David Mitchell hasn’t got it. “Everyone should shop around for gas and electricity.” At the last count to the frustration of the government, Ofgem, the industry, most consumer groups and high-profile advocates 66% of us hadn’t got the message. Comedian and writer David Mitchell is one. In today’s Observer newspaper he brings his familiar style to the awkward question that apparently […]
Ofgem’s new data. The energy regulator today launched a fresh attempt to improve the transparency of gas and electricity prices and persuade more customers to switch suppliers. Ofgem issued information about the Standard Variable Tariffs of the biggest companies and the customers who pay those tariffs. For each company they show: the number of its customers paying SVTs; the proportion of customers on SVTs; and data about average prices and potential […]
Government to review participation gap. The Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) is planning to look at how government pensions policy affects self-employed people. In an upbeat press release – Review of automatic enrolment to build on success (12/12/16) – they say they will “consider how the growing numbers of self-employed people can be helped to save for their retirement”. […]
Problems multiply. No week in 2016 has been without a worrying new story about social care. In recent days, doubts have even been raised about the sector’s viability. Providers point to a funding crisis caused by lower local government budgets and a higher minimum wage. Today, the BBC reports ministers considering a council tax rise to help solve the problem. Citizens Advice […]
You might want to ignore HMRC but they won’t ignore you. A Director received an enquiry from HMRC about income from work done by his business a few years before. He ignored the enquiry but later received a tax demand based on estimated receipts. He challenged the estimate but then was sent a request to […]
“But I feel I was left out to dry.” I was on Job Seekers, but finding it difficult to get a job possibly because I am dyslexic and have problems reading, writing and doing paperwork. I am also no use with computers. It was about two years ago when we discussed my difficulties at Job […]
Longer-term solution needed. Good news. One by one the Big Six energy suppliers are announcing a freeze on standard tariffs until Spring next year. Citizens Advice says savings made when wholesale prices were lower are being used to help customers – it’s now time for firms who haven’t announced to make their intentions clear*. Gillian Guy, national chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “A […]
Stage 1 – Thinking Ahead. There’s so much online about the requirements and responsibilities of being self-employed it’s hard to know where to start. One option is the Citizens Advice Check List. It spells out the different forms of self-employment. It covers the requirements and responsibilities to do with tax, insurance, health and safety etc. And it links to other […]
Know your rights and persist. That’s the message to shoppers stuck with faulty electrical and other home appliances at the start of National Consumer Week. Citizens Advice is releasing new research showing 2 in 3 people had a problem with faulty electrical goods in the last 2 years and many retailers refused to give them redress. National Consumer Week is a […]
It’s National Consumer Week 2016. Be Switched On to your rights with faulty or unsafe electrical goods. Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is promoting the latest ‘know-your-rights’ campaign in partnership with colleagues across the country, Chartered Institute of Trading Standards and the Consumer Protection Partnership. We want consumers to be #SwitchedOn and know how to ask for a […]