Money matters

Thanks to a new European Law known as The Consumer Rights Directive, our consumer rights have been considerably strengthened. Dean Dunhill explains the implications.

This week a consumer took on an airline (Jet2.com) over its refusal to pay compensation for his flight being delayed and won, despite the airline taking the matter to the Court of Appeal.  This could open the floodgates, not only in relation to new claims for delayed flights but also for those that have previously had their claims refused writes Dean Dunham.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money – 48 hour rate salestartes Tuesday 10 June and ends Thursday 12 June, 2014. And ASDA Money is offering 0 per cent commission on a range of currencies with similar offers from Tesco.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending out 5.8 million tax credits renewals packs which will arrive by 30 June. Over 3 million of these claims need to be renewed before the 31 July deadline for claimants to continue receiving tax credits.

For many years the Child Support Agency (CSA) has dealt with the issue of child maintenance between parents. Now it is to be abolished. Dean Dunham discusses the major changes to child maintenance.

The news that various supermarkets, restaurants and takeaways have been using halal meat without telling consumers has highlighted a grey area in laws relating to food production. Dean Dunham explains your rights.

Home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult so what steps should the first-time buyer take to increase their chances of success? Experian offers their first steps guide.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the mortgage regulator, has introduced tough new rules requiring mortgage lenders to thoroughly check that borrowers can afford repayments, both now and in the future before approving applications. To do this they will now need to delve into your personal life and obtain a clear picture of your income and outgoings. As a result, it is feared that many applications will now be declined with many potential borrowers simply failing to meet the strict new criteria. Dean Dunham reveals what you need to know.

If you have received a PPI pay-out from the Lloyds Banking Group (which includes Halifax and Black Horse), Barclays or RBS/Natwest you may have been short-changed and therefore may be in line for a further pay-out. Dean Dunham gives the lowdown.

The big six energy providers (British Gas, SSE, Npower, EDF, Scottish Power and E.ON) have been  in the news over the past two weeks following the announcement that Ofgem (the regulator for the energy market) has referred them for a full competition investigation. So what does this actually mean and how will it affect you? asks Dean Dunham.

People are asking if they can still reclaim payment protection insurance (PPI) premiums. People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham, explains the issues.

Making a will is essential for every family but it can be a costly and complicated business. Rocket Lawyer, an online service, is offering a free seven day trial.

People's Lawyer Dean Dunham answers readers' questions about problems relating the floods from being paid if you can't get into work to becoming homeless.

People's Lawyer, Dean Dunhill, writes that you are almost certainly covered by your insurance and advises what to do if you become a flood victim.

Ever been contacted by a debt collector for a debt that definitely isn't your? You are not alone. People's Lawyer Dean Dunham advises on the step you can take.

Experian CreditExpert discuss why it is important to check your credit score, preferably once a year.

UK consumers have been spending millions buying online this year, but you need to surf with caution, as despite having greater rights when shopping online many consumers are still being fobbed off when trying to return goods. What’s more, a number of household brands are amongst the worst offenders. Here’s a round-up of some of the stories that Dean Dunham has been advising on.

We are all being given a gift this year in the form of additional shopper’s rights to be wrapped up in a new Consumer Rights Act. This new act combines eight separate regulations and pieces of legislation and introduces various new protections for consumers. The aim of this new act is to make it easier for both consumers and businesses to fully understand consumer laws.