I won’t be too upset if you haven’t seen me already, but I have recently become a bit of a TV star. Well, ‘star’ is perhaps pushing it slightly: I’ve been on The Alan Titchmarsh Show. Yes, he’s the gardener who sells apples for Waitrose. I didn’t realise he had a daytime show either -don’t … Continue reading
According to Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA), fraud losses on UK cards totalled £388 million during 2012, showing a 14% increase on the previous year. Such stark statistics are understandably causing consumers some concern, especially in the run up to Christmas when credit cards are hit the hardest. FFA also found that this rise in card … Continue reading
At the start of National Consumer week and with Christmas around the corner, The Alan Titchmarsh Show consumer ‘Dream Team’ turned its attention to the multi-billion pound industry in counterfeit goods. We take a look at how you can avoid being caught out and how to seek redress if you are. Fake Ugg boots, copycat … Continue reading
On The Alan Titchmarsh Show this week, we invited viewers to contact us with questions and comments arising from what we have discussed over the past couple of months, or something we haven’t covered yet. We received a whole variety of questions, but here are just a few that we had time for. Parking tickets … Continue reading
Since the first parking meter was installed in 1958, parking charges have caused outrage, distress and – on occasion – violent outbreaks to many. Last year, a parking ticket was issued every four seconds, totalling 8million tickets in 12 months. Even though the most common Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can only be issued by local … Continue reading
The Government has announced measures to curb train operators’ ability to increase ticket prices. As part of its Fares and Ticketing review, from January 2014, some long distance commuters will save more than £200 as fares are capped at 6.1%. Previously, the maximum increase allowed was 9.1%. As well as curbing the rise in fares, … Continue reading
Every year in the UK, 400 products are recalled but only 10-20% are ever returned. Product recalls are often made about safety concerns where the goods in their present state may pose a danger to the user. By law, manufacturers must take all reasonable steps to inform consumers when a product is recalled, but there is … Continue reading
It may have been ten years since I completed my training contract and last worked in a high street firm, but as I took my seat at the Donmar Warehouse theatre recently, all too many memories came rushing back. As soon as I entered, the vast set stood proud in familiar shades of magnolia and … Continue reading
Fuel poverty has been in the news recently, with both the Labour and Conservative parties speaking out against rising prices. In 2011, there were estimated to be 4.5 million fuel poor households in the UK, representing 17% of the population, and this figure is expected to have risen since then. Fuel poverty is a … Continue reading
Approximately two million adults in the UK have taken out a pay day loan in the past year and demand continues to rocket, providing lenders with headline making profits. The amount of money being borrowed by cash-strapped workers is reported to have tripled over the last 18 months to an average of £660. Pay day loans aren’t illegal. … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 