A MAJOR banking outage has left thousands of customers unable to access their accounts.

TSB customers are reporting difficulties logging into both the mobile banking app and Internet banking services this morning.

1

Those needing to pay their bills or check that their salary has been paid into their bank account have been unable to do so since 7am.

According to DownDetector, over 2,035 users have encountered issues with the bank’s online services, preventing them from accessing their accounts or sending payments.

More than 60% of the reported problems pertain to difficulties with mobile banking, while 29% of users are experiencing trouble accessing Internet banking.

Frustrated TSB customers have taken to social media to express their concerns.

One person posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The mobile banking app is down again.

“I cannot get access to my accounts, and now it’s telling me I have no accounts with you.”

Another customer who can’t login to his mobile app said: “Not the ideal time for it to go down as I need to transfer money over ASAP to make a payment.”

Others have complained that they haven’t been able to check if their salary has dropped into their account.

“Well done, TSB. On my payday of all days when I need to pay all my bills, I can’t,” said one customer.

The outage seems to be impacting the TSB app and internet banking services.

Another frustrated customer said: “Why is the app not showing any accounts? And the website not loading?”

Responding to customer complaints, a TSB customer service operator said: “Hi. We’re aware some customers are experiencing issues with our online services.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience, and we’re working to resolve this as soon as possible.”

A TSB spokesperson told The Sun: “We’re sorry that some of our customers are having issues accessing our services this morning.

“Our teams are working to fix this as quickly as possible.” 

Can I claim compensation for the outage?

Banks don’t have to pay out compensation to customers if there has been a drop in service, unlike how telecoms companies have to.

But if you have incurred costs as a result of service issues, it’s likely you could get your money back.

For example, if a bill payment didn’t go through as a result of an outage and you’ve been charged a fee for missing it, you should be able to claim that money back.

If your credit rating has been affected by a service outage, because you got a late payment fee after being unable to make a transaction, for example, you should also keep a record of this.

If you spoke to anyone to try and resolve the problem, make a note of their name and when you spoke to them, as well as roughly what you discussed and what they advised you to do.

You can find out more details about how to complain on the bank’s website.

It is worth gathering evidence of your problems so you can make a formal complaint to the bank directly.

What happens if my bank refuses to compensate me?

If you’re unhappy with how the bank dealt with your problem, you can contact the free Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

It is an independent body that will consider the evidence you present and make a fair decision about the action a bank should take.

The FOS can usually get involved 15 days after you’ve raised concerns with the bank.

In the case of an IT system outage at a bank, the FOS says any compensation depends on your circumstances and whether you lost out as a result.

If it thinks you did, it has the power to tell the bank to reimburse any fees, charges, or fines you were hit with, for example, if you were unable to make a payment on a credit card bill or to your mortgage provider.

It could also tell a bank to pay you for any money you didn’t receive, such as interest, if you weren’t able to pay money in.

If your credit score was affected, it may tell the bank to correct your credit file.

The FOS might also tell the bank to reimburse you for any extra costs you had to make, such as phone calls or trips to your local branch, as well as a payment for any inconvenience it caused.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

AJ Bell has strengthened its senior leadership team with two appointments as it continue to grow.

Ryan Hughes joins as managing director of AJ Bell Investments, while Stephen Westgate has been hired as group corporate development director.

They will both report to AJ Bell CEO Michael Summersgill.

Hughes was made interim MD late last year and has now been permanently appointed to the role. He will join AJ Bell’s executive committee with immediate effect.

He first joined AJ Bell in 2016 and has played a leading role in the development and growth of its investment proposition.

Westgate’s previous role was at Deutsche Numis where he was managing director, head of financial institutions.

The newly created role of group corporate development director at AJ Bell will see him work closely with Summersgill and the executive committee to drive new strategic initiatives with the focus on continuing the company’s organic growth.

Prior to joining Numis in 2017, Westgate was head of group strategy and treasury at Man Group and has previously held roles at Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse.

Summersgill said: “Ryan and Stephen’s appointments add further depth to our leadership team, bringing new perspectives and thinking to help develop our strategy and identify further organic growth opportunities for the business.”

BRITS could be slapped with a £25 billion tax bill if Labour wants to avoid austerity, leading economists have warned. 

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has claimed the Chancellor will have to dig deep into taxpayers’ pockets if she wants to keep spending promises without cutting public services.

1

In their annual analysis, they argue even changing the debt rules won’t help, leaving the Chancellor facing what could be “the most consequential” Budget since at least 2010.

The new Labour government has already pledged in its manifesto to increase government budgets by £5bn and is spending £9bn to settle disputes with the public sector.

If Labour sticks to the spending plans set by the previous government in 2021, it would see a £17bn surplus.

But those plans are considered wildly unrealistic and would involve real term cuts to unprotected budgets.

With little support for more public spending cuts, the Chancellor could shield budgets from inflation, leaving her with a £1bn surplus.

But if she decides to maintain spending as a share of national income—which accounts for population growth—she’d face a £16bn deficit.

Adding this £16bn shortfall to the already promised £9bn in tax hikes would push the total tax increase to £25bn, driving the tax burden to a generational high.

IFS director Paul Johnson said: “The new Chancellor is committed to increasing investment spending, and to funding public services. To do so, she will need to increase taxes, or borrowing, or both.

“Taxes are at an all-time high, and she is tightly constrained by her pledges not to raise the main rates of income tax or corporation tax, or to increase National Insurance or VAT at all.

“The temptation then is to borrow more, perhaps changing the definition of debt targeted by the fiscal rules.

“But, given her pledge to balance the current budget, that would not free up additional resource for day-to-day spending and in any case is not risk-free given the dual deficits – that is, both budget deficit and current account deficit – being run by the UK.”

A Treasury spokesperson said: “It’s right to say that we have inherited a tough financial position, but we won’t let the challenges of the past define our future.

“Despite uncovering a £22 billion black hole in our public finances we are focused on making this the most pro-growth Treasury in history, built on the rock of economic stability, including robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto. That is how we will fix our public services and deliver on the promise of change.”

A Treasury spokesperson said: “It’s right to say that we have inherited a tough financial position, but we won’t let the challenges of the past define our future.

“Despite uncovering a £22 billion black hole in our public finances we are focused on making this the most pro-growth Treasury in history, built on the rock of economic stability, including robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto. That is how we will fix our public services and deliver on the promise of change.”

A Treasury spokesperson said: “It’s right to say that we have inherited a tough financial position, but we won’t let the challenges of the past define our future.
“Despite uncovering a £22 billion black hole in our public finances we are focused on making this the most pro-growth Treasury in history, built on the rock of economic stability, including robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto. That is how we will fix our public services and deliver on the promise of change.”

A Treasury spokesperson said: “It’s right to say that we have inherited a tough financial position, but we won’t let the challenges of the past define our future.
“Despite uncovering a £22 billion black hole in our public finances we are focused on making this the most pro-growth Treasury in history, built on the rock of economic stability, including robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto. That is how we will fix our public services and deliver on the promise of change.”

A Treasury spokesperson said: “It’s right to say that we have inherited a tough financial position, but we won’t let the challenges of the past define our future.

“Despite uncovering a £22 billion black hole in our public finances we are focused on making this the most pro-growth Treasury in history, built on the rock of economic stability, including robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto. That is how we will fix our public services and deliver on the promise of change.”

MCDONALD’S is launching a new menu just in time for Halloween, which will feature new drinks and a side to rival mozzarella dippers.

The fast-food giant is adding three new items next week, The Sun can reveal, and upgrading a breakfast favourite.

3

3

Advertisement

The new and returning items will be landing on menus across the UK and Ireland from October 16.

Among the range is a Toasted Marshmallow Latte, which will be perfect when the nights draw in and the temperature drops.

The latte costs £2.59 but prices may vary depending on the location.

Fans of the Caramel Latte are sure to love this drink, which is blended with toasted marshmallow flavoured syrup.

It’s topped with whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow flavoured dusting.

Those who don’t like coffee can enjoy the Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, which has the same syrup, whipped cream and dusting.

The Toasted Marshmallow Latte costs £2.59 while the Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate only comes in a large and costs £2.19.

Fans of the limited-edition Mozzarella Dippers are also in for a treat as McDonald’s launches new Cheese Bites.

They come in portions of five for £2.49 or a sharebox of fifteen for £6.79.

Each portion of five Mozzarella and Emmental bites have a smoky caramelised onion flavoured breadcrumb coating.

All Cheese Bites are served with a BBQ Dip.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s popular Hash Browns are getting an upgrade this season.

The fast-food franchise will start selling mini Hash Browns across its restaurants from next week.

Maccies fans can pick up five for £1.49 or a Sharebox of 15 for £2.99.

Many customers have said the breakfast food reminds them of Tater Tots, which are a popular side in America.

One social media user posted: “Looks like Tater Tots to me.”

While another added “Otherwise known as a Tater Tot”.

The Sun exclusively got to try them and said they are better than the original.

What is returning to the McDonald’s menu?

Making its return since its debut last autumn is the Toffee Apple Pie.

The popular crispy pastry will be filled with the same spiced apple compote, toffee sauce and toffee pieces as last year.

3

It will be available for £1.99 at McDonald’s restaurants.

There are also two McFlurrys returning to menus this month.

The fan-favourite Halloween M&M’s McFlurry is back and will be topped with Halloween sugar shapes, Galaxy chocolate sauce and M&M’s.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Caramel McFlurry is also returning and will be swirled with Galaxy Caramel sauce and chocolate pieces.

Both will be available in store for £2.19, or £1.59 for the mini version.

Lovers of the McCrispy will be thrilled to see the McCrispy Deluxe joining menus next week.

The sourdough style bun will contain a 100% chicken breast fillet in a crispy coating and will be topped with hot and spicy mayo, caramelised onion compose, lettuce, bacon, red onions and a cheddar cheese slice.

It will cost £5.99, or £7.79 for the Medium Meal.

Does McDonald’s often change its menu?

It is not uncommon for McDonald’s to make changes to its menu, which is sold across its 1,400 stores.

Just last week the fast-food chain confirmed that it was bringing back the much-loved McRib burger which had not been seen in the UK for almost a decade.

Meanwhile, last month saw the return of McDonald’s popular Monopoly game.

To celebrate the launch it added six new items to its menu, including the never-before-seen Twix Latte.

McDonald’s Monopoly 2024

Everything you need to know…

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

AMAZON shoppers have flocked to grab a huge Nestle chocolate box where bars are less than 30p each.

The 1.36kg selection box was described as a “dream come true” by fans who had rushed to nab the amazing deal.

1

The Nestlé Big Biscuit Box contains a range of “amazing” chocolate biscuits including KitKats, Blue Ribands, and Toffee Crisps.

In light of the major saving, more than 5000 purchases of the product were made in the past month alone.

The selection box normally costs £21.78 but some lucky shoppers managed to secure 36 per cent off the listed price today.

The set was selling for just £13.99, meaning shoppers got the 69 chocolate biscuit bars for around 20p each.

However, following this rapid buying period, the price has already reverted upwards again, and is now at £19.85.

With this new 9% saving, the biscuits work out to a still fantastic 29p per bar.

The KitKats in this selection come in three different flavours: Milk Chocolate, Orange Milk Chocolate, and Dark.

The Nestlé Big Biscuit Box currently has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.

Arthur said: “From the moment I laid eyes on the Nestle KitKat and Friends Big Biscuit Box, I knew I was in for a treat.

“This colossal treasure trove, boasting a staggering 69 chocolate biscuit bars spanning KitKat, Blue Riband, Toffee Crisp, and more, is a dream come true for any chocolate aficionado.

“Weighing in at an impressive 1.357kg, this bulk chocolate box is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in pure joy.”

Brian commented: “I bought the item for myself and to offer to my friends when they came round the selection was excellent the enjoyment it was fantastic I love keeping my chocolate in my fridge as when you eat it it melts slowly and it wasn’t that expensive.”

Stuart posted: “The Nestlé KitKat and Friends Big Biscuit Box is a delightful assortment of some of Nestlé’s most beloved chocolate biscuits.

“Perfect for sharing in the office, at home, or during gatherings, this box offers a variety of flavour’s and textures that cater to different tastes.”

Julie wrote: “The selection was lovely. They all tasted amazing. All very good quality. Good variety. Had to hide them from Grandchildren as wanted to eat them all at once.”

Paddy added: “Loved this mixture of chocolates it’s great value for money and perfect for my morning/afternoon coffee breaks…”

However, one shopper said: “I’ve ordered this many times but was very disappointed with this last box as the contents have changed – had I realised this I would not have ordered them as it’s mainly KitKats now.”

GOOGLE faces being taken apart by the US government in what could be a dramatic break-up of one of the world’s biggest tech firms.

The Department of Justice has said it is considering asking a judge to force Google to sell parts of its empire, such as its Chrome browser or Android operating system.

4

It comes amid increasing scrutiny about the dominance of big tech players and monopoly concerns.

However, Google’s parent company Alphabet has accused regulators of being overly “radical” and suggested a break-up could “risk hurting consumers, businesses and developers”.

The announcement comes after a landmark court ruling in August that found Google’s search engine had been illegally exploiting its dominance to hold back competition and stifle innovation.

The US government said it was now considering suggesting remedies that would “stop Google from using products such as Chrome, Play and Android to advantage Google Search and Google Search-related products”.

In its court papers, federal prosecutors said: “For more than a decade, Google has controlled the most popular distribution channels, leaving rivals with little to no incentive to compete for users.

“Fully remedying these harms requires not only ending Google’s control of distribution today but also ensuring Google cannot control the distribution of tomorrow.”

Shares in Alphabet dipped by 1.81 per cent yesterday after the Department of Justice court papers were filed.

However, the technology super giant is still valued at a whopping $1.99trillion (£1.55trillion).

Daniel Ives, analyst at Wedbush Securities, said an imminent break-up of Google “is unlikely at this point despite the anti-trust swirls”. He said: “Google will battle this in the courts for years.”

Susannah Streeter, head of markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Regulation has been hovering over Alphabet for years, so shareholders have been pretty sanguine after this latest twist in its tussles with lawmakers.

“It’s likely that this latest rigmarole will result in a multi-year period of appeals and will end in a series of concessions rather than a full break-up.”

Reach for the jars

4

4

Advertisement

POSH grocer Waitrose is going head to head with budget chain LIDL in a ’90s pop battle.

It has recruited Reach singers S Club 7 for a campaign to promote its upmarket No1 range.

The social media advert stars Rachel Stevens and her bandmates crooning a remixed version of their 1999 hit You’re My Number One, and serenading Waitrose’s No1 Dulce de Leche caramel cupcake and seeded sourdoughs.

The link-up comes just days after Lidl called on Martine McCutcheon for a camp rendition of Gina G’s 1996 Ooh Ahh song, with the chorus changed to “Just a Lidl bit” for its latest campaign.

Sainsbury’s boss in tax plea

4

THE boss of Sainsbury’s has argued that extra business costs from the radical reform of workers’ rights need to be balanced with an overhaul of the business rates burden.

The Government will today unveil its Employment Rights Bill which introduces a universal statutory probation period, makes flexible working a default and gives regular workers on zero hours the right to a guaranteed contract.

Simon Roberts, chief executive of the UK’s second biggest supermarket, told The Sun: “We need a fairer system of business taxation and that requires fundamental reform of business rates.

“We will have to wait for the Budget for those details.”

Mr Roberts said he broadly welcomed Labour’s plans to “Make Work Pay” and highlighted the leaning towards a nine-month probationary period as evidence the Government had consulted with businesses.

He agreed two years was too long for workers to wait for rights but said probationary periods were critical for both companies and workers when accepting new jobs to ensure they were the right fit.

Businesses had met with No10 to express concerns that Day One rights could make it harder to hire people or lead to smaller workforces.

Mr Roberts, who started out on the shop floor aged 16, said any extra investment would require firms to “be more efficient and boost productivity”.

Sainsbury’s is one of the biggest UK private employers with 148,000 workers. It has taken on 20,000 extra seasonal staff.

THE housing market is continuing to improve with demand, sales and new listings all growing last month, said the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

A balance of 16% of professionals reported prices increasing, up from a flat 0% in August.