Consumeradvice

Cost of Living

I am in a considerable amount of debt with three credit cards and a personal loan and recently lost my job. I cannot meet the repayments and have been told that a Trust Deed would be the best option for me. Can you help?

Credit cards and personal loans are unsecured debts and are sometimes referred to as ‘non-priority’. Despite the title, it is important that we do not overlook these commitments, as the people we owe money to, sometimes known as our ‘creditors’, can take legal action against us to get their money back. This includes going to …

I am in a considerable amount of debt with three credit cards and a personal loan and recently lost my job. I cannot meet the repayments and have been told that a Trust Deed would be the best option for me. Can you help? Read More »

The Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) – Your Questions Answered

With the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) payments set to kick off from the 1st of October, many are wondering what this will mean for them, how this will work, and when they will see the benefit. Prime Minster Liz Truss has previously confirmed a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ to halt escalating annual bills for …

The Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) – Your Questions Answered Read More »

I have been getting a load of text messages and emails telling me to apply for the Government’s energy bill support payments – the £400 to help with energy costs. I thought this was happening automatically but wanted to double check in case I am wrong, as I am struggling. Can you help?

The UK Government has announced details on how households will receive £400 to help with rising energy bills this autumn. There will be a discount of £66 applied to bills in October and November, and £67 a month from December to March 2023. All households are eligible for the full £400, regardless of income. How the …

I have been getting a load of text messages and emails telling me to apply for the Government’s energy bill support payments – the £400 to help with energy costs. I thought this was happening automatically but wanted to double check in case I am wrong, as I am struggling. Can you help? Read More »

I am really struggling with all my bills lately, with my gas and electric bills overdue, and my supplier is threatening to move me onto a prepayment meter going forward. I have never been in this situation before and am already limiting my usage. Can you help?

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with your bills. Increases to energy costs and other goods and services has meant that everyone is feeling the pinch. It is important to remember that you are not alone in your situation, and help is available with debt and energy costs. Enforcement & Supplier Action …

I am really struggling with all my bills lately, with my gas and electric bills overdue, and my supplier is threatening to move me onto a prepayment meter going forward. I have never been in this situation before and am already limiting my usage. Can you help? Read More »

I have prepayment meters for energy and expect my bills to increase moving towards the winter months. I am also having difficulty getting to the shops to top up. I have been told that I can switch to a meter where I pay when I get the bill but am not sure. Can you help?

Prepayment customers can request to switch to credit meters for several reasons. This includes when someone has just moved into a property, as well as other circumstances.  With this type of meter, you will have the option to receive regular bills or pay through Direct Debit. Even if there is debt on the meter, prepayment …

I have prepayment meters for energy and expect my bills to increase moving towards the winter months. I am also having difficulty getting to the shops to top up. I have been told that I can switch to a meter where I pay when I get the bill but am not sure. Can you help? Read More »

How to avoid the cost of living cons hitting hard-working Scots

  CLICK HERE to Link to Scottish Sun article (16.08.22) Scottish consumers are being approached by scammers, claiming to be from organisations offering help with various aspects of the cost-of-living crisis. With many Scots already struggling and seeking financial support, there is a greater risk of people falling-foul of scammers when we are distracted by …

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I recently found out that I have been switched energy suppliers without my consent. Both my original supplier and the new one are still operating, but are not agreeing on how to sort this out and it has left me in billing limbo at the worst time. Can you help?

It sounds like something known as an ‘erroneous transfer’ has taken place. These types of transfer happen when an energy customer is switched over from one energy supplier to another, sometimes by accident without their permission to do so. Erroneous transfers can happen for several reasons, include mismatches of meter and property location information; clerical …

I recently found out that I have been switched energy suppliers without my consent. Both my original supplier and the new one are still operating, but are not agreeing on how to sort this out and it has left me in billing limbo at the worst time. Can you help? Read More »

Missguided – Online Retailer Administration: Your Rights

With recent news that online fashion retailer Missguided has entered administration, many consumers have been left wondering what their rights are in relation to returns and refunds. If you have previously returned goods to Missguided and are awaiting refunds, Teneo (the current business running the operations of Missguided until Frasers Group takes over) have advised …

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Making the Most of our Money as Consumers – #simplifyspending

Everyone is seeing the cost of household bills and shopping increase. Whilst some are preparing to weather the storm, for many, the choice between heating and eating is becoming a stark reality. There are things we can do to reduce our outgoings and help stretch our money that little bit further. As part of Advice …

Making the Most of our Money as Consumers – #simplifyspending Read More »

Energy Bills – Demystifying the Jargon & Sources of Support

With all the recent news about energy increases, price hikes, and everything else that is going on in the world, it’s easy to get bogged down and confused by the jargon being used. When it comes to how we spend our money, being in the know and understanding where it is going is more important …

Energy Bills – Demystifying the Jargon & Sources of Support Read More »