Gas and electricity provider Centrica said it put in a resilient performance in challenging conditions in 2011.
Revenue edged up to £22.8bn from £22.4bn in 2010, ahead of market expectations of £21.9bn. The British Gas owner, which has been buying up its own energy producing assets of late to ensure a source of supply, saw underlying profit before tax of £2.06bn, versus expectations of £2.17bn. Exceptional items, however, put a £794m dent in those profits, reducing them to £1.27bn, down from 2010's £2.81bn; the 2010 figures benefited from exceptional credits of £880m.
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Steve Webb: The triple lock is there to do a job. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed of itThe triple lock means 13 million pensioners will now get an above-inflation state pension boost in April. While the rising cost of the policy has stirred controversy, Steve Webb, who served as pensions minister when it was introduced, argues the triple lock is vital and should stay. Webb speaks to Kalpana Fitzpatrick on the new episode of MoneyWeek Talks – out now.
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How retirement pots risk running out 11 years early if inflation remains highPension savers could find their retirement income may not last as long as they anticipated over fears that inflation may not slow down
