Analysts predict cuts to come later in the year, but say the Bank rate is likely to remain at 4.25% for now.

The criteria has changed so 2.7m more people will get the money automatically knocked off their bills.

Thousands of households will now not face disruption to hot water and heating, the government says

Nippon agreed to give a "golden share" to the US government to win approval of the takeover.

The US central bank leaves its key interest rate unchanged at 4.3%, as its view of the economy darkens.