Usio Energy are the latest electric supplier to cease trading with Ofgem awarding First Utility all their current customers. https://www.usioenergy.com/

I am currently unemployed and receive full housing benefit, my 19yr old son left school in June (repeated a yr due to disability) and starts college full time in August. Over the summer period he has not claimed for any benefits or worked. I received a letter from the council saying that I have been overpaid housing benefit since June as my son is now a non-dependant and are asking for £126 to cover overpayment, they are also asking for £12pw towards rent. They also wish to see his student loan payments confirmation letter. I'm at a loss here as everything I have read about housing benefit states that non dependants students living at home would not pay rent, I have even competed the council's online benefit calculator which shows we should not be paying rent. Are the council right?

Full story and photos :- http://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/family-relationships/womans-act-of-kindness-for-blind-cubs-fan-goes-viral/ar-BBCE6eH?li=AA9SkIr&ocid=ientp

My DLA was recently stopped (didn't even bother to try or PIP as I know I had no chance). Well today I got a "revised"calculation of my housing benefit due to my DLA being stopped, and it's gone down by over £30 a week? I'm confused by this. I didn't think DLA was means tested and I don't understand how I'm expecting to pay more now that I'm worse off? Does anybody have any knowledge on this that can help please?

GAS SUPERSTORE LEICESTER GOES BUST TAKING EVERYONE'S MONEY THEN THE SAME (MD) DIRECTOR THEN SETS UP NEW COMPANY! It would appear the Director of Gas Superstore knew the company was about to go bust so he set up a New Limited company on the 21st March 2017 called The Fireplace (Leicester) Limited registered number 10682373 which can be found on Companies House website to the same address as the Gas Superstore which then went bust on the 25th April 2017. it would appear that the company was trading insolvently taking peoples hard earned money knowing they were about to go bust leaving everyone out of pocket while the Director sets up a New company behind the scenes to carry on trading washing his hands of any responsibility of the old company. Surely he can't be allowed to get away with this?

The old paper £5 is being replaced with a plastic note on September 13. The new note will be phased in so that by May 2017 it will have replaced the old fiver altogether – shops will then stop accepting paper £5 notes as legal tender. The Bank of England claims the new plastic pounds are: Resistant to dirt and moisture so stay cleaner for longer than paper banknotes More secure so will provide enhanced counterfeit resilience More durable so will increase the quality of banknotes in circulation Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-3761394/As-Royal-Mint-goes-plastic-early-banknotes-set-rise-fiver-s-new-flexible-friend.html#ixzz4IilD7DHL

Hi, I am reaching out to you as I'm absolutely exhausted with the WCA saga and I would be grateful for any help, advice, guidance, support. I'll try and keep this short... Main medical conditions: - Postural Tachycardia Syndrome - its a rare conditions, but an accurate description of symptoms is listed here: potsuk dot org/symptoms (please note: to diagnose POTS the heart rate has to increase by 30bpm after 10 minutes of standing, upon test mine increased from 65 to 140, so its obviously a more aggressive form of POTS). - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome & Hypermobility (symptoms: ehlers-danlos dot com/what-is-eds/) - Previously had spinal fusion for scoliosis, in recent years the titanium rods in my spine broke; had a two-stage anterior and posterior corrective spinal fusion operation to take out the broken metals and extend the fusion, - Major abdominal complications post spinal fusion op (just uploaded video here: youtube dot com/watch?v=P4GraSbCCy4 - eating food is not fun for me) - Divarication of recti of at least 8cm. - Depression - Other less significant conditions The WCA saga (main points only): I had returned the ESA questionnaire and a bundle of medical records in total weighing quarter of a kilo by recorded and signed for delivery. The Health Assessment Advisory Service and DWP claimed they didn't receive the bundle in time, even though they signed for it, and my benefits were stopped (including housing). I tried to dispute this, 3 separate advisers at HAAS and DWP intimidated me accusing me for not accounting for their internal delays despite having submitted my form in line for the deadline - it was as though they've been taught intimidation techniques from the same script. Anyways, after a battle that got restored. I feel sorry for those who did not send their forms recorded and signed for... Due to various issues I registered formal complaints. In a complaint response HAAS wrote that medical records prior the year 2015 might not be considered, claiming its a DWP requirement for the documents to be 'recent'. This meant my medical records might not be accepted due to a 'bad' date and I did not have enough time to get my conditions to be re-diagnosed. (Note: this is contrary to their own WCA handbook gov dot uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/535065/wca-handbook-july-2016.pdf providing that medical history should be considered). Anyway, the WCA went ahead. As expected by this point, the outcome was work activity group with compulsory JobCentre appointments under the threat of benefit sanctions etc. My GP wrote a sicknote, only to find out that DWP does not accept sick notes from sick people and their is no way to formally register sickness, so you have to go to Jobcentre or loose benefits. I attempted to go to the JobCentre, my heart rate became unbearable and I ended up in the A&E on the drip. This happened twice. DWP told me I could submit for mandatory reconsideration, but would not grant me an extension for the deadline, nor would they allow me to access my medical report before the deadline to submit for the reconsideration. Effectively I was forced to submit a blind and a very week mandatory reconsideration request simply because I had no idea what I am disputing or asking them to reconsider. Naturally, I don't expect a positive outcome from that. After eventually receiving and reading my medical report it became clear to me that the WCA was purposely conducted in a manner that would lead to a certain (unfavourable) outcome; I conclude so due to the excessively biased nature of the medical report. I find the assessor covered up my physical medical conditions and struggles, with some very significant medical history either left out or very subtly hidden at the back in the notes. The assessor went as far as to deny the symptoms of my conditions, making serious allegations and negligent recommendations. The effects/symptoms of my condition are not being recognised by the assessor (who apparently is a doctor). The assessor effectively denies all the symptoms and even alleges that I don't have any such symptoms (in relation to POTS) and that I only have an increased heart rate. It is even recommended in the assessor's report that I can "remain at a workstation standing unassisted by another person...for more than an hour before needing to move away in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion", which to me as a POTS sufferer (I faint from such activities) is just unthinkable. The assessor forgets to mention the broken metals in my spine altogether. Frankly I think the report is an outrage. I believe aggressive practices are in place to disallow positive WCA outcomes. I also feel discriminated. After getting my share of bullying from the DWP and their party of association I am starting to think it's not possible to get ESA anymore, unless you have a solicitor or the law behind you. I'm just really tired now... Any help is much appreciated.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/money/lowcostholidayscom-collapse-what-you-can-8488525

In a sad turn of events, Low Cost Travel Group has gone bust. Very sad for me as I used to work for them. Anyone travelling needs to make sure they keep an eye on their holiday. MSE has a great guide for what to do... As a general rule - Flights should have already been paid for, hotels mostly wont have. Chargeback if paid on CC over £100 with Section 75 Chargeback on DC may be possible but check with your bank. Remember to record everything in case you need it for the future. Administrators are Smith & Williamson

Living with PTSD: Former military medic reveals how the battle goes on for veterans The first female RAF paramedic to work on the Afghan frontline, she now finds it impossible to step outside the front door of her Wigan home most days. She wets the bed and has recurring nightmares, in which she regularly finds herself back in Afghanistan surrounded by the horrors she has witnessed. Flt Lt Sanderson completed three tours of Afghanistan. During that time, she was routinely flown by helicopter into the heart of the fighting to care for military and civilian casualties. It was after the third tour that the impact on her mental health became clear - and in September last year, she was given a medical discharge. Please also watch the video as it gives you a better perspective Read More Here: http://www.itv.com/news/2015-03-09/living-with-ptsd-former-military-medic-reveals-how-the-battle-goes-on-for-veterans/

In 2011 we had a bill for £19000 for alleged tax credits overpayments. We argued and appealed and asked for a tribunal. We sent loads of paperwork to support our appeal. We have heard nothing since apart from a yearly letter in June stating that we are not entitled to any tax credits (we don't claim any) and that £19,000 is still owed until they make a final decision. I call them each year but they just say that we should have had a tribunal by now and they will put a note on the records that I have rang. I am at my wits end with this. Four years have passed and I'm terrified that one day we'll receive an astronomical demand because they have added interest! We have written numerous letters and receive the same reply 'We are looking into your query.' Does anyone know where we should go from here?

Hi, I would love some advice. I moved into a new shared ownership house a year ago. The house is, somewhat ironically, called an ‘Eco-House’. The water pump from the rain water harvesting system is defective. This faulty pump, which is meant to take the rainwater through a pipe system to the upstairs lavatory and washing machine, is permanently on 24/7; that is, constantly operating, whether there is a demand from these appliances or not. These pumps range in power from 800w to over 1000w. Since I moved in and until this week (upon discovering the fault), my electric consumption has been around 20 kWh per day. This has now, since discovering the fault and, for safety reasons, having to switch the faulty pump unit off at the mains, dropped to approximately 8 kWh per day (roughly my consumption in my previous home). Also, of course, before the discovery of the defective pump, it was operating 24/7 for a year, and has had, therefore, the equivalent usage of a pump of 25 years old or so. Using an energy monitor I’m video recording how much this pump uses and I intend to use this as evidence if there is any dispute from the housing association or building contractor. Any other tips/ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ianbrodski

I had Whyte & co attended my house for a liability order for a unpaid council tax bill When I contacted Thurrock council and asked how much I was in arrears they replied that I wasn't but the fact I didn't pay on or before the 10th of each month I was in breach of the agreement and a liability order was applied for. I paid the council the outstanding balance that was about £200 and the £90 charge that the council had added for taking out the order. so now the balance is £0 but the bailiff are saying their fees are owed and that the liability order is still enforceable as there fees of £67 is owed. Am I correct in thinking that if the balance at Thurrock council is £0 then the liability order is not enforceable.....

Hey all, I'm going to be keeping certain details vague, as I'm in a reasonably unique situation which could identify me quite easily. We're in one of the capita-equita areas, and my boyfriend is dealing with council tax nonsense. He found out the exact amount as handed to Equita, it's being paid online, and he/we have refused to deal with the bailiffs from the outset. My boyfriend put a notice out front about withdrawal of right of access/trespass/harassment that he found online (I have since worked out from you wonderful people that those things only hold weight in certain situations, such as where a bailiff is acting ultra veirs, or where the LO is dodgy). Okay, so... for information only for those of you who keep track of this stuff... Equita have front loaded fees, it seems to be for the statutory amount, which is fine, but they put those fees on with the very first letter, which was posted a few weeks before the first visit took place. We don't need help with fees at this point, and there is no car to levy against. . I was alone in the house for their most recent visit. I've been too shakey to go to the door, so just hid out of sight. However, they tried to open the door by the handle (understandable), but they also messed around with the lock - it has a distinctive sound, so I'm pretty certain it was the lock. When I looked online about lock picking, I came across lock bumping which sounded similar. Due to the bracken/bramble, no one can see the front of the house, so they would know they were totally secluded. I realise the easiest way to deal with this is small cctv camera, so if anything happens it's recorded. And I'm looking into it. But I would prefer for nothing to happen in the first place. This is due to point 3. . I don't actually live with my boyfriend, but do stay here most nights. I'm classified as a vulnerable person. I have several unseen disabilities (nothing life threatening) but one of them is ptsd. I have also, through a weird twist of legislation, been denied any benefits for 12 months, so have been living off the generosity of friends and family. I can certainly provide evidence of my disabilities to any callers, and to the council. But given that I'm not actually resident at my boyfriend's house, would he still count as a vulnerable household? Obviously the whole thing with the possible lock bumping has left me very shaken and jumpy. I was awake for 4 days straight flinching at every tiny creak or sound the house made thinking they were back and trying to get it. In the end I had to take temazepam to sleep... Can we still write to the council to say that we're vulnerable? . Part of the reason I'm not formally living here is due to the stuff I don't feel I can go into as yet. But it's financial related, and that it could stuff me up next year financially if I say me and my partner are living together as a couple. The situation I'll be in next year is only financially an option if I am single, I wouldn't be able to do it if part of a couple... I know this sounds cryptic... Think of me as being on a career break due to illness, but unable to get a penny in sick pay! Also, I promise you it is all legal! I'm just unfortunate in the way the legislation has been written. . my final question concerns what happens if one or other of us need to get in/out of the house whilst the bailiffs are here? I know they're not allowed to do foot in the door or force their way in (nor are they allowed to bump the lock), but a remote/secluded house with no onlookers, and my/our word against theirs... I am worried... Can we order them to move, and if they don't call the police? I'm worried that me/my partner may be attacked by them if we're trying to get in or out also. Oh, I realise one of the questions usually asked concerns walking possessions - no, they have never gained access or been interacted with. We keep all doors/windows locked and bolted. Please feel free to ask anything else I'd prefer to not say where I am or details that may identify me, as I realise they read these forums, and just other general Internet security things Thank you. Cerberus

Hi there, I recently ordered serveral items of exercise equipment online from Sports HQ to help combat my ever developing couch potato physique. After 8 days, 5 days after the expected delivery date, I give SHQ a call as my order has yet to arrive. They inform me that according to there records the items have been delivered. I confirm there has not been a delivery and I have not signed anything to which they reply, "the driver left them on the porch". As I don't have a porch, we eventually came to the aggreement they had been sent to the wrong address and they were going to question the driver. After 2 days and still no answer I call again. Still no update so they decide it best to send the same stock again, which i am more than happy with. Problem sorted. However, 3 weeks later I get a buzz at the door from a nearby neighbour who informs me they have just got back from overseas and have found my initial parcels in there hallway. Turns out they got delivered to that address and the other people living at that address never noticed. Now this is the bit i'm angry at. I call SHQ today and advise them that the initial parcels have turned up and would they like to collect them. Straight away they tell me it's my responsibility to have them picked up or I would have to pay for these items as well. Hang on I say, you delivered them to the wrong address and now i'm resonsible for them. They confirm this is the case and it starts getting a little heated. I said that I work 9am-6pm monday to friday so can they pick it up on the weekend. No, they say, basically it can only be a working day and the pickup would be anytime between 9-5:30 which means I would have to take a day off work to send there goods back. I can't take the items to work because the items are weights, it took all my effort just to get them up the stairs. If I had not called them they would be none the wiser. Now, I seem to be getting punished for doing the right thing. Does anyone have any advise for me? Can they charge me for these items using my initial credit card details? They should be making the effort to collect them. Any feedback would be much appreciated