The government are still ploughing ahead with plans to roll out Universal Credit from next year.

It intends to start piloting the single-payment benefit in certain areas of the UK from April, and move new claimants of tax credits, income support, jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and ESA straight on to Universal Credit from next October.

This is despite the fact that many consumer groups have expressed concern about its introduction.

According to reports they're also looking at ending the link between inflation and benefits in a bid to save money.

Benefit payments currently increase by the annual inflation rate, the annual rise in earnings or 2.5%, whichever is greater.

However, it's possible that from 2014 certain benefit payments will be frozen for two years and then only increased by the annual rise in earnings.

We'll let you know if anything is made official, but for now you can read our guide What is Universal Credit? to find out more and use our action plan How to find out your benefit entitlement to make sure you're claiming everything you're entitled to.

What else is happening?

Inflation fell to 2.5% in August

Stores cut prices to encourage consumer spending; the drop was more than half the 5.2% inflation rate we saw last September. Apparently the Bank of England are hoping inflation will continue downwards to meet its 2% target within the next few months.

thinkbanking has changed its name to thinkmoney

This is part of their steps to extend their product range to include loans, credit cards, insurance and mortgages. Current account customers will see the name of their bank account changed to the 'thinkmoney Personal Account' but account numbers, payments and all other aspects of their banking service will remain unchanged.

The Co-operative Bank has stopped issuing accounts to individuals who are bankrupt

Until now they were one of just two banks that would extend basic current accounts to un-discharged bankrupts, now the only option is Barclays. While customers with existing accounts won't be affected, it does leave those who don't want to pay for the privilege of a bank account with only one option.

HSBC and First Direct customers will be able to bank through the Post Office from next Spring

They'll be able to get free access to their accounts in all 11,500 Post Office branches and make withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries while they're there.

Apple smashed records last Friday, with over 2m pre-orders for its new iPhone 5 in just 24 hours

That's double the number its predecessor and Apple's previous best seller, the iPhone 4S, received on its first day. The iPhone 5 officially goes on sale on 21st September!