http://www.brancab.org.uk News from BRANCAB Tue, 05 Feb 2019 09:28:20 GMT ListGarden Program 1.3.1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss https://tinyurl.com/y72w26tj "Bailiffs are breaking rules designed to protect those who’re struggling and this causes stress, anxiety and further financial harm." - Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice. Tue, 05 Feb 2019 09:28:18 GMT https://press.which.co.uk/whichpressreleases/consumer-enforcement-system-on-verge-of-collapse-which-warns/ The UK could be left exposed to increasing levels of food poisoning, scams and potentially even deaths caused by unsafe products unless the broken consumer enforcement system is radically overhauled, according to a new report from Which?. Mon, 04 Feb 2019 09:07:55 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47092066 Two energy suppliers which have been handed the domestic customers of collapsed firms are themselves under investigation by the regulator Ofgem. Mon, 04 Feb 2019 09:10:53 GMT https://www.itv.com/news/2019-02-02/call-to-stamp-out-social-media-accounts-of-those-profiting-from-fad-diet-ads/ Celebrities and influencers cashing in by peddling fad diets and supplements to young people on social media should have their accounts “stamped out”, one of the country’s leading doctors has suggested. Mon, 04 Feb 2019 09:09:27 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/feb/03/nhs-prescriptions-free-fraud-penalty-charge Calls are mounting for an overhaul of the system that exempts some from paying Mon, 04 Feb 2019 09:07:00 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-47091015 The television licence fee is going up from £150.50 to £154.50 on 1 April 2019, the government has announced. Fri, 01 Feb 2019 12:27:05 GMT https://www.publictechnology.net/articles/news/mps-make-urgent-call-social-media-regulator The government should establish an independent regulator for social media and other internet firms as a matter of urgency, a select committee has found. Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:48:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/31/money-saving-expert-how-martin-lewis-became-most-trusted-man-in-britain-consumer-finance-advice He has built a multimillion pound empire, and is driven to help people attain ‘financial justice’. But in an age of predatory capitalism and rampant inequality, can one man’s modest suggestions really make much difference? Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:47:54 GMT https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-financial-complaints/payday-lending-complaints-surge-in-britain-watchdog-idUKKCN1PG1MG?rpc=401& Complaints about payday lenders in Britain have rocketed as concerns about the solvency of firms and lax lending practices in the sector persist, a UK financial watchdog said on Tuesday. Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:43:32 GMT https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/01/one-in-six-overpay-hmrc-due-to-tax-return-errors/ Which? finds one in six people believe they have overpaid their tax bill after making a mistake in their forms to HMRC. Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:42:26 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46889433 The UK inflation rate fell to 2.1% in December, from 2.3% the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Wed, 16 Jan 2019 09:51:46 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46864604 Lloyds Banking Group has been criticised for introducing new overdraft charges on Monday ahead of a proposed crackdown later this year. Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:30:56 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/14/sse-bulb-energy-firms-low-prices-uk Challenger companies’ low prices are unsustainable, says UK’s second-biggest supplier Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:25:40 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46858935 A woman who built up debts of £70,000 by betting online is calling for more support for female gambling addicts. Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:55:23 GMT https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/01/5-budgeting-apps-to-help-you-save-money-in-2019/ Today (13 January) marks the one year anniversary of Open Banking, an initiative introduced to help make managing our financial lives easier. But how much have things changed? Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:56:41 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/12/probate-best-way-to-deal-with-will-and-estate When a family member or friend dies, first comes the shock, then the grief – and finally an awful lot of paperwork.... Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:58:16 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jan/12/how-to-organise-a-funeral-without-paying-unnecessary-costs January is a cruel month. More people will die this week than any other week of the year, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics for England and Wales. On average, there are 40% more deaths recorded in the second week of January than during the rest of the year. Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:33:16 GMT https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/01/13/the-uk-ad-watchdog-has-warned-hundreds-influencers-over-opaque-brand-deals The UK advertising watchdog has cautioned "between 200 and 300" social media influencers for breaking strict rules around paid for posts on the likes of Instagram over the past few years. Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:31:45 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/14/three-mobile-contract-default I can’t get a house or a mobile phone contract, and it might stop my partner getting a job Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:30:27 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/13/ebay-sellers-scams-buyer-protection Vishal Vora used eBay to auction a baby bouncer. He washed it, listed it as used and accepted an offer of £56 plus £5 postage but the buyer complained that it was “literally covered in faeces” and demanded a £20 reduction in the price.... Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:29:35 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46834533 Four working single mothers have won a High Court challenge over the government's universal credit scheme. Fri, 11 Jan 2019 13:31:12 GMT https://tinyurl.com/ycmuum76 Citizens Advice has commented on proposed changes to be made to Universal Credit, which have been announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd MP. Fri, 11 Jan 2019 10:36:01 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/10/big-rise-in-uk-energy-bills-likely-this-spring-despite-price-cap Millions of consumers face a big rise in their energy bills from April when an increase in the new price cap is likely to take effect, the energy regulator has warned. Fri, 11 Jan 2019 09:16:47 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46827301 About 15,000 families no longer face having their benefits capped after the government performed another U-turn over its flagship universal credit. Fri, 11 Jan 2019 09:13:35 GMT https://press.which.co.uk/whichpressreleases/sky-high-longstanding-tv-broadband-customers-at-risk-of-being-penalised-by-almost-700/ Customers who sign up for combined broadband and TV packages are being hit with loyalty penalties of up to £690 a year, according to new research from Which?. Fri, 11 Jan 2019 09:15:16 GMT https://www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2019-01-09/scam-watch-tv-licence-phishing-scam-leaves-victims-200000-out-pocket Fraudsters are sending out fake TV Licensing emails to steal personal and financial information in order to trick people into parting with their cash. Wed, 09 Jan 2019 12:22:38 GMT https://tinyurl.com/ycge2ku3 Bailiffs are not being held to account when they break the rules because the complaints system is complicated and intimidating, according to new research from Citizens Advice. Wed, 09 Jan 2019 09:27:29 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46797396 You can’t repair it and can’t find anyone else to at a decent price, so it joins the global mountain of junk. So what next? Wed, 09 Jan 2019 09:21:08 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46806943 Energy regulator Ofgem is to tighten up the rules for new suppliers of gas and electricity after nine new entrants ceased trading. Wed, 09 Jan 2019 09:28:39 GMT https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/economy-energy-gone-what-means-13828673 Last week it was banned from raising prices, this week Economy Energy has ceased trading. The protection you have if something goes wrong Tue, 08 Jan 2019 13:58:53 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46780279 Household debt in the UK has hit a fresh high, totalling £428bn, according to an analysis by the TUC. Mon, 07 Jan 2019 11:29:38 GMT https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-funerals/british-funeral-industry-faces-investigation-into-exploitative-prices-idUKKCN1NY0PA?rpc=401& Phishing email contains slip-up spotted by eagle-eyed recipient Mon, 07 Jan 2019 11:01:20 GMT https://www.creditstrategy.co.uk/news/energy-price-cap-comes-into-force-5464 The energy price cap imposed on by regulator Ofgem has come into force from January 1, 2019, although consumer groups warn better deals can still be gained by shopping around. Wed, 02 Jan 2019 12:45:59 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-46578246/universal-credit-claimant-fears-spending-christmas-without-money Erin Barrett said her experience of universal credit had left her at times unable to afford food. Thu, 20 Dec 2018 09:51:39 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-46628247/universal-credit-is-the-government-s-benefit-system-working Government changes to benefits keep making the headlines, but are they proving a help or a hindrance? Thu, 20 Dec 2018 09:45:18 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-46627877/struggling-with-universal-credit-in-hartlepool Universal credit was designed to simplify the benefits system, but its introduction has seen some people worse off, and some have had difficulty claiming their money. Thu, 20 Dec 2018 09:44:18 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46607795 Emergency pods could be a useful tool to help people sleeping rough, a homeless charity has said. Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:56:41 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46596154 The UK risks "sleepwalking" into becoming a cashless society with millions of people disadvantaged as a result, a study has concluded. Banknotes and coins are a necessity for eight million people, according to the Access to Cash study. Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:34:52 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46596162 Loyalty with insurers may count for nothing. One man had been a home and contents insurance customer with the same provider for 20 years, eventually paying £2,000 a year. When he shopped around, he was quoted a price of £469 from another provider. Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:30:39 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/dec/18/banks-fees-unarranged-overdrafts-fca FCA says banks make £2.4bn a year from overdrafts and market is ‘dysfunctional’ Tue, 18 Dec 2018 09:56:15 GMT https://www.insuranceage.co.uk/regulation/3751161/fca-publishes-new-cmc-rules The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new rules that will apply to all claims management companies (CMCs) from April 2019. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 09:54:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/dec/18/energy-bills-ofgem-national-grid The energy regulator has provided some relief from rising energy costs by announcing measures that will reduce bills by about £45 a year from 2021. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 09:55:32 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46586623 Under new legislation to be introduced on Monday, staff would have to be told details of their rights from their first day in a job, including eligibility for paid and sick leave. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 09:50:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/dec/16/uk-householders-pick-up-bill-for-bust-energy-firms British households face an £80m bill to cover the costs of transferring more than half a million customers from bust energy firms, raising questions over whether the regulatory regime is fit for purpose. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 09:52:11 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/dec/15/royal-mail-queues-lengthen-as-depots-close-across-uk If you face a long wait in the queue at your local parcels office to pick up a missed Christmas delivery this weekend, spare a thought for those living in one part of south-east London who say they have endured months of postal woes after Royal Mail closed their depot. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 09:50:59 GMT https://www.databreachtoday.com/gdpr-8000-data-breach-reports-filed-so-far-in-uk-a-11828 The U.K.'s privacy watchdog says that six months after enforcement of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation began, it's seen a dramatic increase in the number of data breach reports Tue, 11 Dec 2018 10:23:07 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46512030 Barclays has become the first High Street bank to allow its customers to "switch off" certain types of spending on their debit cards. The idea is to help vulnerable customers, particularly problem gamblers, or those in serious debt. Tue, 11 Dec 2018 09:35:16 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46357169 Cuts to legal aid have created "deserts" of provision across England and Wales, a BBC investigation found. Mon, 10 Dec 2018 06:39:49 GMT https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/stayed-home-insurer-21-years-premium-increased-300pc/ A service that automatically switches suppliers and a cap on charges for long-standing customers should be central to the competition watchdog’s investigation into the so-called “loyalty penalty”, urges Citizens Advice. Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:53:08 GMT https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/oneselect-comes-last-in-citizens-advice-energy-star-rating/?utm_source=Citizens+Advice+Press+Release&utm_campaign=b7cba0d69a-Citizens_Advice_Press_release4_30_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_108f914b6f-b7cba0d69a-283872345&mc_cid=b7cba0d69a&mc_eid=56783d925f OneSelect has come bottom in the latest Citizens Advice’s star rating, which ranks the customer service levels of energy suppliers. Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:56:29 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-46469848 Grandparents should be brought back into children's lives to help tackle a surge in youth anxiety and mental ill health, says Dame Esther Rantzen. Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:44:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/dec/07/easirent-insurance-mileage-excess A regular customer with Easirent paid £119.54 to hire a car from Manchester airport but was told that excess insurance was needed costing £231. Fri, 07 Dec 2018 09:28:14 GMT https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/ Citizens Advice responds to the new Money Advice Service guidance for a more progressive approach to the recovery of Council Tax. Fri, 07 Dec 2018 09:38:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/dec/03/christmas-shoppers-warned-over-rise-in-fake-goods-counterfeits According to KPMG, over the past two years, 39 cases involving a total of £116m of counterfeit and pirated goods – which can range from hair straighteners and perfume to ebooks – have been prosecuted in the UK. Mon, 03 Dec 2018 10:01:42 GMT https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/andrew-castle/government-profiting-from-death/ Andrew Castle questions whether there's any justification for rising funeral costs after the competition watchdog found prices have risen above inflation for more than 10 years. Mon, 03 Dec 2018 10:02:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/dec/01/uk-shoppers-face-most-expensive-christmas-dinner-in-a-decade Shoppers who scour the high street for the best possible deals will still face the most expensive Christmas dinner in a decade. Mon, 03 Dec 2018 10:03:48 GMT https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6433733/Google-TRACKS-users-IGNORES-privacy-settings-say-consumer-groups.html Google is being accused of tracking user locations by seven consumer groups from different countries who have filed complaints with their national watchdogs. Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:06:01 GMT https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/11/27/overconfident-bank-bosses-have-heads-sand-city-watchdog-says/ Banking chiefs are overconfident and oblivious to the risks posed by major tech projects, the City watchdog has said, as it revealed that IT failures across financial institutions have more than doubled in the past year. Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:07:04 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46364679 Leading restaurant and coffee shop chains are giving out incorrect allergy advice, BBC Watchdog Live has found. Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:04:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/nov/28/watchdog-hangs-up-on-excessive-directory-enquiry-charges Ofcom to cap 118 call charges, saying two-thirds of users unaware they can cost £20 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:03:39 GMT https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/network-charging-review-should-bring-more-level-playing-field-says-citizens-advice/ “Today’s announcement should result in a more level playing field when it comes to electricity network charges. Large industry will pay a fairer share, while most people should ultimately benefit from lower costs." - Gillian Cooper. Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:02:36 GMT https://www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2018-11-23/uk-state-pension-should-be-means-tested-says-international-monetary-fund Such a move, it is claimed, would make the system fairer and more affordable, with the IMF noting that means-testing would ‘improve sustainability’ and ‘safeguard the most vulnerable’. Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:31:04 GMT https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/not-simply-a-case-of-a-couple-of-bailiffs-flouting-the-rules-citizens-advice-responds-to-mojs-crackdown-on-rogue-bailiffs/?utm_source=Citizens+Advice+Press+Release&utm_campaign=7be6868bb9-Citizens_Advice_Press_release4_30_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_108f914b6f-7be6868bb9-283872345&mc_cid=7be6868bb9&mc_eid=56783d925f Citizens Advice has seen a 24% rise in bailiff problems and has responded to the Review of enforcement agent (bailiff) reforms: call for evidence launched by the Ministry of Justice today. Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:27:01 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/nov/25/homeowners-trapped-solar-panels The profiteering startups have all but disappeared, but their legacy will blight the lives of homeowners and unwitting buyers for two more decades. Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:29:39 GMT https://www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2018-11-22/tighter-licensing-rules-energy-firms-extra-energy-goes-bust Energy regulator Ofgem is set to tighten licensing rules for new energy suppliers that join the market following the collapse of several firms this year. Fri, 23 Nov 2018 10:08:40 GMT https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/citizens-advice-warns-buyers-need-to-beware-as-thousands-of-people-report-being-ripped-off-on-online-marketplaces/ More than 13,000 problems with purchases on online marketplaces were reported to the Citizens Advice consumer service last year, new analysis reveals. Fri, 23 Nov 2018 10:07:07 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/nov/20/bleak-christmas-non-food-retailers-uk-high-street-shopping Online shopping and food retailers are forecast to be the winners this Christmas as consumers keep a tight rein on spending on clothing, homewares and other non-food items. Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:37:13 GMT https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/business-law-blog/blog/2018/11/modernization-european-consumer-law-pig-poke "The proposals on the improvement of enforcement may not go far enough, but they are generally a step in the right direction." Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:36:21 GMT https://press.which.co.uk/whichpressreleases/vast-majority-of-black-friday-deals-cheaper-or-same-price-at-other-times/ A Which? investigation reveals that nearly nine in 10 of last year’s Black Friday ‘deals’ were cheaper or the same price at other times of the year, as it warns shoppers to do their research before hitting the sales. Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:34:22 GMT https://www.itv.com/news/2018-11-17/sainburys-becomes-first-uk-supermarket-to-sell-edible-insects/ Roasted crickets are now on the menu at Sainsbury’s as it becomes the first UK supermarket to stock edible insects. The barbequed flavoured bugs, described as “crunchy in texture with a rich smoky flavour”.... Mon, 19 Nov 2018 13:25:01 GMT https://www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2018-11-19/fake-tax-refund-scam-targeting-university-students-reaching-unprecedented-numbers University students are being targeted by scammers sending them fake tax refund letters in an effort to steal money and personal details, HM Revenue and Customs warns. Mon, 19 Nov 2018 13:21:11 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/nov/19/subsidence-claim-house-insurance-legal-general We made a claim for subsidence with our insurer, Legal & General, back in 2010 and incredibly, eight years on, the problem is unresolved. Mon, 19 Nov 2018 13:22:26 GMT https://www.itv.com/news/2018-11-14/inflation-steady-as-lower-food-and-clothing-prices-offset-energy-hikes/ Inflation remained unchanged in October as higher prices for utilities and petrol were offset by a slide in food and clothing costs. Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:15:48 GMT http://www.brancab.org.uk/tmw2018.docx To showcase our integrated money advice services including those of our partners and to complete the N&B Financial Wellbeing Survey, we will be holding ‘pop up’ events and Talk Money Conference CHESS Centre, Camp Hill, Nuneaton Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:09:56 GMT https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/11/scams-reimbursement-scheme-may-miss-out-blameless-victims-which-warns/ Some victims may fall through the cracks of proposed protections Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:14:07 GMT https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/time-for-action-on-bailiff-regulation-as-charities-reveal-rules-are-broken-every-minute/ Rule-breaking bailiffs are causing people increased stress, anxiety and financial hardship, according to new research published today by Citizens Advice and StepChange. Tue, 13 Nov 2018 07:09:33 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46193571 UK unemployment rose by 21,000 in the three months to September to 1.38 million, according to official Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures. Tue, 13 Nov 2018 10:27:02 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45893616 Council tenants on universal credit have on average more than double the rent arrears of those still on housing benefit, a BBC investigation has found. Mon, 12 Nov 2018 09:10:17 GMT https://www.itv.com/news/2018-11-08/parents-of-teenager-megan-lee-who-died-from-an-allergic-reaction-to-a-takeaway-call-for-change-in-food-safety-laws/ Megan Lee, a nut allergy sufferer, died from an asthma attack two years ago after she ate food from the Royal Spice takeaway in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. Mon, 12 Nov 2018 09:13:41 GMT https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/10/exclusive-the-insurance-policy-small-print-that-baffles-readers/ Are you educated enough to understand your insurance policy? Mon, 22 Oct 2018 10:09:05 GMT https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/citizens-advice-announces-new-chair-of-board-and-treasurer/ Warren Buckley was voted in as Chair of national Citizens Advice during the charity’s AGM on October 11. Mr Buckley, who has been deputy chair for 6 years and is the Global Head of Channel Optimisation and Contact Centres at HSBC, replaces Sir David Varney. Mon, 22 Oct 2018 10:06:45 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/oct/13/uk-millennials-costs-eu-pay-rent-transport-grocery-revolut oung adults in Britain pay the highest rents in Europe, spend the most on transport and face some of the worst grocery bills, yet their take-home pay is not even in Europe’s top 10 – providing fresh evidence of the burdens facing the millennial generation. Mon, 15 Oct 2018 10:41:00 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/oct/13/financial-abuse-code-bring-change Women fleeing abuse shocked to find they are reconnected to former partners by their banks Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:36:05 GMT http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2018-09-29/campaign-to-reuse-and-recycle-our-old-clothing/ It's an astonishing statistic, but here in the UK we throw away more than 200 million items of clothing each year. In Sussex, a special fashion show encouraged us to reuse and recycle. Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:17:40 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45701799 Restaurants will be legally barred from keeping tips from staff under plans to be announced by Theresa May on Monday. Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:16:03 GMT https://www.moneywise.co.uk/scams-rip-offs/scams/the-psychology-scams-how-to-fight-fraudsters Find out how to recognise – and overcome – the psychological tactics that scammers use, playing on insecurity and anxiety so they can get their hands on your money Fri, 28 Sep 2018 08:58:00 GMT https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/28/charity-makes-super-complaint-over-4bn-consumer-loyalty-penalty-7986844/ Citizens Advice has called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to ‘act now to stop people being exploited’ after discovering the practice of overcharging loyal customers was widespread. Fri, 28 Sep 2018 08:56:51 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45663030 Energy regulator Ofgem has ordered 11 of the UK's biggest suppliers to improve how they deal with complaints. Thu, 27 Sep 2018 09:57:36 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-45581526 A year ago music student Jessica Hurst, 25, was told her father had died at the age of 56. Then came the discovery that he had killed himself after getting into debt. Thu, 27 Sep 2018 08:36:18 GMT https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/09/new-eviction-rules-for-buy-to-let-landlords-come-into-force-next-week/ Strict new rules on evicting tenants will apply to landlords with older tenancy agreements from next week. Wed, 26 Sep 2018 08:10:46 GMT https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-gas-analysis/soaring-british-winter-gas-prices-point-to-energy-price-cap-increase-idUSKCN1M11YK?rpc=401& The upward trajectory of already unseasonably high British wholesale gas prices is showing no sign of slowing, putting pressure on the energy regulator Ofgem to raise its price cap next year. Mon, 24 Sep 2018 10:25:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/sep/23/mobile-phone-bundle-deals-overcharge-costs You can cut costs by checking data usage and not paying for a handset that you already own Mon, 24 Sep 2018 10:24:15 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45561044 About four million people have been charged for mobile phones they already own, spending £500m extra on contracts. Three of Britain's biggest mobile networks, EE, Three and Vodafone, continue to charge for handsets even after the cost has been paid off. Wed, 19 Sep 2018 08:17:38 GMT https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-6171089/Despite-official-clampdown-directory-enquiry-firms-charge-20-90-second-call.html A watchdog pledge to crack down on greedy operators of directory enquiry services has failed to stop phone users being fleeced up to £20 a call. Firms such as The Number UK – behind the market leading 118 118 – demand £11.23 for a 90-second call. Rival Telecom2 can charge up to £19.98 for the same call. Tue, 18 Sep 2018 10:25:12 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/sep/09/online-orders-complaints-delivery-compensation Two thirds of online shoppers face fighting for redress when a parcel arrives late, damaged or not at all Mon, 10 Sep 2018 09:29:52 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45420449 Weaknesses in the government's strategy for managing personal debt is raising costs to the taxpayer, according to the National Audit Office. Thu, 06 Sep 2018 08:32:17 GMT https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009350926943 Up to 8.3 million people in the UK are unable to pay off debts or household bills, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO). Thu, 06 Sep 2018 08:51:57 GMT https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/new-energy-price-cap-could-15117321 More than 11 million households will save a combined £1 billion a year under plans to cap rip-off gas and electricity tariffs at £1,136, the energy watchdog has announced. Thu, 06 Sep 2018 08:33:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/sep/05/case-study-how-anyone-can-fall-into-debt-despite-working Ill health meant Paula Walton had to turn to payday loans and food banks even though she had a job in a building society Wed, 05 Sep 2018 09:23:09 GMT https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/45397894/the-three-year-old-who-is-learning-to-use-a-cane Nell was born with congenital glaucoma and has started to learn how to use a cane with the help of the charity Guide Dogs Cymru. Wed, 05 Sep 2018 09:20:52 GMT