Consumer
When buying goods and services, particularly when spending larger sums of money, it is essential to ensure that you receive the best possible deal and customer service and to understand the laws that protect your consumer rights.
Although the Citizens Advice consumer service is your starting point for consumer advice and information, MyAdviceGateway provides additional information and advice to help you make the right decisions and solve your own problems.
Consumer categories
- All
- Consumer Rights
- Shopping
- Transport & Travel
- Uncategorized
- Utilities
- All
- Consumer Rights
- Shopping
- Transport & Travel
- Uncategorized
- Utilities
HELP WITH PAYING YOUR BILLS BECAUSE OF REDUCED INCOME DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
The Government has areed emergency measures with the utilty suppliers, banks and building societies to assist people who are struggling to pay their bills because of reduced income
AIR TRAVEL
Under EU rules air passengers are entitled to certain rights covering delayed flights, overbooking and lost luggage in the form of financial compensation or suitable assistance from the airline.
SAVING MONEY ON SHOPPING
From your energy supply, weekly food shop to your next big electrical purchase, there are a few smart, simple ways to help you get the most from your money.
REGULATORY BODIES FOR THE UTILITY INDUSTRY
Regulatory bodies are organisations set up by Government with responsibility to monitor, guide and control various industry sectors in the interests of protecting consumers. The Utility industry has a range of Regulatory Bodies that are listed here.
CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGLISLATION
Consumer protection is the practice of safeguarding buyers of goods and services, and the public, against unfair practices in the marketplace. Consumer protection measures are often established by law.
ROADMAP OUT OF LOCKDOWN
On February 22nd the Prime Minister announced the government’s four-step roadmap offering a route back to a more normal life. The success of the vaccination programme together with the positive effect of the National lockdown means it will be possible to begin relaxing the current strict movement controls.
REGULATORY AND ADVISORY BODIES
The Trading Standards Institute and The Competition and Marketing Authority are the regulatory bodies that enforce consumer protection and regulation. Individual advice to consumer queries and complaints are handled by The Citizens Advice Consumer Service. The Financial Conduct Authority is responsible for the regulation of consumer credit firms.
BUYING AND SELLING A CAR
Next to the cost of housing, buying a car probably the biggest purchase you will ever make. It is therefore important to ensure that you perform proper checks on the car to save problems and money after you have completed the purchase.
SHOPPING SAFELY ONLINE
You can save much time and effort by shopping on the internet as well as getting the widest choice of goods and services. However there are risks and you need to take care with what you are buying, where you are buying it from and how you pay.
GAS AND ELECTRIC
Energy bills and tariffs can be very complicated and it is often difficult to understand whether you are getting the best deal. If you haven’t switched your energy supplier in the last three years, there’s a good chance you could save money.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) VACCINE AND PROOF OF VACCINATION
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe and effective. They give you the best protection against COVID-19.
DISABLED TRAVELLERS & CARERS
As a disabled passenger you have certain additional rights when travelling. You may also be entitled to get concessionary or free travel on public transport.
PRICE COMPARISON SITES
The increase in buying online has resulted in an increasing number of price comparison websites. Whilst they can provide information accurately and quickly there can be risks associated with using these sites.
GRANTS AND ASSISTANCE WITH ENERGY BILLS
There are a range of energy grants and offers available to that provide financial help to cover your heating bills and the initial outlay involved in installing energy-efficient features.
HEALTH IN PREGNANCY GRANT
The Health in Pregnancy Grant is no longer available. The government stopped this grant from January 1, 2011.
UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES & FRAUD
Unfair Trading Practices embrace various deceptive, fraudulent or unethical methods to obtain business including misrepresentation, false advertising, coercive or aggressive selling, discrimination, identity theft and other acts that are declared unlawful by statute
DRIVING AND PARKING
To drive in the UK, you must be the minimum age of 17 years, hold the appropriate driving licence for the vehicle and meet the legal eyesight standards. You should also be aware of what to do in the event of and accident and where you can legally park.
WATER & SEWERAGE SUPPLY
You are supplied and charged for your water and sewerage services by your Regional Water Supplier. Because water is so precious, it is everyone’s responsibility to use it wisely. Remember, if you are on a water meter, saving water also means saving money.
BUYING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
If you buy goods or services on your credit card, you have extra protection if things go wrong compared with paying by cash or cheque.
CORONAVIRUS TESTING
Free Coronavirus testing has ended for the majority of people in England and free test kits are only available for a small number of vulnerable people.