Unable to check for available downloads

I have been suffering from the following error which only started today both on my mac and ipad. I can log into other iTunes account from my Mac no problem, and I can log into my account and purchase items just not download them.

This is the error I am getting:

Unable to check for available downloads

The iTunes Store is temporarily unavailable, Please try again later.

I have flished the cache, de-authorised and re-authroised the account. I have checked the account details no issues there...

anyone with the same issue?