The Deputy Prime Minister spurned the chance to hear the Chancellor's statement in person and instead headed to Cornwall to announce funding for coastal defences.

Critics argue these initiatives would not be necessary if the banks were doing their job instead of persisting in their reluctance to lend to small companies.

Geoff Parkes, teaching fellow at Aston Business School in Birmingham, said: ‘Thus far, the scheme has accounted for less than two per cent of all lending to small firms.’

George Osborne says household energy bills will fall by an average of £30 by 2017 as a result of reducing green levies, as outlined in his Autumn Statement this afternoon.

To raise £18billion in spending cuts over the five years, George Osborne slashed departments by up to 37 per cent but the NHS, defence and international development are the big winners.

The Autumn Statement contained some good news for entrepreneurs as George Osborne pledged to carry on exempting micro companies from paying business rates.

Defying Brexit doomsayers, the deficit came in at £4.3billion in October - below the £6billion expected. The figures emerged on the eve of Philip Hammond's Autumn Statement.

The Flat Rate Scheme for VAT, designed to cut bills and red tape for small firms, is being overhauled in a measure the Chancellor said would stem abuse of the scheme.

Wigan unveiled their gigantic pie mascot on Friday with fans hoping that the savoury snack (contents unknown) can inspire the Latics to Premier League glory next season.

The Championship trio are all keen to prise the versatile Windass, 26, who can play in midfield or up front, away from Wigan before the transfer window closes next Friday.

According to a damning 75-page report by the Civil Aviation Authority, there are expensive hidden catches everywhere.

Avios points are effectively the currency of British Airways. You can accumulate them with your everyday spending, and exchange them for first class flights. But how much are they worth?

Flight prices for Antigua and Brazil have seen some of the largest falls this summer, a new report has revealed - while Kiev has also seen a fall, and a boom in interest, thanks to 'dark tourism.'

This week, the pound has taken a tumble, leaving it at a 28 month low against the dollar while it has also dipped significantly against the euro.

All inclusive holidays are becoming increasingly popular with a 28 per cent increase of families searching for the packages this year compared to last year, new data has revealed.

Many families travelling abroad this half term will have fallen into a common currency trap that costs British holidaymakers a fortune every day.

Travellers could find themselves a European bargain in Shannon, Frankfurt and Malaga among other locations, according to data from Skyscanner.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised Britons against all but essential travel to mainland China. The new coronavirus has hit Hubei Province in central China hardest.

Mandy Pollard, from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, first noticed the mark on the tip of her nose two years ago. She only decided to seek medical advice when it became bigger.

MIKE DICKSON IN MELBOURNE: The 23 year-old at least offered some defiance before she was beaten 6-2 6-4 by Wimbledon champion Simona Halep on a blustery Rod Laver Arena

During his second round win at the Australian Open, Nadal hit a forehand return down the line straight into the head of the ballgirl, standing by the umpire's chair, and apologised with a kiss on the cheek.

The world number one had a scary moment during his round two victory over Argentina's Federico Delbonis in the second round.

The world number one was up against Argentina's Federico Delbonis at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday when he hit 13-year-old Anita in the face during the third set.

Anita copped the blow to her face in the third set as the Spanish tennis star took on Argentina's Federico Delbonis at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday.

Allison Langdon recently made a successful return to the Today show opposite Karl Stefanovic. 

Australian legend Court - a devout Christian - has caused controversy for saying she doesn't believe gay people should be allowed to marry because the Bible does not condone it.

Australian tennis great Margaret Court was honoured on the 50th Anniversary of her 1070- Grand Slam but she was met with some boos, rainbow flags and wasn't allowed to speak.

World No.1 Rafael Nadal jovially called out veteran tennis reporter Ubaldo Scanagatta, 70, during the post-match presser when he accidentally dozed off.

Roger Federer's opponent Tennys Sandgren needed medical attention when a ballkid collided with him during a crucial stage of their quarterfinal showdown at the Australian Open.

The former world number one said he's been supporting Kyrgios from the sidelines since he was an up-and-coming teenager.

Tennis player Caroline Wozniacki and husband David Lee stepped out in style for an event this week.

Kia ball kid Charlie Brady, who has been on the court during the Australian Open in Melbourne, said he has had tennis players yell at him, and said some of them can often be 'disrespectful'.

Australian actress Rebel Wilson has spoken out about her experiences with sexual harassment when working in Hollywood.

The Serb was just 16 years old when Federer claimed his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003 but now is on the verge of moving to within three Slam triumphs of the Swiss.

The world number two appeared to be frustrated about the overwhelming crowd support for Austrian opponent Dominic Thiem in the opening stages of the final on Rod Laver Arena.

Drones are being put forward as a 'quick, fast, efficient and safe' way to sanitise Australia's public places, and could even be used to enforce social distancing and self-isolation directives.

With the wonderful Brazilian World Cup coming to its climax this weekend, Sportsmail's nostalgic picture series Golden Years remembers all 19 finals played so far in tournament history.

Jose Mourinho believes Lionel Messi is not the greatest player of all time, and not even a man-of-the-match performance in the World Cup final will change that.

Heine Allemagne, 43, the man man who invented the magic vanishing spray adopted for use in Brazil, us set to reap the financial rewards after years in poverty and facing bankruptcy.

MATCH ZONE: Huge roars greeted the Germans, with 'Oles' roaring around the stadium for any sustained passing sequence by Joachim Low's side.

NEIL ASHTON AT THE MARACANA: Germany have been regarded as the best prepared team at the tournament for some time: Best players, best training ground, best coach, best everything.

MARK WEBSTER: Mike Ingham, a familiar voice on BBC Radio 5 Live for three decades, delivered his last commentary as Germany beat Argentina to win the World Cup on Sunday night. As ever, he found the right words for the occasion.

Fred has retired from international football at the age of 30 after Brazil's disappointing World Cup campaign came to an end. He scored 18 goals in 39 games.

Diego Maradona took a swipe at Lionel Messi the day after his World Cup heartache by insisting the heir to his throne didn't deserve to win the Golden Ball award.

Lionel Messi's crowning as the World Cup's outstanding player shocked some prominent figures, but without his individual brilliance Argentina's goals dried up.

BRIAN BARWICK: This has been a hugely enjoyable World Cup for viewers and one that England’s early exit failed to diminish.

SPONSORED: Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez have lit up the summer with their silky skills and fabulous flair... but back home these football freestylers have impressed on a special pitch in east London.

I have multiple pension pots. I am 52 and plan to retire at 55, in summer 2022. I am in receipt of a Royal Air Force pension and along with that I have four other pensions.

If she takes the £10k pot she is liable for tax. This seems very unfair as every other year before this and after she will earn a lot under the limit. Can't she share the excess over several tax years?

I am 51 now and would like to retire at 60. I realise I need to be looking long term, but at the moment I just see thousands slipping away. Is there anything I can do to protect my pension pot?