Despite talk of a return to economic stability, wages continue to fall behind the rising cost of living, which means that we are all on the lookout for a saving here or price cut there. Although there are some genuine bargains around, there are other ways to save as supermarkets and stores offer loyalty cards, … 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
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
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
In my first weekly appearance on The Alan Titchmarsh Show I joined journalist Fiona Foster to discuss the growing problem of cold calling, especially for the elderly and vulnerable (view below). New research Which? suggests that in June this year, an estimated 700million nuisance calls were received by people in the UK. Calls range from live … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 