Loose Change

HALIFAX IS reducing its rates on personal loans for existing customers. The discounts are based on a percentage for each additional "relationship" a customer has with the Halifax. For example, a pounds 10,000 loan is available at up to 10.9 per cent. Call 0800 184184.

BERKELEY ALEXANDER is launching a mortgage protection insurance policy charging from pounds 2.25 per pounds 100 of monthly benefit for people who become unemployed, subject to a 90-day excess. Benefits are paid for 12 months. Call 01273 477784 for details.

BUPA IS launching a new hospital cash plan, which offers a range of benefits depending on premiums paid. For pounds 1.55, an individual is covered for up to pounds 55 a year of dental care, pounds 47 a year of optical care, pounds 122.50 a week as a hospital in-patient and pounds 17.50 per admission for hospital day surgery. Call 0171 6562086 for details.

FLEMING INVESTMENT Trust management is waiving its 1.5 per cent initial charge for all investors subscribing to one of its PEPs. Call 0500 500161.