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Problems

Consumer

Agencies providing advice, support and information

  • Citizens Advice Bureau:
    For nearest bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk
    For online advice www.adviceguide.org.uk

  • Consumer Direct London: 08454 040506, www.consumerdirect.gov.uk - Run by Department of Trade and Industry. Clear practical consumer advice including your rights, counterfeit goods, scams, defective products, making complaints, electrical/gas appliances, estate agents, holidays, travel, goods, services

  • Energy Saving Trust: 0800 512012, www.est.org.uk - Helpline providing energy saving advice and information for the general public. Advice on saving energy in the home.

  • Energy Watch: 08459 060708, www.energywatch.org.uk - Uses postcodes to identify the cheapest option for gas and electricity

  • Financial Services Authority Consumer Helpline: 0845 6061234, www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk - General information on consumer issues. The financial services authority is the independent regulator set up by the Government to look after financial services and protect consumers. Information on mortgages, credit, debt, pensions, insurance etc

  • Mailing Preference Service: 0845 7034599, www.mpsonline.org.uk - The service can register your name for free to stop you getting unwanted post (junk mail). Process takes up to six months but will last for up to five years once registered.

  • The Office of Fair Trading: www.oft.gov.uk

  • PhonepayPlus: 0800 500 212, www.phonepayplus.org.uk - Telephone services watchdog for the UK. Regulates the content and promotion of premium rate phone-paid services such as television voting, ringtone downloads, technical support helplines or competition lines. Consumers who are hard of hearing an call a textlink service on 020 7407 3430.

  • Postwatch: 0845 601 3265, www.postwatch.co.uk - Investigates and resolves complaints against the Royal Mail and other licensed postal operators in the UK. Address local postal problems or issues.

  • Simply Switch: 08000 111395, www.simplyswitch.com - Free impartial comparisons of different services to save money on household bills e.g. gas, electric, phone, broadband, mortgage.

Useful websites

  • www.abd.org.uk - Website for Association of British Drivers - useful information on safe driving tips, speed cameras etc.

  • www.advicenow.org.uk - Making sense of the law and your rights. Advice on wide range of issues including family and personal, consumer, health, employment, benefits.

  • www.appealnow.com - Site where you can appeal against incorrect parking tickets issued, congestion charge, wheel clamping. £5 registration fee and £4.99 for each appeal letter written. Also information on the latest parking scams to be aware of.

  • www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog - Lots of useful information on all consumer issues and your rights.

  • www.entitledto.co.uk - Put in your age and family details and you will get a list of all the tax credits and government benefits that you should be claiming.

  • www.house.co.uk/ee - Free energy efficiency audit, tips and advise on how to save money on energy bills. 0845 965 0650.

  • www.ico.gov.uk - Information on Freedom of Information Act, data protection act, your rights, unwanted calls, spam mail, junk mail, obtaining medical records etc.

  • www.moneyexpert.com - Comparison of whole range of products and services, loans, credit cards, mortgages, insurance.

  • www.moneymatterstome.co.uk - Online financial education site.

  • www.moneysupermarket.com - Comparison of different products including insurance,mortgage, loans, credit cards.

  • www.mrthrifty.co.uk - Money saving tips and advice.

  • www.opsi.gov.uk - Office of public sector information giving information on Acts of Parliament, e.g. Human Rights Act, Road Traffic Act.

  • www.pepipoo.com - Information relating to the Law and traffic offences.

  • www.thisismoney.co.uk - General financial advice including money saving tips.

  • www.ukmotorists.com - Information on all aspects of motoring including law enforcement, buying and selling a vehicle.

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