The taxpayer could lose about £2bn once the assets of collapsed bank Northern Rock are wound down, the National Audit Office estimates.

Private rents in England and Wales went up by 0.5% in April, according to letting agency group LSL Property Services.

Asking taxpayers and child benefit recipients to reveal information to their partners is legal, HM Revenue & Customs says, despite claims it breaks confidentiality rules.

The US says it will impose import tariffs of about 30% on Chinese solar companies, saying China is flooding it with subsidised products.

The UK agrees a £50m trade deal to sell British pork to China, the world's biggest market for pig meat.

Pubs group Mitchells & Butlers reports a sharp slowdown in sales, saying the recent wet weather has led to fewer customers.

Facebook shares will start trading later in one of the largest and most high profile share flotations of recent years.

The EU Commission and European Central Bank are making contingency plans for a possible Greek exit from the euro, an EU commissioner says.