Cashpoints: Mortgage lending down by 9% in a year

This week's top stories • Mortgage lending slumped to its lowest October level for a decade as activity in the housing market remained subdued, figures showed today. A total of £12.4bn was lent during the month, unchanged from September but 9% lower than in October last year, the Council of Mortgage Lenders said. • Major flooding across Cornwall last night led to people being trapped in their cars and homes and left areas of St Austell and St Blazey impassable. While it is too early to estimate the cost to homeowners, the average cost of a household insurance claim for storm damage is £660 , according to M&S Money. • Tesco Clubcard loyalty scheme customers who have been saving up their Clubcard vouchers to exchange at four times their value for reward deals ranging from holidays and days out to cinema, DVD rental and restaurant tokens need to get their skates on . • Do you have any feedback on any of these issues that you want to get off your chest? Email us at [email protected] Feature Q&A: What if I've got money in an Irish bank? Should you be worried if you have savings tied up in an Irish bank, or one of its UK divisions? Millions of UK savers and borrowers will be worrying about the cash they have deposited or withdrawn from Irish banks such as Bank of Ireland, Anglo Irish Bank or Allied Irish Bank if those institutions are allowed to go bust and government-backed protection schemes have insufficient funds to compensate them. Read the article in full here Ask the experts: Homebuying Question of the week: "Our neighbours insured against 'chancel repair liability', but surely residents shouldn't have to pay for a local church's upkeep? I have also seen a company offering chancel liability insurance. Is this legitimate or are they trying to make a fast buck?" Our homebuying expert Virginia Wallis says: "It's all true. In some areas, under the Chancel Repairs Act 1932, a parochial church council (PCC) has the power to make parishioners pay for the cost of repairs to the church chancel …" Read the answer in full here • Any questions? Email our panel of experts on financial concerns, consumer gripes, legal wrangles, debt worries and career-related problems at [email protected] Tools Compare broadband deals Search online or call for advice on the best broadband internet package for your needs