Ed Balls refuses any role in currency union with an independent Scotland

Ed Balls has hinted that if he were chancellor in a future Labour government he would resign if talks began on currency union with an independent Scotland.

Lending to small businesses receives boost

New "challenger" banks will find it easier to check the credit-worthiness of potential business customers under new proposals published by the government , which it hopes will lead to an increase in lending to businesses in deprived areas.