"Lloyds has made a huge additional provision and yet it is not showing any interest in dealing with the very valid claims it is receiving, " said the company's managing director, Craig Lowther.

BBC: Lloyds Banking Group raises PPI bill by a further ?1bn

The provision of additional arms and intelligence is also likely in the near term, he says.

CNN: What does Iran get for supporting al-Assad?

However it praised school improvement services in local authorities and the provision for children with additional learning needs.

BBC: 'Brightest and deprived lose out'