Compare prices and star ratings. How much could you save? Citizens Advice has released an online price comparison tool allows customers to compare energy suppliers. It uses a 1 to 5 star rating system with stars awarded on a combination of factors: Complaints – how well they handle customer complaints Ease of switching – how many switches they carried out successfully in 21 days […]
Early election debate. A proposal to cap the energy bills of households on standard variable tariffs has caused an early campaign kerfuffle. Last year the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said customers were being overcharged by an astonishing £1.4 billion a year. The current debate is about whether a cap on prices would be counter-productive. The CMA, the industry and some consumer groups think it would stop […]
On ballot papers for Westminster Election 2017. During the election campaign Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead will highlight policy issues that matter to the people we help and the whole community. Our national Citizens Advice policy team has listed 3 areas for discussion and questions to candidates: helping consumers get a better deal increased job security delivering welfare reform. Under the […]
Community Event Saturday 29 April. Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is again delighted to be taking part in the Banstead May Fayre. The event has been organised by the Banstead Village May Queen Group since 1985. Our volunteer events organiser Helen said: “The May Fayre is a great opportunity for us to tell residents about the work we do on behalf of the community. “Every year […]
Generous grant secures older persons service. We’re very pleased to announce that Horley residents will continue to benefit from their Older Persons Advice Service. Operated by Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead since 2015, the service has been secured by a generous grant from the Gatwick Foundation Fund through the Community Foundation for Surrey. Elaine Parr, Citizens Advice District Manager, […]
Broadband customers pay for not shopping around. Citizens Advice today shows that customers of the top 5 broadband providers are charged on average £113 a year more than new customers if they stay on when their initial contract finishes. Other key findings are that it’s hard for customers to find out what they’re being charged; and vulnerable customers including older people […]
HMRC employment check. HMRC has published an online self-assessment tool (questionnaire) that allows anyone to check their employment status for tax purposes. It coincides with an important change in the rules affecting self-employed people who work in public sector organisations using a personal service contract. From this month the organisation, not as previously the worker, will decide the worker’s status – […]
East Surrey people WILL have CA support at court. Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead will still be able to support local residents facing legal action following closure of Reigate and Redhill courts. The service will be funded by the Access to Justice Foundation. The foundation responded to a plea from Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead after hearing that […]
HMRC withdraws demand. A client with mental health problems will not have to pay back more than £2400 in overpaid tax credits received during tax year 2015-16. HMRC made its decision last month following the direct involvement of Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead on her behalf. The debt came about after a change in income […]