but many of the problems are beyond the control of the airlines and rail companies

How business travellers take their holidays

With Christmas upon us, we look at how frequent business travellers approach leisure travel