On Your Behalf: Recent Episodes
BBC Radio Ulster
Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls.
On World Alzheimer’s Day, On Your Behalf looks at everything from ageing well to advice around planning for your care.
Should older drivers have to re sit their test once they reach a certain age? Presenter Anna Curran has been meeting some older drivers to get their take on the matter.
She chats to road safety expert, Rob Heard from the Older Drivers Forum about older drivers’ safety.
Jonathan Furphy from the Driver Vehicle Agency shares information about how to check your eligibility to drive when you reach an older age.
Solicitor Rachael McKee answers questions about power or attorney and planning your care.
Paschal McKeown from AGE NI and Ruth Barry from the Alzheimers Society join Anna to discuss issues around getting a diagnosis, planning care and where to get help.
Anna Curran is joined by experts with tips and advice for people who have been out of the workforce for a time and would love to get back but don't know where to start.Work coach and HR expert Helen Todd is on hand to help with CVs and application advice to get ready to get that ideal job. Perhaps you or a loved one face barriers getting work. Niamh Rainey from the Now Group is in studio to offer career help to people with learning difficulties and autism. Angela Phillips from Carers NI talks about carers who are desperately trying to juggle caring responsibilities and work.Anna hears from a woman who started her own business around her family life with the help of a government scheme. Are you over 50 and thinking of rejoining the workforce? A new scheme designed to help match workers to employer might offer some help. And Anna visits an apprentice scheme in the North West, getting young people into work.
Anna Curran gets the latest on the move from benefits to Universal Credit with Paddy Rooney from the Department of Communities.
Benefits expert Rachael Jeffers will also be on hand to answer questions about accessing welfare and healthcare.
As a new childcare scheme promises help for working parents, we hear from Becca Harper from Melted Parents who has been taking a look at the uptake and who will benefit most.
Consumer journalist Martyn James discusses your consumer rights when it comes to concert tickets and hotels as Oasis tickets go on sale.
Anna visits Fareshare, a charity helping people in need and who are calling for more volunteers.
Also, how can we protect ourselves against identity theft and scams? Former scammer turned cybersecurity adviser, Tony Sales has plenty of helpful advice.
It's a bank holiday weekend and some families are thinking about returning to work and children going back to school. Anna Curran talks to Julieann about returning to work after the loss of her baby. In the studio Laura Dowie explains how flexible working practices can help support women back into the workplace after time away. We hear from a company that sees advantages of adopting a four day week but still paying staff 100% of their salaries. And we hear about a listener's parcels that are constantly returning to sender in England rather than being delivered to her home.
Anna Curran hears from Michelle. She survived cancer - twice - and is 10 years clear, but she pays over the odds to get insurance and can't get a mortgage offer. Some countries are introducing legislation to eliminate discrimination. Following up on last week's student special, we look at student accommodation and the dos and don'ts of deposit protection and what parents should look out for if they're asked to sign as guarantors. And Helen McClements will be sharing her tips for making household money stretch further. Tells us your suggestions - oyb@bbc.co.uk
From pensions to pinafores, On Your Behalf has advice on everything from planning for your retirement to access to help with uniforms, transport, school meals and childcare for the new school year. Janine Maher from the Money and Pension Service and Chris Briggs from Employers for Childcare.
Anna Curran visits a charity in the North West helping parents find affordable school uniforms while helping the environment.
We hear from the young girls in Belfast who are getting a taste of what it would be like to carve out a career in construction and DIY at a summer scheme ‘not just for boys’ run by Women’s Tec.
And making the most out of your bank account, Personal Finance Expert Andrew Hagger has advice on how to get the best deal on interest rates for your savings.
Benefits expert Rachael Jeffers has the latest on the child benefit rules, universal credit and other claims you may be entitled to make.
Solicitor John O’Prey talks future planning on everything from care home and wills to probate. He also has advice on ‘sadmin’, how to navigate the paperwork with banks and utilitites when a loved one dies.
Alexa Moore from the Rainbow Project chats about diversity in the workplace.
Angela Phillips from Carers NI explains the new proposals to offer unpaid leave for carers and presenter Anna Curran visits a charity in the North West helping struggling families during the school holidays.
On Your Behalf First Time Buyers Special, Presenter Anna Curran and a team of experts guide us through getting on the property ladder. From getting the mortgage approved to picking up the keys, Anna finds out all the tips and tricks to deal with deposits, mortgages and legalities of buying your first home. She hears from a first time buyer who swapped his rental accommodation for his perfect pad in his 50s.
Kelli O’Connor Wilson talks about the mortgage application and getting the right deal for you.Solicitor Catherine Heyes answers questions about the legal process.Glynn Hobson has the latest if you choose Co-ownership and Housing Rights will talk about the rent to buying transition and the pitfalls you need to be aware of if you choose to buy.
Motoring special – our expert panel will answer questions on everything from buying second hand to repair costs and selecting a garage.
Are your tyres costing you a fortune because they’re underinflated? Stuart Lovatt from TyreSafe and Sophie Lyden aka ‘Tyre lady’ get you road worthy.
We help a car owner who was being asked to pay a toll road charge for a trip he didn’t make.
Presenter Anna Curran swaps four wheels for two and hears from charity Life Cycles who are helping people get back on their bikes.
Electric scooters, Ebikes and off-road vehicles, Solicitor Cormac Keenan with advice on where you stand legally.
Holiday rights, flight changes and insurance - Travel experts Simon Calder and Angela Taylor share advice and answer questions.
Summer is a popular time for house moves. Whether you are a first time buyer or thinking of selling up – Solicitor Simon Murray is in studio with what you need to know on the legals and costs.
We help a listener with a refund after she was stuck due to a cancelled flight on her way back from a pilgrimage and we hear about how a cancelled flight has meant a family’s dream cruise is costing more than they bargained for.
Presenter Anna Curran chats to parents about the expense of childcare during school holidays and finds out what help is there, if any?
The latest on the Aer Lingus pilot strikes, how travellers will be impacted.
Preparing for the summer holidays, Michelle Kelly from the Consumer Council is in studio with tips.
Welfare and Benefits – Expert Rachael Jeffers is in studio to answer your questions.
The pitfalls of shopping online - we help a listener who struggles to get a refund from an online clothing shop.
Farewell from Linda after 29 years of championing consumers.
Catching up with old friends and long-time contributors.
In her final programme, consumer champion Linda McAuley catches up with some old friends and long-time contributors to find out what’s changed in the world of consumer affairs and what’s stayed the same. She celebrates the listeners who have been at the heart of the programme for nearly 29 years with input from A Perforated Ulster, and a fond farewell from On Your Behalf superfan Dan Gordon.
This week we look at Disability rights and wrongs because over the decades we’ve covered all sorts of issues from travel rights and responsibilities, to facilities and support for autistic children and how passengers and their guide dogs and people who use wheel chairs are treated. Agnes Lunny from Positive Futures and Nuala Tolman from Disability Action are in the studio.
Funerals – one listener alerted us to how heartless scamsters are using death notices to con people into making a donation – a donation that goes straight into the fraudsters' pockets
We're also talking about safe ways to pay – And asking why PayPal refused to refund a listener when the boots he'd ordered didn't arrive. Consumer Expert Martyn James helps us stay safe online.
And the student who’s been paying O2 for two phones - when she only has one!
Linda also travels to Magherafelt to meet the Mid Ulster volunteers who tell her why they do it and encourage her to join them!
Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries:
Write to: OYBBBCOrmeau AvenueBELFAST BT2 8HQ
£25 Million for childcare but that's a fraction of the £400 million campaigners say is needed.
With school holidays approaching many parents may face childcare debt over the summer.
Sinead Campbell from Advice NI and Aoife Hamilton from Employers for Childcare are in the studio...
Preparing for retirement - part 2 of our series for the third age. Janine Maher and Nigel Kerns from Money and Pensions Service join Linda to answer questions.
We also help a listener who was told that his insurance only covered one ear and it wasn't the one with the lost hearing aid!
And its active travel month - time to get on your bike or at least a bus or train!
Electric Ireland pulls out of the domestic market in Northern Ireland - What does it mean for Consumers?
The march of AI continues - this time the bots are taking over the PR Industry!
The Competition and Markets authority tell us why filling up the tank on your car has been getting more expensive over the last few years, why Disability Benefits may be under threat from the government, the listener whose boots weren't made for walking - or anything else - because they never turned up and how safe is your pre-paid funeral plan?
Linda is joined by Independent Travel Editor Simon Calder and Michelle Kelly from the Consumer Council to discuss consumer rights and top tips for stress free travel.
What happens when you're blind and travelling with a guide dog. Andrew McConnell from CAA explains what the law says.
Hiring a car - how to avoid the pitfalls and not end up with unwelcome extras.
We hear from one young woman who told Disney her fiance had died early on the morning of their special trip and that's why she hadn't given them 72 hours cancellation notice. Disney refused to budge on a refund!
As Great Victoria Street railway station closes in just a matter of days what happens to schools and commuters? And the £340 million question - Is the new Grand Centra Station on track to open this autumn?
Ninety percent of us are worried about the cost of essentials - food, fuel, shelter and utilities. The consumer council share some tips on how to make your money go further.
Carers NI tells us that this week’s Stormont budget could be catastrophic for unpaid Carers. Craig Harrison is in the studio with Linda to explain why.
Next week is a Bank Holiday weekend which is always a good time for DIY but if your skills are lacking could Bryson House and its Handyman scheme help out?
And lightning strikes twice for one listener's BT line while another isn't yodelling when his hiking boots fail to arrive!
This week everything you ever wanted to know about your Rates bill but were afraid to ask. Sharon Magee, Chief Executive at Land & Property Services, explains all.
If you are struggling to pay your rates bill there is help available. Matt Cole from Advice NI joins Linda in the studio.
Stormont debates scrapping the Two Child limit for benefits but worries about the cost. Andy McClenaghan from the Cliff Edge coalition tells Linda that the money should be seen as an investment to combat child poverty.
And Parenting NI is rebranding ....What will Parenting Focus do differently – Muriel Bailey explains the new direction.
And finally waiting lists for MOT's that caused breakdown assistance problems for many Radio Ulster listeners but the AA and RAC have now agreed to help stranded drivers here temporarily.
There is still no sign of a Childcare strategy for Northern Ireland and we receive less government support for parents than anywhere else in the UK.
Linda speaks to Casey McGivern from Melted Parents and Aoife Hamilton from Employers for Childcare about how parents are coping.
Do you know how to fill in a CV or job application? Consultant Helen Todd teaches Linda her to beat the robots and get to the interview stage.
And Linda talks to Laura Dowie from Timely Careers about the help and support available for those going back to work or changing career.
Finally your money may be safe in the Bank but can you get it out when you want? - not according to our listener John who is not at all happy. We discover how new Financial regulations can make it tricky to withdraw cash.
Simon Murray from The Law Society gives advice for people living in apartments and town houses that have communal areas like car parks and green areas. These are normally maintained by a management company but what happens if the company goes bust? Listener Tom encountered just such a problem when he came to sell his house.
Carers in England, Scotland and Wales are going to be entitled to 5 days unpaid leave from their employers under a new law, but not in Northern Ireland. We hear from carer Natasha about how her job is a lifeline for her to take a break from the pressures of caring for her two children and Craig Harrison from Carers NI calls for the legislation to be introduced here.
And, are you going to an EU country on holiday this year? Make sure you check your passport as it is no longer possible to enter the EU if your passport was issued less than 10 years from the date you enter the country. The price of a UK passport is also going up next week on Thursday 11 April. Money Saving Expert’s Peter Lekarski has the details.
On the programme this week - Everything you ever wanted to know about cars but were afraid to ask!
Consumer guru and car aficianado Jimmy Hughes and Motor Ombudsman Bill Fennell talk to Linda about everything from wear and tear to finance, leasing and breakdowns.
Have you had a bad experience with the health service but don’t know what to do?
Linda goes to the Helplines NI annual awareness day and speaks to Una McKernon from the Patient Client Council about their role in fixing problems.
We also visit the All Ireland Sustainability conference and find out why the Competition and Markets Authority are looking at greenwashing!
And while Jimmy is here we also look at the tale of Goldilocks and the 3 mattresses.
Would it be the soft, the medium or the firm that was just right!
The Leaky Caravan that didn't do well during the wettest July on record, the listener still being charged for a bed that was never delivered and the tax refund that shrank when an online firm got involved. Also can a shop change its mind after you have bought and paid for something? Consumer Guru Jimmy Hughes joins Linda to sort out our listener woes.
Its back to school this week with School uniforms, mobile phones and everything in between - it all adds up to a big bill for parents.Siobhan Harding from the Womens Support Network and Matt Cole from Advice NI join Linda to talk about the help that is available.Also on the programme when should kids get mobile phones and are earbuds destroying young people's hearing? Audiologist Feraz Ashraf is worried.And if you were caught up in this week's flight chaos can you get compensation. Andrew McConnell from the CAA says the answer is Yes and No!Finally jump aboard the Tardis with one of our listeners whose Broadband Connection is taking him back to the 1990's.
Some anglers at Loughgall Country Park aren't happy with changes that mean going fishing can't be a spontaneous decision but now needs 48 hours notice to access the lakeside. If you break down on the side of the road in England will your breakdown cover get you and your vehicle home? We hear from one family whose van has been in limbo for three and a half weeks. And with GCSE results out this week, child benefit will stop for some children unless parents tell HMRC that their children are staying in education. Linda McAuley finds out more.
Linda McAuley hears about a library that can help your next DIY job. What financial pressures are parents under with uniforms and other charges in the run up to schools going back? A listener's car was recalled with an airbag safety issue, but the dealer was slow to fix it. And do you need a licence to listen to music in work?
Linda McAuley is joined by a panel from Further and Higher Education colleges, and from Housing Rights, to discuss the options facing students who are hoping to enter third level education in September. How does clearing work? What pitfalls should be avoided when signing up for accommodation? Tips for financial management? And how courses – vocational as well as academic – can be accessed in different ways, at different ages and stages, not just when you’re 18.
The changing face of The Post Office as they move from stand alone buildings on the high street to being incorporated into filling stations and local shops. A new ‘Sensory Xperience’ for autistic children and adults has opened in Armagh. Why a local football club is 3 thousand pounds out of pocket because of flight delays and E-Bikes and E-Scooters and the danger of lithium-ion battery fires and what can be done to charge them safely.
Richard Williams from the Consumer Council explains your rights whether you're travelling by ferry or flight. Sinéad Campbell from Advice N.I. has some financial advice for parents struggling through the school holidays. Mark McAllister from the Labour Relations Agency explains why the Flexible Working Act isn't being implemented in N.I. and Philippa McKeown-Brown from the Consumer Council on people with food hyper-sensitivities.
Consumer guru Jimmy Hughes responds to listeners' problems, including claiming insurance for concert tickets that couldn't be used, the flights to Uganda that seemed too good to be true, and when the brakes came off a golf trolley. Also, guidance around buying or driving an electric car.
ABTA rep and travel agent Sandra Corkin is in the studio to give expert holiday advice. Paul Hatty explains the ins and outs of travel insurance, Rob Staines has some "holiday hacks", consumer champion Lady Janey on the benefits of all-inclusive holidays and best car hire practices with Guy Hobbs from Which?
Linda visits Positive Futures in Bangor to find out why 78 percent of adults with autism can’t find meaningful employment.
Since Brexit most phone companies have reintroduced roaming and its now affecting lots of people in border areas of Northern Ireland. Anne Marie Murphy from the Consumer Council has more.
We also help a listener facing a bill of hundreds of pounds for tolls on a car he sold 6 months ago and visit the brand new Banbridge Advice centre.
This week Linda talks to financial adviser Alice Gavin as interest rates for fixed rate mortgages hit 6 percent.
Glynis Hobson tells Linda about co-ownership if you cant afford to buy a house on your own.
With many pensioners facing retirement poverty is Equity Release a good idea?
Simon Murray from the Law Society is also here to answer listeners questions on Wills and Power of Attorney.
And after complaints about complaints in the public sector the ombudsman announces a shakeup of how public bodies act when things go wrong.
As hackers steal payroll data from companies across the UK, Linda asks Tony Neate from Get Safe Online how to protect yourself from scammers.
Jimmy Hughes is back to answer consumer queries on everything from carpets to cars and even wonky mattresses!
And Linda has afternoon tea in Lissane House, Cookstown as we celebrate Volunteering Week.
Energy prices are going up yet the wholesale costs are coming down. Energy regulator John French tells Linda why and what to expect over the next few months.A number of changes to benefits come in this month - Matt Cole from Advice NI explains how to get Disability Support Payments and how the rise in childcare payments works here. Might you be about to lose your Smartpass? A consultation has begun on raising the age to 65+. The Commissioner for Older People is deeply concerned and tells Linda why he see's it as a lifeline for older people.And everything you ever wanted to know about cremation but were afraid to ask as Linda visits Northern Ireland's newest facility which opens next week.
Linda talks about the government’s baby blind spot with Becca Harper from pressure group Melted Parents. Financial Adviser Alice Gavin talks about budgeting and mortgages. And as rents rise faster here than anywhere else in the UK, Stephen Morrison from Housing Rights outlines what help is available and what your rights are. We also hear from the poker player whose winnings got lost in the electronic ether!
Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK and many of them are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we’re heading to Spain to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when something goes wrong? Welcome to On Your Behalf - Is It Just Us? – Spain Presenter: Linda McAuleyProducers: Daniel Lynch & Rhiannon MulliganAssistant Editor: Séamus Boyd
Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to Germany to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when something goes wrong? Welcome to On Your Behalf - Is It Just Us? - Germany Presenter: Linda McAuleyProducers: Daniel Lynch & Rhiannon MulliganAssistant Editor: Séamus Boyd
Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to Sweden to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when something goes wrong? Welcome to On Your Behalf - Is It Just Us? - Sweden Presenter: Linda McAuleyProducers: Daniel Lynch & Rhiannon MulliganAssistant Editor: Séamus Boyd
Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to South Africa to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when something goes wrong? Welcome to On Your Behalf - Is It Just Us? - South Africa Presenter: Linda McAuleyProducers: Daniel Lynch & Rhiannon MulliganAssistant Editor: Séamus Boyd
Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to Canada to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when something goes wrong? Welcome to On Your Behalf - Is It Just Us? - Canada Presenter: Linda McAuleyProducers: Daniel Lynch & Rhiannon MulliganAssistant Editor: Séamus Boyd
The Easter break is an opportunity for many people to get away for a few days, but it’s important to know your rights before you go. Richard Williams of the Consumer Council explains why prevention is always better than cure when it comes to travel and highlights what you need to consider before your getaway. With schools off, it can also be a challenging time for families. Chris Briggs from Employers for Childcare explains what support is available and how to access it. Kathleen Toner explores the situation for foster parents in Northern Ireland and what financial support there is for families considering fostering. We hear regularly from listeners struggling with deliveries or couriers. James Stinson of Ofcom, which regulates the sector, explains why new guidelines should improve things for consumers. If you bought electrical goods online do you know how to check whether they’ve passed safety tests? Giuseppe Cabana, engineer at Electrical Safety First, shares some horror stories of dangerous hairdryers, blenders and chargers and explains how you can keep yourself safe when buying electrical goods.
Linda asks the experts about your consumer questions: Listener Glenda bought a new kitchen, but says it has never been right and the best way to open one of the cupboards is to turn on the extractor fan; Tommy bought a car that broke down while he was out shopping and hasn’t seen it since; John’s mother’s pension was stopped without warning, despite him twice filling out forms he was asked for. Electrical Safety First have some tips for buying electrical goods online and Linda visits a spring home safety event at Belfast City Hall.
More people than ever are having to use private healthcare which could mean more people getting into debt, according to the Royal College of GP's in N Ireland. We hear from Philip, who went private when he needed treatment for cataracts, his optometrist Brian & Dr Julie-Anne Little, Chair of the Association of Optometrists NI.Community organisations across the country are warning of the devastating impact that the closure of an EU funding stream could have. The EU’s European Social Fund was worth around £40m every year in Northern Ireland, but ends on 31st March as a result of Brexit. The sector is warning that Westminster’s replacement funding stream doesn’t fill the gap, putting jobs and services at risk. Community Foundation NI CEO Roísín Wood and Claire Meenehan of Include Youth explain what the loss of funds will mean for organisations and people here. We look back to the Helplines NI awareness event at Stormont, and look ahead to Belfast City Council’s spring safety event which is offering tips on home security and a cyber security audit.
The Consumer Council’s energy expert Raymond Gormley explains what the Energy price Guarantee actually means. Consumer Guru Jimmy Hughes on listener’s problems; from washing machines to car troubles and Diana Valentine from the European Consumer Centre on the pitfalls to be aware of when buying tickets for The Rugby World Cup.
Raymond Gormley, Consumer Council energy expert, talks through several listeners’ questions around the £600 energy vouchers. Paula moved house and is worried she’ll miss out, Robert says his mother’s voucher was delivered to the wrong address and Philip is treasurer for a church and is worried the Rectory is ineligible. Pat Austin of National Energy Action joins the conversation. Following a listener’s question about how to fund residential care for their parents, Brenda Kearns of Age NI talks through everything you need to consider when that decision is approaching. Linda visits Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down where a booklet full of cost of living tips has been produced.
Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries:Write to: OYBBBCOrmeau AvenueBELFAST BT2 8HQListener Line: 02890 338314E-mail via the website: www.bbc.co.uk/oyb
A report from the charity Sustrans suggests 41% of people with disabilities often have problems getting to their destination on a typical walked or wheeled journey. It highlights obstructions like parked cars, signage and street decoration, and makes suggestions to government and planners about how to improve things in future. Linda went for a walk this week with June Best, her guide dog Clyde, and Anne Madden of Sustrans to find out more about the Disabled Citizens Inquiry report.Jimmy Hughes tackles a listener query about a noisy fish tank filter and Andy explains the difficulty he is facing getting his brother Thomas a passport to visit Canada where he was born.
Independent financial advisor Alice Gavin has advice on how to get your finances in order for 2023, Liam Duggan from Carers NI tells of the pressures facing carers, Siobhan Casey from Age NI on getting older people back into the workplace, Faith Westwood from Housing Rights explains what happens with the £600 energy voucher between tenants and landlords and word whizz Suzie Dent from Countdown on becoming a fully trained guide for people living with sight loss.
As the first £600 energy support payments begin to arrive in bank accounts and through letter boxes, Raymond Gormley of the Consumer Council explores what you need to know about the rollout, and answers listeners’ questions about eligibility. All through January, On Your Behalf wants to help you start 2023 with the best foot forward. This week we’re looking at online safety with Tony Neate of Get Safe Online, and ask tech expert Louise Blain how gamers can stay safe playing online.
There’s lots to consider when arranging a funeral and a lot of different costs to weigh up at an already difficult time. Listener Jean got in touch after her mother’s death. Her mother lived most of her life in Belfast but because she’d spent the last few years of her life in Armagh, Belfast City Council charged the family a higher fee for opening the grave. Jean applied for a rebate of the difference, showing proof of her mother’s address, and contacted On Your Behalf when months later she hadn’t received it. Another listener, Amy, got in touch because more than a year after her father’s death she was still being charged for his mobile phone account. She’d tried to cancel it, but contacted On Your Behalf when the payments kept coming out of her bank account. Stephen Larkin of the National Funeral Directors Association joins Linda in studio to discuss what families need to consider when it comes to arranging funerals and how to go about cancelling accounts and contracts.All through January, On Your Behalf wants to help you start 2023 with the best foot forward. Nutrition consultant Sal Hanvey and fitness instructor Tony O’Neill are in studio with advice on how to eat better, be more active and save money.
The initial process of rolling out £600 government energy payments to households in Northern Ireland has begun.Households will receive their payments in different ways, depending on how they pay for domestic electricity.Kevin Higgins of Advice NI and Pat Austen of National Energy Action give their analysis of the scheme to Linda and highlight questions that still need answered. We look at post-Christmas refund and return rights with Damien Doherty from Trading Standards NI, and we’ll set you up for shopping in 2023 with a checklist of things to consider before you checkout. Paul Hatty of the British Insurance Brokers Association explains listeners’ insurance policy questions. Actor Dan Gordon lost a set of car keys, but found his policy didn’t cover him because he had a spare, and Catherine was shocked to find her holiday to Spain wasn’t covered by her travel insurance.
Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries:Write to: OYBBBCOrmeau AvenueBELFAST BT2 8HQListener Line: 02890 338314Email via the website: www.bbc.co.uk/oyb
The Consumer Council’s Richard Williams guides us through consumer travel rights and what to do if your transport is cancelled. We hear listener Nicola who took an airline to the small claims court and won, and Daire whose bag containing valuable items went missing on a flight from Dublin to Leeds. We also get good results for listeners to the programme who have been battling suppliers over items like misplaced sofas and broken televisions.
The Consumer Council’s Raymond Gormley is back to chat about energy price changes coming in the new year. He responds to listeners’ questions about getting a refund of credit from a pre-pay meter and a case of 500L of oil going missing, and has advice for keeping your energy bills down over winter. Chris Gourley from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful shares tips on cutting waste (and costs) at Christmas, from wrapping paper to gift choices. A charity supporting elderly people has published its first annual report looking at the safest places for older people in Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities pays out over £11,000 to a benefits claimant who missed out on the money after getting poor advice.
Travel journalist Simon Calder responds to listener's bad experiences with air travel. Julie was trying to fly to New York but was taken into a room by immigration to answer questions when the fingerprint scanner didn't recognise hers. Sarah's family of five were split, when three of them were put on a plane to London, then onto Orlando, while two of her children were put in a taxi to Dublin to fly to Orlando, on their own. Also, it's International Day of People with Disabilities and we're discussing pavement parking and how that affects people who walk or wheel. Diane Marks and Alison Crawford speak of their experiences.
Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollock of the PSNI and Scamwise partnership is in studio to chat scams; what to watch out for in the run up to Christmas and how to shop safely. The Metropolitan Police will text 70,000 people who were scammed and in Northern Ireland, Trading Standards are continuing to return £10,000 to more than 60 people who were victims of another scam. Energy suppliers have signed up to a voluntary charter to support and protect customers. Peter McClenaghan of the Consumer Council explains how it will work and what it means for people. With fuel prices rising, many will be tempted to turn to things like electric heaters for warmth. We ask Guiseppe Capanna of Electrical Safety First how safe they are and whether they’re more efficient than turning the heating on. While technology has enabled people with sight loss to work effectively alongside their peers, the number of blind and partially sighted in work hasn't changed much in a generation. That's something the RNIB would like to change and Linda has been finding out what’s happening to make that a reality.
Earlier this month, Charlene came to the programme worried about the amount of lead in her drinking water. We heard from Dr Tristan Sturm of Queen’s University who said more could be done to make people aware of the risks of any amount of lead in their water supply. NI Water’s Head of Drinking Water Regulation, Alison McMullan, is in studio to answer your questions on drinking water, what NI Water is doing to remove lead pipes and how homeowners can find out whether there might be lead pipes supplying water to their property. We look ahead to Black Friday with Trading Standards who urge customers to stop before they shop, and the Consumer Council’s postal expert Michael Legge explains how to swap out your old stamps for the new barcode editions.
Many consider broadband to be an essential, much like electricity, water and heating. Brigid contacted the programme when she faced repeated delays getting her rural home connected to the network. To make matters worse, there was no phone signal at her home so using mobile data wasn’t an option either. From a petrol station several miles away, she explains the toll it’s taking on her family.
Northern Ireland Fraud Forum is holding its first annual conference in Belfast soon. We speak to NI Fraud Forum Chair, Bill McCluggage, and Mike Haley, CEO, Cifas, the UK’s largest cross-sector fraud sharing organisation. Two listeners contacted On Your Behalf after getting a tax return from HMRC, but the cheque was made out to another company they’d never heard of. The repayment agents then take a cut of the money as a fee. Joanne Walker of the Low Income Tax Reform Group explains why this might be happening to some people, and suggests what HMRC could be doing to prevent it happening in future.
We take water for granted, but don’t often consider how it reaches our homes. NI Water estimates around a quarter of properties here could still be connected to water supplies through lead pipes. They’re working on replacing them, but only those outside property boundaries. We speak to a listener who grew concerned over how much lead was in her water supply after construction work to a neighbour’s garden and Dr Tristan Sturm of Queen’s University Belfast explains the dangers of lead in water.
Sasha Gillespie and Dr Esther McGuinness join Linda to explain the importance of the Ulster Law Clinic’s Pro Bono week, where students are trained to provide free social security, employment and tribunal representation.
This week is Talk Money week with the Money and Pensions Service. Janine explains why, as the cost of living crisis continues, first step of tackling many financial issues is to seek support.
The Welfare Mitigations Review was published this week, making nine recommendations for Stormont to improve the benefits system here. Panel chair Les Allamby discusses what the report found and what needs to be done to realise its recommendations. Kevin Higgins from Advice NI offers his thoughts and speaks about the pressure the independent advice sector is under at the minute. Listener Sinead got in touch when she got a repair bill for her car. She had a lease agreement with a mileage limit that she adhered to, but the dealership told her the brakes had corrosion as a result of not being driven enough. Motoring expert Amanda Stretton offers top tips for car leasing, and the introduction of E10 fuel. Community Pharmacists have warned government over the shortage and cost of basic medicines, saying supplies could run out within weeks. Terry Maguire of the Ulster Chemists Association, explains what the issue is and what patients can do.
Sara Neill puts listeners questions to consumer expert Jane Hawkes. We hear from two customers unhappy with their car hire agreement and holidaymakers tackling wildfires and missing wheelchairs. We hear from one listener struggling to get answers about a fault with his mother’s car, and we explore how the Motability scheme works. Sara visits a visually impaired reading group at Ballymena Library to find out how accessible our libraries are, and meets something of a local celebrity.
Sara Neill puts your questions to consumer guru Jimmy Hughes. We hear from listeners having difficulties with unlevel flooring, football tickets and second hand cars.
October is positive ageing month so Allison Forbes from the South West Age Partnership &; Margaret Maguire from the Trendsetters Club in Irvinestown give us a run down of the events happening in Fermanagh &; Omagh.
Dynamic ticket pricing prompts us to ask how much are you willing to pay to see your favourite artist?
Linda visits Kilkeel to find out how vital access to cash is and the impact of bank branch closures in a town. Shoppers and business owners offer their thoughts on the potential for a new banking hub in the town, organised by LINK and UK Finance’s Access to Cash Action group. If you’re worried about mortgage repayments, rising interest rates and energy prices, Advice NI are on hand offer support. The RNIB is encouraging everyone to have regular eye tests and as the auto enrolment pension programme marks ten years, we ask how successful it has been in helping everyone save for retirement.
Linda visits Kilkeel to find out how vital access to cash is and the impact of bank branch closures in a town. Shoppers and business owners offer their thoughts on the potential for a new banking hub in the town, organised by LINK and UK Finance’s Access to Cash Action group. If you’re worried about mortgage repayments, rising interest rates and energy prices, Advice NI are on hand offer support. The RNIB is encouraging everyone to have regular eye tests and as the auto enrolment pension programme marks ten years, we ask how successful it has been in helping everyone save for retirement.
Linda visits Kilkeel to find out how vital access to cash is and the impact of bank branch closures in a town. Shoppers and business owners offer their thoughts on the potential for a new banking hub in the town, organised by LINK and UK Finance’s Access to Cash Action group. If you’re worried about mortgage repayments, rising interest rates and energy prices, Advice NI are on hand offer support. The RNIB is encouraging everyone to have regular eye tests and as the auto enrolment pension programme marks ten years, we ask how successful it has been in helping everyone save for retirement.
Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick reflects on the Crushed by the Cost of Living event held at Stormont. Attendees heard people from all over Northern Ireland describing how the crisis is affecting them, while experts outlined their demands on politicians to provide more help. While that event was happening, Westminster announced its programme of support measures to help people with increasing fuel costs. The Consumer Council’s energy expert, Raymond Gormley, explains what helps available and how much we know about how people can access it. Linda visits a Life Skills course run by Christians Against Poverty to find out what practical advice is available for people of all faiths and none.
Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick reflects on the Crushed by the Cost of Living event held at Stormont. Attendees heard people from all over Northern Ireland describing how the crisis is affecting them, while experts outlined their demands on politicians to provide more help. While that event was happening, Westminster announced its programme of support measures to help people with increasing fuel costs. The Consumer Council’s energy expert, Raymond Gormley, explains what helps available and how much we know about how people can access it. Linda visits a Life Skills course run by Christians Against Poverty to find out what practical advice is available for people of all faiths and none.
Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick reflects on the Crushed by the Cost of Living event held at Stormont. Attendees heard people from all over Northern Ireland describing how the crisis is affecting them, while experts outlined their demands on politicians to provide more help. While that event was happening, Westminster announced its programme of support measures to help people with increasing fuel costs. The Consumer Council’s energy expert, Raymond Gormley, explains what helps available and how much we know about how people can access it. Linda visits a Life Skills course run by Christians Against Poverty to find out what practical advice is available for people of all faiths and none.
Tips for students on sharing, budgeting and housing issues. What do you do if the flat or house you signed up for fails to live up to expectations? Who signs the lease and what responsibilites lie with the guarantor? Moving into a shared house can be a lot of fun but who's washing the dishes and how do you sort out the bills? Ulster University's Claire Drummond, QUB Student President Emma Murphy and Emma Kiely from Housing Rights are here to answer your questions.
Tips for students on sharing, budgeting and housing issues. What do you do if the flat or house you signed up for fails to live up to expectations? Who signs the lease and what responsibilites lie with the guarantor? Moving into a shared house can be a lot of fun but who's washing the dishes and how do you sort out the bills? Ulster University's Claire Drummond, QUB Student President Emma Murphy and Emma Kiely from Housing Rights are here to answer your questions.
Tips for students on sharing, budgeting and housing issues. What do you do if the flat or house you signed up for fails to live up to expectations? Who signs the lease and what responsibilites lie with the guarantor? Moving into a shared house can be a lot of fun but who's washing the dishes and how do you sort out the bills? Ulster University's Claire Drummond, QUB Student President Emma Murphy and Emma Kiely from Housing Rights are here to answer your questions.
What language should we use when speaking about people who are disabled? We hear from Alison, who uses a wheelchair, being described as 'a wheelchair' rather than as a person. Fiona who wonders why public transport doesn't offer the same accessibility as airlines and The Lyric Theatre reveals new technology to support audio description of their productions for the visually impaired. Nuala Toman from Disability Action, Entrepreneur Austen Burns and Chris Lynch, who made the documentary The Disability Paradox, talk through the issues raised.
What language should we use when speaking about people who are disabled? We hear from Alison, who uses a wheelchair, being described as 'a wheelchair' rather than as a person. Fiona who wonders why public transport doesn't offer the same accessibility as airlines and The Lyric Theatre reveals new technology to support audio description of their productions for the visually impaired. Nuala Toman from Disability Action, Entrepreneur Austen Burns and Chris Lynch, who made the documentary The Disability Paradox, talk through the issues raised.
What language should we use when speaking about people who are disabled? We hear from Alison, who uses a wheelchair, being described as 'a wheelchair' rather than as a person. Fiona who wonders why public transport doesn't offer the same accessibility as airlines and The Lyric Theatre reveals new technology to support audio description of their productions for the visually impaired. Nuala Toman from Disability Action, Entrepreneur Austen Burns and Chris Lynch, who made the documentary The Disability Paradox, talk through the issues raised.
The Consumer Council’s energy expert, Raymond Gormley, and the Energy Regulator, John French, are in the studio to discuss the rising cost of energy. As winter approaches and the weather turns colder many will be concerned about whether they can afford to have the heating on, or use electrical items. We explore what support is out there and what’s being done to keep costs down.
The Consumer Council’s Chief Executive, Noyona Chundur, explains their new Household Expenditure Tracker and how it shows people in Northern Ireland are struggling to pay for basics.
As children return to school, we ask what makes a cost effective and nutritious lunchbox?
Jimmy Hughes tackles your consumer issues, from booking flights that didn’t exist to whether selecting options from a dropdown menu online means you’re personalising it. Chief Equality Commissioner Geraldine McGahey responds to a listener’s questions about whether a supermarket app is discriminatory and how banks are asking elderly customers to verify their identities. Linda asks Mark McCall from the Electric Vehicle Association NI about this week’s announcement of more funding for on-street chargers in residential areas.
Thousands of students got exam results this week and attention is already turning to the new term at universities and colleges. We discuss options and what families need to consider when it comes to choosing a course, accessing funding and finding somewhere to live. Louise Warde Hunter of Belfast Metropolitan College and Sarah Creighton of Housing Rights join Linda in studio to answer your questions.
Although many aspects of life and work are returning towards normal after the pandemic, it seems online meetings are here to stay. Scammers have adapted and the Financial Conduct Authority is warning against so-called screenshare scams. We find out what they are and how to avoid them. Superintendent Gerrard Pollock of the PSNI joins the programme with some advice for a listener who found themselves the victim of identity theft.
After last week’s Back to School programme we turn our attention to childcare and discuss how parents and carers can access support with the cost, as suppliers increase their fees. Aoife Hamilton of Employers for Childcare explains the options.
Discrimination legislation is different here to the rest of the UK and Ireland. Linda visits and Equality Commission event asking for action to update the law here.
So called Swipers are stealing £500m from supermarkets – but who are they and what’s being done to stop them?
Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, Alison McCaw from Homestart and Lauren bond of the Secondary Students’ Union NI join Linda in studio to go back to school. We hear from parents and organisers at a uniform swap about how the cost of new items is forcing many to search out second hand school clothes. The Consumer Council count up the cost of the school run and Sustrans explain the work happening to encourage those who can to walk or wheel to school.
Listener Ed got in touch when he got a parking ticket for charging his electric car in a free car park. On his behalf we found out the rules around EV parking charges and asked an expert how widespread the problem is. The trustee of a charity based in Northern Ireland got in touch when they were told their charity bank account would be closed and they couldn’t find another bank willing to accept them. We ask NICVA chief executive Seamus McAleavey if charities are being squeezed out of the banking sector. Credit Unions in England are offering interest free loans to non-members in an attempt to encourage saving, but a similar scheme won’t run in Northern Ireland. Gordon Smyth of the Ulster Federation of Credit Unions explains why. Brenda Kearns of Age NI explains why it’s not too late for pensioners to claim and make sure they’re eligible for the emergency cost of living payments.
Consumer rights guru Jimmy Hughes guides us through a selection of listeners’ rights issues – from mattress complaints and second hand cars to artificial grass and Star Wars collectibles. One listener asks how to find out if tax rebate agents who take a cut of your money are legitimate, HMRC have the answers.
For anyone eligible, Emergency Cost of Living Payments should begin to arrive this week. Matt Cole of Advice NI talks us through who’s entitled to get one, what they’ll get and when it’ll arrive. If you aren’t in line to receive one, Matt also has advice on what other support is available.
We speak to a woman from Ukraine who has recently settled in Northern Ireland. What support is available for people arriving here to set up bank accounts and access health and education services? Diversity NI, who offer translation services, explain their role in helping new arrivals, and the Law Centre detail their work helping Ukrainians with visas and immigration issues.
Linda meets the inventor of the Accessoloo, a mobile toilet and changing facility built in Northern Ireland and helping events all over the UK and Europe improve accessibility. Stendhal Festival’s Accessibility Manager, Emma Cassidy, explains how the festival is making it easier for those with additional needs to get around the site, and Keith Miller of Help Musicians explains how the charity has been supporting those working in the arts. Independent Financial Advisor Alice Gavin is in the OYB studio to talk about pensions and managing your money.
Following up on last week’s focus on scams, we’ve an interview with someone who rented a house in Donegal that doesn’t exist; yet the social media platform won’t remove the adverts. The UK Government want to close down legacy benefits and move people to Universal Credit: are there dangers in jumping early? The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People will be in the studio discussing the price of school uniforms. And we’ll be talking to a young man with spina bifida whose independence would be greatly enhanced if he could finally start to learn to drive
85% of adults in Northern Ireland reckon they would recognise a scam that is trying to defraud them. Damien Doherty from the Trading Standards Service tells Linda about the latest attacks and how to be vigilant. The world of work is changing: a new guide will help employers transition to hybrid working while a UK-wide trial is asking whether people could be paid their normal salary but only work 4 days a week yet guarantee to be as productive as before. And when Ivan sent money to his son's old bank account, would he be able to get it back?
What’s been the impact of the pandemic and the rising cost of living on carers. It’s Carers Week and Linda McAuley has been talking to Roisin about the routine of caring for her four daughters with autism. The Chancellor has announced a Cost of Living Support package: who is eligible and when can they expect to see the money. We’ll be catching up with participants at this week’s Harkin International Disability Employment summit that was held in Belfast. And the story of a 95 year old’s missing Senior Smartpass.
Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries:
Write to: OYB BBC Ormeau Avenue BELFAST BT2 8HQ
Listener Line: 02890 338314 E-mail via the website: www.bbc.co.uk/oyb
Around a dozen Easyjet flights to and from Belfast International Airport were cancelled this week, leaving passengers stranded abroad or stuck trying to get away. The Consumer Council’s Richard Williams explains what your rights are when this happens, and we hear from two passengers who say they were abandoned after flights were cancelled.
Jimmy Hughes returns to the studio for the first time in more than two years and tackles listener issues from caravan warranties to gift cards.
With our ever increasing social media footprints we investigate what happens to your online profiles after your death. We hear from one listener who struggled to get her father’s Facebook account removed and expert Zoe Cairns advises on how to set yourself up online to ensure your friends and family don’t have similar troubles.
There were more energy price rises this week as Power NI announced a 27 per cent increase for customers. The Consumer Council’s Raymond Gormley is on hand with tips for managing your usage and advice on how to communicate with your supplier if you’re struggling. Rachael Jeffers from the Law Centre explains how to make sure you aren’t missing out on any benefits, and what to do if you’ve never claimed any but want to find out if you’re entitled. A listener contacted us after he told his insurance company he’d damaged his iPad. He didn’t make a claim, but his premium went up. Paul Hatty of BIBA explains. And as the Belfast Book Festival announces a Pay What You Want policy, we ask how it works for customers. Festival director Sophie Hayles explains with Stephen McIlwraith from The Dock Café, where the system has been in place for over a decade.
Travel expert Simon Calder explains how easyJet’s misinterpretation of passport validity rules might have cost passengers thousands of pounds, and tells you how to get compensation if you were affected. The cost of plastic bags increased in April and Linda visited a school in Newcastle to find out how the plastic bag levy is funding environmental projects. A listener got in touch after discovering that not all of the money she paid for her rates bill reached Land & Property Services, we help them track down nearly £200 that went missing.
News about enhancements to government support for private tenants struggling to pay their rent. Estimated meter readings led to one household receiving a £3,500 bill for their gas and electricity and a 600% increase in their monthly payments. Linda McAuley hears from a care worker who was left at the side of the road when her car broke down because she was waiting for her MOT appointment. And how have our spending habits changed? Did the High Street Spend Local voucher reach the businesses who were affected by COVID? A panel will remind us how consumer rights vary across different payment methods.
Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries:
Write to: OYB BBC Ormeau Avenue BELFAST BT2 8HQ
Listener Line: 02890 338314 Email via the website: www.bbc.co.uk/oyb
Listener Joanna got in touch when her luggage was damaged. She had booked a courier service rather than taking it with her on a flight between university and home. But, when she asked for compensation she was told her suitcase was considered to be “packaging” and isn’t covered for damage. Joanna asks Consumer Council expert Michael Legge what her rights are in this situation? Northern Ireland’s Chief Electoral Officer Virginia McVea guides us through what we need to register to vote, what you’ll need at the polling station and what to do if you test positive for Covid on polling day. We also discuss accessible voting with the RNIB. Over four decades, Co-Ownership has helped thousands of first time buyers get on the property ladder. Glynis Hobson explains how a new scheme will help people aged over 55 who want to move home.
Travel expert Simon Calder talks us through the situation at P&O Ferries. Routes are still disrupted after the company sacked 800 of its staff. After collapsing in 2020, Flybe returns to Belfast with new routes. And we have stories from two listeners whose travel plans have been disrupted.
James Jones dispels some credit myths. Personal finance guru Alice Gavin explains it’s never too early to start thinking about your pension and David Hayman of Make My Money Matter shares why it’s important to ask where your pension is invested. Do you know how green your pension is?
What are the rights of travellers and the responsibilities of P&O Ferries with sailings being cancelled?
One listener received a call during the recent storms and was told her current house insurance had been discontinued with immediate effect. Another listener asks who really needs to be named on insurance policies. Paul Hatty from the British Insurance Brokers Association joins Linda and offers advice to listeners who may be tempted to shop around for cheaper cover.
And when overseas holidays are delayed by the pandemic, travellers’ life circumstances can change in the meantime. And Linda talks to two people with autism about their experience of being diagnosed, and asks what difference the new Autism Bill will make.
A listener received a text message saying she needed to take a new Covid test. But when the fraudsters switched tack and mimicked her bank, she nearly fell into their trap. Another listener was conned into sending over £7,000 to scammers. Tony Neale from Safe Online untangles the webs of deceit. Linda McAuley talks to the new information commissioner John Edwards who visited Northern Ireland this week and asks how people’s data is being protected by companies. And it’s Consumer Week, so two experts from the Consumer Council join Linda to discuss what help is available for people facing a cost of living crisis.
More gas prices were announced this week, and the Consumer Council has also been tracking the rising price of oil. One listener tells us he bought 500L for £318 on Wednesday and his order was cancelled. When he asked for the same amount on Friday the cost had increased to £609. Consumer Council expert Peter McClenaghan offers advice for anyone struggling with their bills, and explains how conflict in Ukraine is affecting markets. Money Magpie expert Jasmine Birtles joins to explain how events in Ukraine could have a knock on effect when it comes to pensions and savings. This week was Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s Age Friendly Conference – we’ll reflect on some of the top tips offered by contributors with Janine Maher of Money and Pensions, and Jemma Theobald, a Registered Nutritionist in Health Improvement with the Western Trust. It’s thought it takes five months for around 3.5 million people in the UK to pay off Christmas every year. If you’re one of them, Kevin Mountford has some advice for you. The Public Service Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Margaret Kelly, explains how she plans to reform the systems for complaints about public bodies to make it easier and clearer for people.
Listener Mark contacted us after his experience of a flight to London. He uses a wheelchair and crutches to get around and requested a seat near the front of the aircraft. He was offered row 14 and in order to get a seat he felt he would be comfortable in, he paid to upgrade his ticket and pick his own seat. We ask consumer champion Jane Hawkes and legal expert Rosemary Connolly what Mark’s rights are in this situation. We check in with Trekkie Carl who was struggling to get a visa to travel to Chicago for a Star Trek Convention. Did he ever reach the final frontier? How do you listen to BBC Radio? Some listeners who use smart speakers told us they couldn’t get their favourite stations to play. We investigate and, with the help of Stephen Campbell from the RNIB, offer some advice to anyone struggling with tech.
We help out listeners struggling with tourist visas and broadband connections, and find out how many people could be missing out on cheaper broadband packages. Ofcom says people on some benefits could make “significant savings” if they knew social tariffs were available.
Cliftonville Hall of Famer, Walter Mills, shares his experience of having prostate cancer and urges more men to speak to their GPs about it as Prostate Cancer UK reveals there could be more than 14,000 undiagnosed cases in the UK.
Continuing our discussion on travel, the Consumer Council’s expert Richard Williams talks us through a new platform where people can compare the cost of travel. The Transport Hub allows users to compare the cost of their commute, work out when is best to book a flight or ferry, and find out how transport costs in Northern Ireland compare to other jurisdictions.
Linda is joined by Sustrans NI’s Caroline Bloomfield, driving instructor Neil McLaren and infrastructure expert Steve Bradley to discuss getting around Northern Ireland. Whether you walk, wheel, drive or get the bus or train, Northern Ireland’s transport system has an impact on how you get around. We ask is there enough room for everyone on our roads. With new Highway Code changes in force in the rest of the UK and an increasingly toxic atmosphere between road users Linda and the panel explore how we can better share the space we have. We also hear from SeeSense how data is informing infrastructure decisions and the creators of a car sharing platform based in Oxford explain how its helping reduce car use there. We also hear from Nichola Mallon on her achievements and frustrations following two years as Infrastructure Minister. We also solve consumer transport issues from listeners – from bus passes to driving licences – and hear how some of you get around Northern Ireland.
Jemma and Lolly got in touch as they were having trouble renewing their passports. Jemma got a new passport, but her name was spelled incorrectly and she didn’t know what to do. Lolly had been struggling for months to renew her British passport, and at one point thought she’d lose her Irish passport in the process. Are you one of the 134,000 pensioners who missed out on their full state pension? The error has been branded a shameful shambles by a committee of MPs. Baroness Altmann, former pensions minister, explains what you can do if you think you’re affected. A new online resource has been developed to help carers make informed decisions around end of life care. We hear what difference it’ll make from Professor Brazil from Queen’s University, Belfast and Christine Redall whose daughter Anna was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 37.
Tommy got in touch when he had some difficulties using the self-scanning app for his shopping. He asked if there’s a mistake, do supermarkets hold on to or share that data? Aodhán Connolly of the NI Retail Consortium talks us through how the system works and whether it pays to be loyal to one retailer. We also explore access to cash with LINK and using VISA cards online with Resolver. Does your area have a community fridge? There are just three in Northern Ireland so far, but organisers want more groups to sign up. We ask how they work and how to get support if you want to start one. We can’t control fuel prices but we can control how much we use – The Consumer Council offer top tips on how to keep your fuel usage down as prices soar.
People are still struggling to access the application process for the £100 Emergency Fuel payment, but this week the Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey announced an additional support package of £55million which would help 280,000 people. We discuss how this fits into the overall welfare package with Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick. There’s a week left to contribute to a public consultation on welfare. Les Allamby, Chair of the Welfare Mitigations panel, explains why it’s important to share your experience of it. Joanna Toner contacted On Your Behalf several years ago about difficulties she was having in Lisburn City Centre. Joanna is blind and struggles to navigate the city centre after the development of a new public realm. She’s taken the council to tribunals over the design, and won, but says nothing has been changed. Linda met Joanna in Lisburn to get the latest on the story.
The Department for Communities, working with Bryson Charitable Group and the Consumer Council, has made a pot of £2 million available to support people struggling to cope with rising energy costs. Within minutes of opening the online application portal had crashed, leaving many frustrated. We hear from one person who did manage to get an application in and we’ll ask Pat Austin from the Fuel Poverty Coalition is it enough?
We find out why it’s vital to bring have your credit card PIN handy when you pick up a hire car, after one visitor to Northern Ireland was marked as a “no show” by the hire company.
A tribunal recently found that fear of catching coronavirus cannot be used as a reason not go back to the office – we speak to Mark McAllister from the Labour Relations Agency about the ruling, and about tattoos in the workplace.
What will 2022 have in store for the worlds of retail, work and travel? Aodhán Connolly, Tina McKenzie and Sandra Corkin offer their analysis and predictions.
Jimmy Hughes takes us through post-Christmas consumer rights. If you got a gift voucher, do you know the terms and conditions?
Independent financial advisor Alice Gavin offers tips on how you can give yourself a New Year’s financial MOT.
Consumer guru Jimmy Hughes guides listeners through their rights. One listener included payment protection when she bought event tickets, but was refused a refund when she contracted Covid and couldn’t attend. Another wanted tickets posted, but was told they’d need a smart phone to get in to their event.
Christmas can be a difficult time for some people. Age NI tell us how their Check In & Chat programme is helping people reconnect and tackle loneliness.
Community Foundations has a new scheme to match charitable giving in wills. We find out how it works.
Travel with the Coronavirus outbreak, future of MOT testing and claiming travel insurance