News in December 2007
- 31 Dec 2007Junk food ad curbs to be extendedCurbs on junk food ads in children's TV will be extended from tomorrow to cover programmes that appeal to kids aged up to 16.
- 31 Dec 2007Sales of Sad therapy lamps soarSunseeking Britons who cannot get away to foreign climes are stocking up on therapy hot lamps to ward off the winter blues.
- 31 Dec 2007Campaign says caravans are greener choiceCaravanning can be a greener way to travel and help cut carbon dioxide emissions, it was claimed today.
- 29 Dec 2007End in sight for domestic light bulbs?Scientists are developing a new generation of super efficient household light bulbs which could spell the end of regular bulbs within three years.
- 28 Dec 2007Thousands died from reaction to drugsNearly 3,000 patients died in the past three years because of adverse reactions to drugs they thought would make them better, according to new figures.
- 28 Dec 2007Millions set to book holiday earlyNearly 12 million people are set to beat post-Christmas gloom by booking a holiday between now and the end of February, it was revealed today.
- 28 Dec 2007Water company invents anti-leakage gadgetBoffins at a water company have invented a new device aimed at reducing the millions of litres of water lost through leaking pipes by up to a quarter, it was announced today.
- 28 Dec 2007Which? condemns cosmetic surgery dealsWhich? is today condemning clinics that put pressure on people to rush into cosmetic surgery through deals such as time-limited discounts.
- 28 Dec 2007Ad watchdog warns over 'free' claimsAdvertisers must be cautious about claiming their goods and services are 'free', the industry watchdog has warned.
- 27 Dec 2007Driving age 'effectively raised to 18'The driving age could effectively be raised to 18 in a major overhaul of the way driving licences are granted, it was reported today.
- 27 Dec 2007Stores expecting even bigger sales rushShopping centres throughout the UK are bracing themselves for an even bigger rush today as the post-Christmas sales get into full swing.
- 27 Dec 2007Mouse found in Christmas crackerBad jokes and paper hats are standard in the average Christmas cracker, but one New Zealand woman found a revolting extra in hers - a dead mouse.
- 24 Dec 2007Rail commuters face more crowding woeRail commuters are being hit by inflation-busting, new-year price hikes of as much as 14 per cent – with an average rise of around 5 per cent – but many look set to stay standing due to overcrowding as they travel in 2008.
- 24 Dec 2007Nissan cracks down on car importsNissan is cracking down on companies importing its latest sports car directly from Japan into Europe.
- 24 Dec 2007Honda to launch two new hybridsHonda has predicted that hybrid cars will account for 10% of its global sales by 2010 after it announced two new models.
- 22 Dec 2007Asda to cut artificial additives from foodA supermarket chain is cutting artificial additives from all its own-brand food and soft drinks.
- 22 Dec 2007Christmas Day Britons will consume 6,000 caloriesBritons will munch their way through an average 3.63 roast potatoes and 2.95 chipolatas during Christmas dinner, a retailer said today.
- 21 Dec 2007New cars and hot deals, 21st December 2007New Impreza savings
- 21 Dec 2007EU car emission plan slammedEnvironmentalists have slammed European Commission proposals to make cars greener as being ‘far too weak’.
- 21 Dec 2007Channel 4 fined £1.5 million over phone-inChannel 4 was hit with a £1.5 million fine by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom today for misconduct in Richard and Judy's You Say We Pay competition and Deal Or No Deal.
- 21 Dec 2007Extra airport charges under fireConsumer watchdogs have called on airlines to come clean on extra charges levied on passengers at some UK airports.
- 21 Dec 2007Banks refusing valid card fraud claimsSome banks are ducking out of paying legitimate card fraud claims by ignoring guidance in their code of practice, Which? can reveal.
- 20 Dec 2007Ban the mobile phone cashback rip-offMany mobile phone cashback deals are a rip-off and should be banned, Which? Online says today.
- 20 Dec 2007Appeal parking fines, says Which?Some local councils are rejecting far too many challenges to parking fines, Which? reports today.
- 20 Dec 2007Battery recycling plan unveiledThe government has unveiled proposals to reduce some of the 700 million batteries that go into landfill each year.
- 20 Dec 2007Rail union says train firms curbing cheap ticketsA rail workers' union has called on the government to stop train operators 'restricting' cheap tickets over Christmas to boost revenue.
- 20 Dec 2007Drivers who use mobile phones could be jailedMotorists who drive dangerously while using mobile phones at the wheel could face up to two years in prison under new guidelines.
- 19 Dec 2007T-Mobile and 3 announce dealMobile phone companies T-Mobile and 3 have announced a deal to combine their 3G networks in a bid to bring high-speed wireless broadband services to more parts of Britain.
- 19 Dec 2007Britons to spend £1 billion on cosmetic treatmentsBritons are set to spend more than £1 billion on cosmetic treatments next year, according to new figures out today.
- 19 Dec 2007Ofcom panel wants code on broadband speedA consumer group today called for action to address concerns about broadband connection speeds.
- 19 Dec 2007X Factor viewers complain about voting linesMore than 700 viewers have complained to Ofcom about voting problems during the X Factor final.
- 19 Dec 2007Banks still pushing costly loan insuranceSome banks are still trying to palm costly payment protection insurance (PPI) policies onto consumers, a new Which? Money probe reveals today.
- 19 Dec 2007Speed camera locator ad rappedAn 'irresponsible' advert for a speed camera locator was rapped by the industry watchdog today because it could encourage drivers to break the law.
- 18 Dec 2007Tourists warned over holiday coverConsumers who want to book next year’s summer holidays are being urged to check whether their breaks are financially protected.
- 18 Dec 2007Ofcom scraps 070 pre-call warningA warning message informing callers about the cost of 070 'personal numbers' has been scrapped just months after it was introduced.
- 18 Dec 2007Ofcom raises pay TV concernsThe UK’s broadcast regulator has raised concerns over competition within the pay-TV market.
- 18 Dec 2007Naan bread recalled over glass fearsSupermarket chains Sainsbury's and Morrisons have recalled certain batches of their own-brand naan bread over fears they could contain fragments of glass.
- 17 Dec 2007Patients hungry for change in hospital foodThe poor quality of food will be cold comfort for patients spending this Christmas in hospital, new Which? research reveals today.
- 17 Dec 2007BBC begins website revampThe BBC has announced plans to revamp the homepage of its website to include a host of new features.
- 17 Dec 2007Flood report warns further floods likelyThe summer floods which devastated parts of England and caused billions of pounds worth of damage were a ‘wake up call’ for the country, a new report has warned.
- 17 Dec 2007Norwich Union fined over security lapsesInsurance giant Norwich Union Life has been fined £1.26 million for failing to protect customers' confidential information.
- 15 Dec 2007Supermarket brings back caviarCaviar is making a comeback at a food chain which dropped the delicacy a decade ago.
- 15 Dec 2007PC World to sell Dell computersDell has signed a deal to sell its notebook and desktop computers through Currys and PC World.
- 14 Dec 2007Orange agrees MGM movie dealMobile phone giant Orange has signed up another major Hollywood studio as it prepares to launch avideo-on-demand service in the UK.
- 14 Dec 2007Food watchdog rules out trans fat banA New York-style ban on trans fats in food is not needed in the UK because consumption rates are already very low, the official food watchdog has said.
- 14 Dec 2007Hips cover all homes from todayHome information packs (Hips) will cover all homes put on the market in England and Wales from today.
- 14 Dec 2007Hammer film to go out on MySpaceHammer Films has announced its first horror movie in over 30 years.
- 14 Dec 2007New cars and hot deals, 14th December 2007Both models have striking new headlights
- 14 Dec 2007Gripe water recalled in bacteria scareA commonly-sold gripe water is being recalled over fears it may be contaminated with bacteria.
- 13 Dec 2007Lords call for more flight legroomCalls for a big improvement in legroom on aircraft would mean major changes for some of the UK’s largest airlines.
- 13 Dec 2007Britons admit to stealing at self-scan tillsThe equivalent of 2 million Britons admit stealing goods when using supermarket 'self-scan' checkouts in the past year, a survey said today.
- 13 Dec 2007Rail commuters annoyed by fellow travellersRail commuters are kicking up a stink about their fellow travellers, a new report reveals.
- 13 Dec 2007Counterfeiters broaden range of fake goodsThe range of fake goods available in the UK is increasing, a new report says.
- 13 Dec 2007Christmas food poisoning warningEight of ten people will increase their risk of suffering food poisoning this Christmas by washing their turkey before cooking it, the UK’s food watchdog has warned.
- 12 Dec 2007Privacy watchdog calls for data safeguardsFirms must do more to protect consumers' personal details in wake of the lost child benefits data, the privacy watchdog has said.
- 12 Dec 2007Food giants pledge to limit kids' advertsSome of the world’s biggest food and drink companies including Mars and Nestle have promised to cut their advertising to young children in Europe.
- 12 Dec 2007Trans fat curbs to be consideredNew curbs on trans fats in foods will be considered by the UK's official food watchdog.
- 12 Dec 2007New hope for breast and prostate cancer patientsThousands of patients suffering breast and prostate cancer could benefit from a new drug, experts said today.
- 12 Dec 2007Social networking sites booming in the UKUK web surfers spend more time onsocial networking sites than their European neighbours, according to a new report.
- 12 Dec 2007UK leads the way on digital TVThe UK looks to be leading the way when it comes to the take-up of digital television, a new report reveals.
- 12 Dec 2007Parents 'waste money' on kids' eczema testsParents should not waste their money on high street allergy tests for children suffering eczema, experts warned today.
- 12 Dec 2007Poor bumper design 'costs motorists billions'Poor car bumper design is costing UK motorists more than £2 billion a year in unnecessary repairs, according to a motoring research centre.
- 11 Dec 2007John Lewis reports big spendingDepartment store group John Lewis looks to have bucked predictions of a high street spending slowdown by reporting its biggest ever weekly figures.
- 11 Dec 2007Channel 4 launches HD channel on SkyChannel 4 has launched a high definition TV (HDTV) service on Sky.
- 11 Dec 2007Mobiles used more for photos and downloadsMobile phones are increasingly being used for services other than calls and texts, a new report says.
- 11 Dec 2007Bogus charity collection warningA watchdog is warning Christmas shoppers to beware of bogus charity ticket sellers who claim they're raising money for good causes.
- 11 Dec 2007BAA picks up bad English awardAirport operator BAA has picked up an award for treating travellers to utter gobbledygook.
- 10 Dec 2007Online shoppers clamour for Nintendo WiiThe Nintendo Wii was the most searched for product by UK internet shoppers during November, according to the latest statistics.
- 10 Dec 2007Action taken over fat burning capsulesPills which promised slimmers they would lose more than two stone in a month will no longer be sold in the UK.
- 08 Dec 2007English fizz challenging French bubblyMany revellers will toast this festive season with a glass of English bubbly, a retailer said today.
- 08 Dec 2007Avoid worthless warranties this ChristmasWhich? has uncovered unnecessary breakdown cover on electrical goods that costs more than half the price of the appliance itself.
- 07 Dec 2007One in ten drivers 'bump and run'Britain is becoming a nation of 'bump-and-run' drivers, with almost 10% of motorists admitting to crashing into parked cars and speeding away.
- 07 Dec 2007MP calls for tax on chewing gumAn MP is calling for a tax on chewing gum in a bid to stop the 'menace' of sticky waste on the nation's streets.
- 07 Dec 2007Supermarkets admit dairy price-fixingSupermarket giants Asda and Sainsbury's have agreed to pay multi-million-pound fines after they admitted fixing the price of milk, cheese and butter.
- 07 Dec 2007New cars and hot deals, 7th December 2007A3 Cabrio pinches some styling cues from the new A4
- 06 Dec 2007Voip firms must allow 999 callsInternet phone firms have been told they must ensure customers can use their services to call emergency numbers.
- 06 Dec 2007Store launches 'healthiest' roasting potatoA potato described as the healthiest variety for roasting is launching in stores.
- 06 Dec 2007Many road deaths involve drivers who are workingAt least a quarter of road deaths involve someone driving for work, figures from road safety charity Brake revealed today.
- 06 Dec 2007Xbox fans to get downloadable filmsMicrosoft's downloadable film rentals for the Xbox 360 console will cost from £2 per movie in the UK.
- 06 Dec 2007Site claims to offset carbon as you shopA new website claims it can help consumers to be greener as they shop online.
- 06 Dec 2007Charity bag snatchers face crackdownGangs who target charity doorstep clothes collections may no longer be able to exploit a legal grey area to escape prosecution.
- 05 Dec 2007Litter louts hit with £1.5 million in finesLitter louts across England have paid out more than £1.5 million in fines over the past year, according to new figures.
- 05 Dec 2007EU urged to overhaul energy labelsEnergy rating labels which show consumers how ‘green’ an appliance is before they buy should be completely revamped, according to an industry body.
- 05 Dec 2007Breast surgery ad criticised by ASAAn ‘irresponsible’ advert for breast surgery was today rapped by advertising watchdogs for promoting the cosmetic operation as easy.
- 05 Dec 2007Nokia unveils 'eco-friendly' phoneFinnish mobile phone giant Nokia is looking to boost its environmental credentials by unveiling a ‘green’ mobile phone.
- 05 Dec 2007Hospital care 'falls short'Some hospitals are still failing to provide patients with adequate levels of care, according to a major new report.
- 05 Dec 2007Energy giants 'exploiting poor'Energy companies have been accused of exploiting householders on pre-pay meters by forcing them to pay hundreds of pounds a year more for their gas and electricity.
- 05 Dec 2007French watchdog to take eBay to courtFrance's auction watchdog is taking eBay to court, arguing the internet auctioneer does not do enough to protect consumers.
- 04 Dec 2007Restaurants offer Christmas bargainsYou could eat out at a top restaurant this Christmas for just a few pounds more than eating at home,The Good Food Guide reveals today.
- 04 Dec 2007BBC launches high definition channelThe BBC has officially launched its new high definition TV (HDTV) channel on satellite and cable.
- 04 Dec 2007Honey 'better than medicines' for kids' coughsNatural honey is a betterremedy for children's coughs than expensive over-the-counter medicines, researchers said today.
- 04 Dec 2007'Silent scream' launched by Lucie charityA 'silent scream' text message device has been launched by a charity set up in the name of murdered Tokyo hostess Lucie Blackman.
- 04 Dec 2007Drivers to get sat nav history tourMotorists can now get information on hundreds of historical sites across the UK straight from theirsatellite navigation (sat nav) system.
- 04 Dec 2007Cosmetic treatment firms must stop hard sellWhich? has today warned thecosmetic treatments industry to clean up its act or face a government crackdown.
- 03 Dec 2007Campaign to highlight charity bag theftsThe move follows a Which? report in August that revealed how charity doorstep clothes collections are increasingly being targeted by bogus collection firms.
- 03 Dec 2007Consumers confused over digital switchoverInformation about the digital switchover is not getting through to the people who need it most, according to a new report.
- 03 Dec 2007Virgin slashes PVR priceVirgin Media has announced it’s halving the price of itspersonal video recorder (PVR) - the V+Box – in the run-up to Christmas.
- 02 Dec 2007Lexus recalls 4,000 UK carsNearly 4,000 UK Lexus owners affected
