What the Sunday Papers said...

The Independent on Sunday: British Gas owner set to stoke profits anger

The backlash against the "big six" energy providers will intensify this week when British Gas owner Centrica announces a profit leap for 2011 in the face of growing fuel poverty and high utility bills. Centrica is expected to unveil a group operating profit of about £2.5bn for the year on Thursday, up four per cent on 2010, according to consensus analyst estimates.

The Sunday Times: £4bn losses for bailed-out banks Lloyds and RBS

Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland, the banks bailed out by the government at the height of the financial crisis, will this week reveal combined losses of at least £4bn.

The deficit will revive fears taxpayers will have to wait several years before recouping their £66bn investment. Britain's economic slump and the eurozone debt crisis have hammered both banks and killed off hopes of a speedy return to the private sector.

The Mail on Sunday: Bookies raise the stakes with punt on loyalty cards

Bookmakers are planning loyalty card schemes in a move condemned as "reprehensible" amid fears they could encourage problem gambling. Schemes include the expansion of Ladbrokes "Odds On" card from over-the-counter bets to fixed-odds betting terminals.

The Sunday Telegraph: HSBC set to snub £20bn government aid plan

HSBC is considering walking away from George Osborne's plans to inject £20bn into the UK economy in what could prove to be a major blow to the Chancellor's hopes of reviving growth. The bank is understood to feel that the Chancellor's loan guarantee scheme – which will see the Government loan money to UK banks to lend on to small and medium-sized companies – is not workable as it would be too expensive under the structure being discussed.