ON TWITTER

#RATESRISE

Interest rates rise by 0.25 per cent to 0.75 per cent – the highest level in almost a decade. Bank of England governor Mark Carney said it was in no hurry to raise rates further as Brexit approaches with its terms still unclear.

@bankofengland tweeted: “MPC voted unanimously to raise #Bankrate to 0.75 per cent”

@mikejakeman wrote: “Risk of failing to act (weaker pound, loss of credibility) probably greater than risk of hiking for Bank of England. Surge in fixed-rate mortgages means relatively few households affected.”

@npg195 wrote: “Took my bank just 2 hours to notify me that a rise to my mortgage payment is coming, although it will be 2030 before savings rates improve. Heads they win, tails we lose.”

When asked if rates would continue to rise

@Macleodfinance replied: “Ah, wouldn’t we all like to know the future! I can only guess rates will rise until a global credit crisis overwhelms us. Best guess is within twelve months. Possibly by end-2018 if we are really unlucky.”

@Barringtonphoto tweeted @Asknationwide saying: “You guys don’t hang about do you? Within minutes of today’s interest rate rise, you’re texting me to tell me my mortgage rate will be rising ASAP. No chance of you doing the same with savings rates though, eh?”

#BUSPASS

All over-60s will continue to enjoy free bus travel in Scotland, allaying fears the perk could be removed, transport secretary Michael Matheson announced today.

@thesnp wrote: “Confirmed: free bus pass to remain available to everyone in Scotland aged over 60 and extended to companions of eligible disabled children aged under 5.”

@29xthefun wrote: “Old guy worked since 16, two pensions, owns own home and has saving = free bus pass. 16 year old working for £3.70ph pays travel, rent, bills no savings or other income = hee haw bus pass.”

@tweedsideladdie posted: “Excellent news that qualifying age for free bus pass will remain at 60 – something @agescotland has fought for. However, 2/3 of older Scots in remote rural areas don’t or can’t use a free bus pass, often because there are no buses! We need to extend the scheme to community transport.”