Citizens Advice Lancashire West Blog Page

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Benefit Cuts Could Deepen Poverty Crisis, Warns Citizens Advice CEO

Clare Moriarty calls Labour’s plans a “quick fix” with long-lasting damage to health and livelihoods

Cutting benefits for disabled people will push more individuals and families into poverty and create further barriers to employment, warns Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice.

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New Data Reveals Young People Are Most at Risk of Rental Fraud

Young renters are being urged to stay vigilant as new data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reveals that people aged 18 to 39 account for nearly three-quarters of rental fraud cases. With the rise of fraudulent rental listings and fake landlords, it’s more important than ever to think twice before handing over money for a property.

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Energy Companies Pocket £3.9bn in ‘Excess Profits’ Amid Cost of Living Crisis

Energy network companies in Great Britain have gained nearly £4bn in "excess profits" over the past four years, according to a new Citizens Advice report. The report claims these companies have benefited from flawed regulations set by Ofgem, forcing consumers to overpay on household bills during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

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Beware of Fake Bailiffs: The Growing Scam Targeting Homeowners

Criminals posing as bailiffs are using threats and fake court documents to pressure victims into paying thousands of pounds for debts that don’t exist. The scam plays on fear and urgency, making people believe they must pay immediately or risk losing their possessions.

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Awaab’s Law: Holding Landlords Accountable for Safe Housing

From October, social landlords will be legally required to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould within a set timeframe, as well as address emergency hazards within 24 hours. This historic change, known as Awaab’s Law, is a major step in ensuring social housing meets safe and habitable standards.

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Romance Fraud: Protect Yourself from Online Scammers

Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it also comes with risks. Romance fraud is on the rise, with criminals using fake profiles to gain trust and exploit victims financially. Here’s how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself.

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Navigating Separation: How Mediation Can Help You Find Solutions

Separating from a partner can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding on finances, property, and arrangements for children. Family mediation offers a practical way to resolve these issues with the help of an impartial mediator, avoiding the expense and stress of court proceedings.

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Beware Scam Calls: Fraudsters Exploiting Digital Landline Switchover

Scammers are impersonating BT and preying on consumers ahead of the UK's digital landline switchover. Victims report receiving cold calls demanding payment or personal details under the guise of upgrading their landline service to "Digital Voice." Here’s what you need to know:

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Why Are Blue Badges Becoming Harder to Access?

In the past five years, Citizens Advice has seen a 115% increase in the number of people seeking help with applying for a Blue Badge. Since its introduction in 1971, the Blue Badge scheme has provided essential support to disabled people, enabling them to park closer to their destination, use yellow lines for a limited time, and access free parking in some areas. This lifeline is linked to the individual, making it usable in any car, whether the badge holder is driving or a passenger.

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Warning for Booking.com Users: Fraudsters Targeting Hotel Accounts

Users of the popular platform Booking.com are being cautioned about potential fraud. Criminals have been taking over hotel accounts on the platform and sending emails or messages to customers, requesting payments or credit card details. Between June 2023 and September 2024, Action Fraud received 532 reports of this type of fraud, resulting in losses totalling £370,000.

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Urgent Call for Water Companies to Support Vulnerable Customers Amid Price Hikes

Water companies in England and Wales are facing growing pressure to enhance support for vulnerable households as steep bill increases approach. The regulator Ofwat is expected to announce significant rises in water bills for the next five years, beginning in April 2025. The industry has requested permission to charge billions of pounds more to fund infrastructure upgrades and maintain financial returns for investors. However, consumer groups, including the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), warn that these hikes could render water bills unaffordable for many households, urging water companies to take more robust action.

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Driven Apart: Tackling the Unequal Burden of High Car Insurance Costs

A new report has shed light on the increasing strain high motor insurance costs are placing on UK drivers. Based on data from 6,000 UK adults, the findings reveal a growing affordability crisis, with the number of people priced out of the car insurance market rising by 900,000 in just the last 12 months. This adds to the 1.7 million people already unable to afford insurance for over a year, leaving them unable to drive and highlighting a stark example of financial exclusion in an essential market.

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The Gift of Time: Combating Loneliness at Christmas

Christmas is often portrayed as a time of joy, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. Yet, for many, it’s a stark reminder of isolation and loneliness. According to Age UK, more than 1.4 million older people in the UK struggle with loneliness, with almost a million saying they feel lonelier during the festive season. However, it’s not just older generations who feel the impact. People of all ages, including young adults, can experience a profound sense of disconnection during what is supposed to be the “happiest time of the year.” The good news? A small act of kindness or a little time can make an enormous difference.

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Stay Safe This Holiday Season: Your Guide to Product Safety

As Christmas approaches, shopping lists are being ticked off, and gifts are piling up under the tree. But amidst the festive cheer, it’s vital to stay vigilant about product safety. Here's how you can ensure your purchases are safe and your holidays stress-free.

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Take Charge of Your Finances with Simple Steps

If you’re looking to take control of your finances, small changes can lead to big differences in how you manage your money. One powerful approach is to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you get started.

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Understanding Heat Networks: Protecting Consumers in a Growing Market

While heat networks are considered an efficient way to deliver energy, they fall short of the consumer protections found in regulated energy markets. These protections include price caps, clear billing, and support for those facing financial hardship — all crucial safeguards that heat network consumers currently lack. This absence of protection is even more concerning because consumers can’t switch suppliers if their current provider fails to meet standards.

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