Bells to ring out and 10,000 to march past the Cenotaph as the nation says 'thank you' READ MORE HERE: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bells-to-ring-out-and-10000-to-march-past-the-cenotaph-as-the-nation-says-thank-you

Has anyone seen the news today re the DWP having underpaid thousands of people on ESA between 2011-2013/?. They are now stating that they will be contacting all of these people and will be paying them the money they should have had. It seems the average amount owed to the majority is around £5,000, but some people could be owed up to £20,000 !. From what I can gather, this underpayment arose because when Incapacity Benefit claimants were transferred onto ESA from 2011, many were mistakenly put onto Contribution-based-based ESA instead of Income-related, which meant that many people who should have received Disability premiums (only available when on Income -related ESA) have not been receiving them. Apparently tbe DWP have been aware of this for up to 5 yrs and not done anything about it. I'm not sure how it has come to light now, but I've been searching online to try to find out. When you are placed on Contribution -based ESA as I was, after 12 mths they are supposed to transfer you onto Income-related ESA and you would then start to receive the Disability Premium/s. This didn't happen so the DWP now owe an estimated amount of £350 million to thousands of people. We need to be on the ball regarding this, as can you imagine the further cock-ups which will probably now happen while DWP are wading through lists of claimants whom they owe this money to and the many who will probably NOT receive any monies owed because, let's face it, DWP have yet again proven that they are incompetent. So why should anyone who now discovers they are owed money trust that the DWP will automatically now pay them this money, plus how long is this all going to take when it involves thousands of claimants ?. If anybody learns any more about this, I'd be grateful If they could post the info here.

Good Evening all, I was wondering if someone could help me with an issue I have about a Barclaycard that I opened in 2005. I build up a balance of around £4000 but paid it off in full in March 2012, I have clear evidence of this as I kept most of the statements and you see the balance goes form £4000 to £0000 (although the statements do not say payment received). I also have 22 following months statements with a balance of £0000. I did not use the account after I paid it off (cut up the card) and after receiving nearly 2 years of statements, they suddenly stopped and I thought the account had closed. I also have a noodle credit report from 2014 that mentions nothing of this account (again proving the account was not in default) Any way in October 2016 I received a letter from Barclaycard saying they had closed this account and transferred it to a company called Asset Link capital with a balance of £4200. I though this must be a mistake and ignored it. I have since received letters from Link demanding payment in full and the latest letter has even threatened solicitors (Mercers Kearns ) action within 14 days. I have checked my most recent noodle credit report and this alleged debt does now appear, so Barclaycard must have backdated my credit report reporting it as default from Feb 2012 (please note it does not appear on the 2014 report), I am worried like hell that I am now going to be taken to court for a debt that has been paid off once (2012). How is it now that 5 years later banks/debt collection agencies can be hasting/threatening legal action for a debt they seem to have made up. There must be some kind of criminal actions going on here. Would there be anyone in the CAG community that can help/advise me with a template letter to send, I am not sure where I start and how I explain all of this or indeed who to report it to. Please please please someone help this worried persecuted human being who has very little money and even less knowledge on how best to tackle these criminals :-(:-(:-(

Hi all, Ordered and had delivered on the 22nd of March 2015 - a brand new shiny bread maker - from Amazon - £70 (special offer). It's malfunctioning - getting worse with time - and since all user errors have been ruled out - I ask for guidance from forum members. Manufacturer warranty was only 12 months - so that would have been March 2016 - but I hear something about E.U rules stating 2 years for retail items? Have I understood correctly? Is there anyway to have these manufacturing defects remedied? If yes - what are the steps I should take - with whom and in what order? I am very grateful to any that choose to contribute and to guide me in resolving this headache! Libertas.

Diamond Shortbreak Holidays READ MORE HERE: https://abta.com/news-and-views/news/diamond-shortbreak-holidays

ABTA Data security incident March 2017 READ MORE HERE: https://abta.com/news-and-views/news/data-security-incident-march-2017

Just so you are aware the Consumer Action Group was approached to offer advice on the making of this episode. http://www.itv.com/tvguide/ Buy Today, Pay Tomorrow? "Households are currently borrowing more than a billion pounds a month in a spending spree that is fuelling a dangerous debt crisis, which could leave many people teetering on the edge of serious money troubles. Adam Shaw investigates whether Britain is heading for a new credit crunch. News " Initially I was invited to advise on debts of a debtor that will feature in this episode. Prioritising all his debts (around 10.5 K and how to deal with the mounting pressure he was being placed under.. Analysing his various debts and what stage he was at in line with who they were owed to and the age of the debts and explaining the Credit Consumer Act legislation etc.. ITV came to my home and interviewed me and was filming for over 2 hours..talking about the debtor and how Consumer Action Group works and the benefits/expertise of our forum over the more traditional methods. Unfortunately I have been informed today that the interview which would have probably been edited down to about 5 mins will not feature on Thursdays episode because of the way the episode has been edited and that there is no real conclusion to the debtors position even though a lot more clearer that our piece did not really fit in with the flow of the programme. However we will get acknowledgement on the titles and we will be linked into " Tonight's " Social Media should people require further details of this forum.....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39077957 Royal Mail say this is necessary in order to continue with its Universal Service, where it delivers letters across the whole of the UK for the same price.

The MOD Service Leavers Guide has been updated on 31st March 2016. To view and Download the guide see link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/service-leavers-pack

Seller Refused Mediation Issue I purchased a used quad bike from ** A MAN WORKING FOR HIMSELF ESTABLISHED AS A COMPNY ** 7h May I paid the deposit of £2050 (£2000 off quad and £50 fees) on my credit card to **THE MANS COMPANY **, I attended **THE COMPANY ADDRESS WHICH IS ALSO HIS HOME ADDRESS** 11th may with remainder of cost in cash £2000 I was not given a receipt at the time of purchase I was issued a receipt later on after several requests The Quad bike became faulty 2nd June when I contacted the seller, he told me the sale was between myself and the last registered owner of the quad bike as shown on the V5 and was not a sale by him or his company. I have never seen or spoken to anyone else about this transaction, other than ** THE MAN WORKING FOR HIMSELF ESTABLISHED AS A COMPANY ** he is the man / company I gave all my money to and it was his business / home where I collected the quad from, there was only 3 people visible in his yard (myself, THE MAN and a friend of mine who had traveled with me to collect the quad) **THE MAN WORKING FOR HIMSELF ESTABLISHED AS A COMPANY** was inspecting the quad as I arrived to collect it,the inspection was being carried out in the workshop he has established as his business within his personal dwelling At the point of collection I was told he found a few small issues (parts that needed replacing) to which his company provided me with replacement parts (I don't recall paperwork but certainly the packaging tape from him established business was used The quad bike was sold to me as a used machine, the quad was 2.5 year old with 5k ish on the clocks, I was informed the quad had a manufactured rebuilt engine recently, I was told the quad was in good condition Repairs carried out so far Repairs carried out so far Part’s supplied by seller Replacement hand/foot brake cable Stater motor Voltage regulator Part’s purchased by myself 3 Set’s Of brake pads (needed on the day of collection but wasn’t mentioned I paid for these parts) Part’s I have replaced but will accept as fair use and wear on second hand quad Water pump gasket CVT Belt after 2nd June the quad was sent to a dealer for repairs, Various repairs have currently been carried out costing a total of £1355.96, I have secured £718.92 for repairs via section 75 via credit card company leaving a shortfall **THE MAN WORKING FOR HIMSELF ESTABLISHED AS A COMPANY** after the issues had been brought to his attention gave my personal mobile number to the previous registered keeper who he states was the seller of the quad, although all payment's were made to THE COMPANY Total Looking To recover £30.00 Mediation Fee's £100.00 Labour To fit faulty parts supplied by seller £637.04 Shortfall difference on repair bill £45.00 Brake pads £45.00 Labour for Brake pads £90.00 0181-314000 Gear Motor £40.00 Labour To Fit Gear Motor £200.00 Gesture Of Goodwill (misuse of my personal data) Total £ 1187.04 **THE MAN WORKING FOR HIMSELF ESTABLISHED AS A COMPANY** stated to MEDIATION COMPANY that the sale was between myself and the last registered keeper, THE MAN offered details of a third party PREVIOUS REGISTERED KEEPER and suggested talking to a finance company aswell ? I am trying to establish if the sale was legally between myself and **THE MAN WORKING FOR HIMSELF ESTABLISHED AS A COMPANY** I need to know which court's I apply to England (where I live) or Scotland (where seller live's) I need to know would the judge allow the cost's of mediation I need to know would the judge allow the gesture of goodwill for misuse of my personal details I need to know would the fact I have received a section 75 claim for part of the repair effect the outcome ? I am not applying for the money the S75 covered just the shortfall which cam after THE COMPANY refused to communicate with me, prior to requesting mediation I was given details for THE COMPANY solicitor, they have ignored all letter's sent to them via recorded post, is this acceptable ? Sorry for the longer post, I hope that everything can be seen clearly, I just need to find which court I should apply to I have done everything I can to try and resolve the matter

British Summer Time So less than a week after spring has officially sprung and we suddenly find ourselves in British Summer Time. Of course this is nothing to do with the seasonal situation, it's the annual clock change that takes us into Daylight Saving Time. How did this come about and why? http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2016-03-24/simons-blog-british-summer-time/ Everything you need to know about 100 years of British Summer Time http://www.irishexaminer.com//examviral/fun-times/everything-you-need-to-know-about-100-years-of-british-summer-time-389281.html … In 1947 they actually changed the clocks four times – twice forward and twice back. British Summer Time: When do the clocks go forward? Why is this done? | Home News | News | The Independent http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/daylight-savings-time-clocks-spring-forward-british-summer-time-when-why-what-a6928911.html … Drat i was so excited for a moment-we lose an hour of sleep.

The relief and grief of a child being diagnosed with autism I missed this last night, did anyone see it ? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-35820081 Why I wonder are there so many diagnoses of Autism or is this something that has largely gone unnoticed until more recently ? One family has 3 children, all diagnosed with this !

Well today is the day. George Osborne has just left Downing Street with his little red box,full of secrets. What time is the Budget 2016? How to watch, predictions and more on George Osborne's spending announcement News UK News The Budget What time is the Budget 2016? How to watch, predictions and more on George Osborne's spending announcement George Osborne is set to unveil yet more cuts in his 2016 UK budget speech. Here's everything you need to know What will be in store when George Osborne unveils his 2016 budget? Will it be all doom and gloom? Or has he, once again, got an unexpected rabbit hidden in his hat? Gloomy economic forecasts, bleak export figures and the promise of a Budget surplus of £10billion by March 2019 will fuel the Chancellor’s latest attack on Britain’s public services when he delivers his financial statement. The national debt has ballooned to almost £1.6trillion on his watch - about £24,000 for every man, woman and child in the country. You can also expect plenty of the Chancellor's favourite catchphrases to make an appearance. References to a "long term economic plan" and "fixing the roof while the sun is shining" are near certainties. The excitement is building. I can hardly wait,can you.Have your say now or as things develop or afterwards.Leave it to you. Are you going to watch PMQ time.Anticipating a little excitement.Hope the bar is stocked.Such a thirsty lot. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/budget-everything-you-need-know-7563257

Women are beautiful, powerful, intelligent and deserve recognition. They are equals. Pulled me out of the mire many times and have so much strength,stamina. Where do they get it from. God bless them all.Any tales to tell,just wondering. How has a women helped you through a difficult time. http://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme

Don't know if we are allowed to mention names here, but here goes anyway. Interested to know if a letting agent can legally switch energy suppliers on a house up for rent without notifying or seeking authorisation from the Landlord/owner? Discovered that Countrywide 'sold' the contract to E.on, (who incidentally have a whole department dedicated to that company). Countrywide get a fee (although E.on would not say how much this was) and E.on get a new customer (we know how apathetic most people are on changing their suppliers) on any tariff they choose to set. E.on said they took the contract on in good faith (ie. that is on the understanding that the Landlord had agreed). Clearly no checks and balances on E.on's part, but then scruples are always thin on the ground when money is one the table.

People who have been prescribed powerful anxiety or pain relief drugs are being warned about a new drug-driving law. As well as outlawing driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, new legislation will include some prescription medicines. But prescribed doses do not exceed the limits for legal drugs, so most patients should still be safe to drive. Those who are unsure are advised to seek the advice of a pharmacist. The new law, to be introduced 2 March 2015 in England and Wales, aims to catch those who put the lives of others at risk while driving under the influence of drugs. If you are taking your medicine as directed and your driving is not impaired, then you are not breaking the law and there is no need to worry. It sets very low levels for eight well known illegal drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, but also includes eight prescription drugs, where the levels have been set much higher. Most of them, including Temazepan and Diazepam, are used for treating conditions such as anxiety. But the list also includes methadone, a heroin substitute, and morphine, a powerful opiate used for pain relief. Robert Goodwill MP, Road Safety Minister, says as long as they stay within prescribed levels, most people will still be able to get behind the wheel of a car. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31306714 New campaign to remind people taking medicines to check with their doctor or pharmacist before getting behind the wheel. The new law sets limits at very low levels for 8 drugs commonly associated with illegal use such as cannabis and cocaine. There are also 8 prescription drugs that are included within the new law. These are: clonazepam diazepam flunitrazepam lorazepam oxazepam temazepam methadone morphine However, the limits that have been set for these drugs exceed normal prescribed doses, meaning that the vast majority of people can drive as they normally would, so long as: they are taking their medicine in accordance with the advice of a healthcare professional and/or as printed in the accompanying leaflet their driving is not impaired https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drug-drive-legislation-am-i-fit-to-drive

I have a summary Judgement Hearing to strike me out next week following a claim from Shoosmiths in respect of an debt to IDEM SERVICING and would welcome any advice. Should I try to strike the claim out? Can you tell me a if The documents below are all included by Shoosmiths in their trial bundle. (A) If the Claim is valid as it does not include an account number ?.. (B) is the agreement valid I am particularly interested in the rubber stamp signature that seems to have been randomly added at a later date.. . and does it have what it needs to make it a legal ? C) The reference number on the agreement does not tally with the account number they claim they have bought. The Default notice does not tally with the account number they have bought. How does this affect the case? D) They have provided no notice of assignment. I applied to idem for any documentation they had on me .. . The terms and conditions they supplied were not the same as those provided by shoosmiths. Idem only contacted me a couple of months ago .. before I was talking to Arden.. Is there a rule about masquerading? Thanks for any help you can offer. Will keep in touch and let the forum know the outcome

Why we’re marching Austerity isn’t working Our country faces long-term economic problems. But our political leaders have failed to face up to them. For the next five years or more, unless policies change the economy will not grow, incomes will not rise, and there will be almost no new jobs. If the government keeps on with big spending cuts and austerity we face a lost decade. Even on their own terms government policies are failing. To close the deficit we need a healthy growing economy that generates tax income. But austerity has led to a vicious circle of decline. Instead of just letting the banks go back to business and bonuses as usual, we need policies that promote new and old industries. This new approach would create jobs, especially for young people. It would encourage companies to raise average pay, penalise big bonuses and invest in training and new industries. It would crack down on tax evasion by big companies and the super-rich. It would tackle the growing inequality between the super-rich and everyone else. Rather than deep, rapid spending cuts, we need to reverse our decline and build an economy that works for ordinary families. We need a future that works. Will you join us? http://afuturethatworks.org/why-we-are-marching/

Scottish Power (March 2011) Investigation into compliance with obligations under the gas and electricity supply licences (Standard Licence Condition 27.2A) Ofgem is investigating whether Scottish Power are complying with the requirements of condition 27.2A of their gas and electricity supply licence. Condition 27.2A requires that any difference in the terms and conditions between different payment methods must be reflective of the costs to the supplier of those different methods. The investigation has been launched in relation to the significant difference between Scottish Power’s standard and direct debit tariffs.

E.ON (March 2011) Investigation into misreporting of the distribution of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) (Article 16(1)(a) of the Electricity and Gas (Carbon Emissions Reduction) Order 2008) Ofgem is investigating the accuracy of information provided by E.ON regarding the way in which it has met obligations on limiting carbon emissions by distributing free light bulbs. Article 16(1)(a) requires that an energy supplier must provide to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority information relating to: (i) its proposals for complying with any aspect of the carbon emissions reduction obligation; and (ii) whether the supplier has complied with those obligations.