Why did EDF Energy install a smart meter 9ft high where I couldn’t reach it?

Whose crazy idea was my faulty 9ft-high smart meter? I’d need a pogo stick to read it, says furious pensioner 73-year-old Joy Thomas found her smart meter wasn’t working properly  She was told she needed to supply the readings herself   But because of the poor reception where she lives in Cornwall, the 5 ft tall … Read more

Whose crazy idea was my faulty 9ft-high smart meter?

Whose crazy idea was my faulty 9ft-high smart meter? I’d need a pogo stick to read it, says furious pensioner By Toby Walne for The Mail on Sunday Published: 22:32 BST, 1 August 2020 | Updated: 22:56 BST, 1 August 2020 When Joy Thomas was told she needed her energy meter replaced five years ago … Read more

Parents denied refunds on childcare vouchers

Parents who pay into childcare voucher schemes being denied refunds by their employers, despite not being able to use vouchers during lockdown By Amelia Murray For The Daily Mail Published: 00:22 BST, 29 July 2020 | Updated: 00:22 BST, 29 July 2020 Parents who pay into childcare voucher schemes are being denied refunds by their … Read more

Rogue trader warning on energy saving home improvements

When Michael and Brenda Pickup received a knock on their door and an offer of free insulation under the Government’s Green Deal, they thought it was a safe way to save money.  But, six years on, the pensioners face a bill of nearly £20,000 to correct the damage caused by rogue traders cashing in on … Read more

Bodgers beware: That DIY disaster could cost you £2,000

Bodgers beware: That DIY disaster could cost you £2,000 – and lower the value of your home The annual cost of DIY disasters is £7billion, according to research by Aviva Nearly a third of households ended up paying for a professional after a DIY fail One in ten has run up a bill of more … Read more

How to be ready for Chancellor raising capital gains tax

It was inevitable that sooner rather than later Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak would put the nation on red alert that taxes will have to rise to pay for the £190billion of support the Government has given the economy to steer it through lockdown and beyond.  The alert came just a few days ago, … Read more

Now they’re trying to make us all get smart water meters

Now they’re trying to make us all get smart water meters…and, guess what, it’ll lead to higher bills By Toby Walne, Financial Mail on Sunday Published: 21:57 BST, 11 July 2020 | Updated: 22:40 BST, 11 July 2020 Water companies are forcing ‘smart’ water meters on to customers in a move critics fear will trigger … Read more

Protection insurance sales up during coronavirus

Many households have bolstered their financial defences with the purchase of protection insurance during coronavirus – with sales up by a quarter By Jeff Prestridge, Financial Mail on Sunday Published: 21:57 BST, 11 July 2020 | Updated: 22:40 BST, 11 July 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has caused many households to bolster their financial defences with … Read more

Paying online? Now you’ll have to tap in names EXACTLY right

Banks have quietly launched a vital security crackdown to prevent fraudsters intercepting payments. Online bank transfer payments will now be blocked if the recipient’s name and account number do not match.  A box will pop up asking you to check the payee’s details for errors – and alerting you to potential fraud. This will happen … Read more

Is now the time to cancel your gym membership?

With fitness centres initially offering only limited facilities as coronavirus lockdown lifts, is now the time to cancel your gym membership? By Toby Walne, Financial Mail on Sunday Published: 21:53 BST, 27 June 2020 | Updated: 21:53 BST, 27 June 2020 Gyms are expected to start reopening from the middle of next month – potentially … Read more