At this time of year, few of the parents proudly watching their children perform in a production of the Nativity are likely to be concerned with its historical authenticity. Whether the story can be taken literally or that it is a myth meant to be viewed symbolically the landlord who offers the desperate expectant couple […]
Citizens Advice has been asked by the Department for Energy and Climate Change to lead Big Energy Savings Week and support people to: CHECK – SWITCH – SAVE to save both money and energy Energy bills form a big part of everyone’s expenditure and in the winter months most of us use more energy. You can follow these […]
Most of us are familiar with Trading Standards and the work which they do to advice and protect customers in the UK. But you may not be aware that the Trading Standards Institute also delivers information and support for both consumers and businesses who are shopping for goods and services across the EU. This service […]
Do you want to keep on working but worry about discrimination because of your age? There are now numerous options for retiring or continuing to work after the age of 55. Recent legislation has made it possible to access private pensions from the age of 55, but the age at which you can access the […]
Do you drive or employ drivers? If you do, you need to know about these driving licence changes which apply from 8 June 2015. From 8 June the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licecnce will no longer be valid. This part of the licence displayed details of some vehicle categories you are entitled to […]
The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made. Grouch Marx. Honesty is important. It affects many aspects of our lives. For example, the people we elect to govern us expect us to be honest. Not to claim benefits fraudulently. Not to evade paying tax. It […]
The cell phone has become the adult’s transitional object, replacing the toddler’s teddy bear for comfort and a sense of belonging. Whatever reasons we all have for using mobile phones, more and more of us do so. In 2001, 75% of households had mobiles. Last year that figure had risen to 95%. Despite a reduction […]
According to President John F. Kennedy, “Dante once said that the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality” (which doesn’t say a lot for neutrality). It is essential however to Citizens Advice. The advice we provide and the campaigning we do is independent and […]
“Pension freedom” from 6th April means that millions of people over 55 can withdraw all their pension savings. However this potential avalanche of cash will undoubtedly attract many crooks, scams and unwise investments. You may be unhappy with the returns your pension has achieved or be disappointed about the annuities available, but a lifetime’s savings […]
We hear a lot about people claiming benefits they are not entitled to, but little about those who are not claiming their entitlements . A recent report commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Trust highlighted this group. These are often people who are working, probably bringing up children and earning a low wage. They may not […]