Here are some recent enquiries to the Bureau. Click on the enquiry to see the advice given. These enquires have been printed in the  Parish Magazines within the area. If your enquiry is not shown here please go to the Contact us page for details on how to contact us.

I’m looking for ways to cut my gas and electricity bills before the winter sets in, and I’ve

heard there are government grants available to make your home more energy efficient.  

Do you have any details? - January 2012

 

I have worked in a bar full time for over a year and have only been allowed to take five

days off so far.  When I asked my boss if I could take two weeks holiday later in the year

he refused, telling me I was only entitled to five days off a year.  I’m sure this can’t be

right, but I’m worried about losing my job if I kick up a fuss.  Is there anything I can do? -

December 2011

I took my car into a local garage for some minor repairs and when I went to collect it they wanted to charge me much more than was originally agreed.  They won’t let me take my car away until I pay the full amount. What can I do? - November 2011

I have heard a lot in the news lately about PPI and I think I may have been mis-sold one of these insurance policies when I took out a loan. What should I do now? October 2011

I purchased some tickets to a music concert from what looked like a very official website and later discovered that I got completely scammed. What do you do if you are worried about buying tickets from bogus websites? - September 2011

 

I’ve got a credit card bill that’s taking me forever to pay off. I’ve heard there are new rules regarding credit card accounts, can you tell me what these rules are? - August 2011

 

I’ll be 65 next year and know that under normal circumstances I’d be expected to retire, but I love my job and don’t want to give it up.  I’m still very fit and mentally sharp and can see no reason why I shouldn’t go on a few more years.  Can my boss make me leave? – July 2011

 

I’ve got an official package through the post about my tax credits but I’m not really sure what I’m meant to do with it.  Can you help? June 2011.

 

Our circumstances recently changed and my spouse and I are considering re-writing our will. We had a leaflet through the door advertising will writing services which seemed quite reasonable. Is this method recommended? - May 2011

 

My 14 year old daughter was accused of stealing a £3 lip-gloss from a high street chemist. She denied the accusation and the police were called, but took no action. We thought that was the end of it, but have now received a letter demanding payment of over £100 as compensation to the retailer. They also say they will take her to court if she doesn’t pay. What should we do?  - April 2011

 

I’m thinking about buying a second hand car, but I don’t want to get ripped off with a dodgy vehicle. What are my rights? - March 2011

Since my divorce three years ago I’ve been on income support and bringing up my two

children alone. The youngest is coming up to her seventh birthday and I’ve had a letter

telling me I will no longer be able to get income support and will have to look for work.  I’m

really worried as I haven’t worked for a few years now and don’t know how I could fit a

job round my children, even if I could get one. Can you help?   - February 2011

 

I moved into a private rented flat about a year ago. Just recently I’ve become worried

that my landlord hasn’t been paying the mortgage. I’ve heard I could be evicted without

notice even if I’m up to date with my rent.  Is this correct? - January 2011

 

After seeking advice about my debt I’m considering bankruptcy, but I’m worried as I’ve

been told it’s difficult to get a bank account after being made bankrupt.  Is this true and

what are my options?   - December 2010

 

Last month my mobile phone contract bill was extortionately high and much more than I

expected.  I rang the phone company, who said I had to pay the bill and then they would

investigate the query.  If I did not, they would cut me off.  What should I do?   -

November 2010

 

I have been on employment and support allowance (ESA) for just over a year.  I am feeling

a little better and would like to try and return to work.  I have been told that I can work for

a few hours and keep my ESA but have also heard that my ESA is based on national

insurance contributions, so I will lose most of what I earn in other benefits being reduced.  

With the extra cost of getting to work I am worried I could end up worse off working? -

October 2010

 

I have seen adverts for companies who say they offer benefits advice and who say they

can help you claim backdated benefits on a no win no fee basis.  

How do they work and are they a good idea? - September 2010

 

I’m currently searching online for a property to rent.  Some people I’ve contacted have asked

me to ‘prove’ I have the funds by doing a money transfer before they’ll even show me the

property.  Is this legitimate?  - August 2010

 

Pension Entitlement. I am a couple of years off retirement age.  I know I won’t now get my

state pension at  60 but I’m unclear about exactly when I’ll qualify and whether I’ll be entitled

to a full pension when I stop work.  Can you help? – July 2010

 

House Repossession. I’ve heard about various government schemes to help people avoid

repossession.  I’m confused about what they are and how they work.  

Can you explain? - June 2010

 

Tax Credits. I got a letter telling me I was overpaid tax credits dating back to the time I

separated from my husband.  This came as a total shock.  I don’t have the amount of money

they want me to pay back. I  don’t know what to do – please can you help? - May 2010

 

Electoral Register. I’ve just moved house.  How do I make sure I’m  registered to vote

 in time for the general election? - April 2010