Recent news stories have reported that parents have been fined for taking their children out of school and away on holidays when prices are more affordable. But holiday price hikes during school holiday periods mean that sticking to the rules is more expensive than ever. Since 1 September 2013, changes to the 1996 Education Act … Continue reading
Britain’s bad weather caused misery for thousands of families and households over the Christmas period and into 2014. With the weather forecast to become even more extreme in the coming months and years, there are some things that everyone should be aware of, before the storms come and after. Already this winter, over 2,000 homes … Continue reading
Some people might say that professional awards ceremonies are just an excuse for communal back-slapping and for legal journals to make some money, fill a few pages and sell advertising and sponsorship. I was one of those people and might be again next week, but for one night only I was happy to celebrate the … Continue reading
A driver who took to Twitter in May this year after hitting a cyclist with her car has been convicted and fined by Magistrates in Norwich. Emma Way tweeted that she “Definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier. I have right of way – he doesn’t even pay road tax! #bloodycyclists”. Her tweet quickly … 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
Kevin Poulter 