A company offering what they say is free benefit appeals work on the basis that they are paid 45% of any backpay that the client receives from the DWP is working in the area.
As an example - a client who won their appeal ended up paying the company £1500! The company have no official address, just a PO box in Preston.
They have a website www.benefitanswers.co.uk Their website also asks for contact from clients going through the benefits appeals procedure which would indicate that they are likely to receive a high amount of back pay and are therefore vulnerable to end up giving almost half of it to this company.
We would advise people who need support for any type of benefit appeal seek help with organisations such as CAB or the benefit advice shop in Rhyl
Thursday 17 December 2009
Monday 14 December 2009
Digital decade is leaving vulnerable consumers locked out
Vulnerable groups in Wales are being left behind in the digital revolution – that’s the stark warning from a new report from Consumer Focus Wales.
The consumer champion’s latest report – Logged In or Locked Out? – brings together ten years of data from the Welsh Consumer Council and Consumer Focus Wales. It shows that those who either cannot or choose not to use the internet are in danger of missing out on access to information, and better deals in goods and services.
The findings makes a series of recommendations for national government, local government, regulators, telecoms companies and internet service providers in order to close the growing digital divide.
Sarah Richards, Senior Policy Advocate for Consumer Focus Wales, said: “Wales is in the midst of a digital revolution. The number of people who are online has risen steadily over the last ten years so that nearly seven out of ten adults have personal access to the internet. It is becoming integral to more aspects of our life than ever before.
“But the growing availability of information and bargains means that those who either cannot, or choose not to use with the internet are in danger of being locked out from accessing the best deals, and the most up-to-date information.
“Our research shows that while the debate about ‘not-spots’ is still important, we must not forget the ‘net-nots’ either: those people who either cannot get access, cannot afford access, or simply don’t see the benefit of logging on.
“As public services look to deliver services over the internet as a way to cut their costs, we have to ensure that those who need them are not forgotten. The very people most likely to need support – the elderly, the poorest in our society and those in remote rural areas - are the least likely to be able to access support online.”
The report highlights how age is still the single greatest indicator of whether you are likely to use the internet, with social class and geography also significant factors.
Ms Richards added: “While almost nine out of ten people aged 16-44 have access to the internet, for the over 65s, that figure falls to one in four. Public and private sector organisations who provide public information must ensure they don’t neglect those that are not online.
“The benefits to consumers of the internet are many, but we must ensure we do not end up in a country where people are institutionally locked out from information which may affect them – like weather warnings, or finding out information during food scares or looking at what our elected politicians are saying on our behalf.”
Key facts:
67% of households in Wales have a home internet connection
94% of home internet connections are broadband
People aged 35-44 are most likely to have a home internet connection (83%)
The consumer champion’s latest report – Logged In or Locked Out? – brings together ten years of data from the Welsh Consumer Council and Consumer Focus Wales. It shows that those who either cannot or choose not to use the internet are in danger of missing out on access to information, and better deals in goods and services.
The findings makes a series of recommendations for national government, local government, regulators, telecoms companies and internet service providers in order to close the growing digital divide.
Sarah Richards, Senior Policy Advocate for Consumer Focus Wales, said: “Wales is in the midst of a digital revolution. The number of people who are online has risen steadily over the last ten years so that nearly seven out of ten adults have personal access to the internet. It is becoming integral to more aspects of our life than ever before.
“But the growing availability of information and bargains means that those who either cannot, or choose not to use with the internet are in danger of being locked out from accessing the best deals, and the most up-to-date information.
“Our research shows that while the debate about ‘not-spots’ is still important, we must not forget the ‘net-nots’ either: those people who either cannot get access, cannot afford access, or simply don’t see the benefit of logging on.
“As public services look to deliver services over the internet as a way to cut their costs, we have to ensure that those who need them are not forgotten. The very people most likely to need support – the elderly, the poorest in our society and those in remote rural areas - are the least likely to be able to access support online.”
The report highlights how age is still the single greatest indicator of whether you are likely to use the internet, with social class and geography also significant factors.
Ms Richards added: “While almost nine out of ten people aged 16-44 have access to the internet, for the over 65s, that figure falls to one in four. Public and private sector organisations who provide public information must ensure they don’t neglect those that are not online.
“The benefits to consumers of the internet are many, but we must ensure we do not end up in a country where people are institutionally locked out from information which may affect them – like weather warnings, or finding out information during food scares or looking at what our elected politicians are saying on our behalf.”
Key facts:
67% of households in Wales have a home internet connection
94% of home internet connections are broadband
People aged 35-44 are most likely to have a home internet connection (83%)
Report available for download-
Cost of paying by cash has little reward
Some of the poorest people in Wales are choosing to pay more for essential goods and services – because they don’t trust or are confused by the banking system.
A new report by Consumer Focus Wales reveals that people in Wales prefer to pay for goods in cash instead of with a debit card or by direct debit because they feel it gives them greater control of their money.
Report author Lindsey Kearton said: “It is clear that people who pay by direct debit are more likely to get better deals than those who use cash. However, confusion and suspicion surround direct debits and until these issues are effectively addressed many consumers will continue to use cash as their preferred payment method, regardless of the fact that in some situations they pay more as a consequence.
“We found that many people are savvy enough to know that the arrangements they make mean they end up paying more. But there is a lack of awareness that there is an alternative.
“Consumer Focus Wales recommends that banks and other financial institutions provide face-to-face support to those opening a bank account for the first time to improve their understanding of how direct debits work. This could include text alerts to enable people to keep track of their account and overcome any fears of losing control
“We also call for the Welsh Assembly Government and UK Government to work with the banking industry to develop the capacity of alternative financial service providers such as credit unions, Community Development Finance Institutions and the Post Office so they are also able to offer bank account services that are appropriate to the needs and circumstance of people living on a low income.” Download the report at:-
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/assets/4/files/2009/11/404_20091112105252_e_@@_CFWTheCostofCashEnglishWEB.PDF
A new report by Consumer Focus Wales reveals that people in Wales prefer to pay for goods in cash instead of with a debit card or by direct debit because they feel it gives them greater control of their money.
Report author Lindsey Kearton said: “It is clear that people who pay by direct debit are more likely to get better deals than those who use cash. However, confusion and suspicion surround direct debits and until these issues are effectively addressed many consumers will continue to use cash as their preferred payment method, regardless of the fact that in some situations they pay more as a consequence.
“We found that many people are savvy enough to know that the arrangements they make mean they end up paying more. But there is a lack of awareness that there is an alternative.
“Consumer Focus Wales recommends that banks and other financial institutions provide face-to-face support to those opening a bank account for the first time to improve their understanding of how direct debits work. This could include text alerts to enable people to keep track of their account and overcome any fears of losing control
“We also call for the Welsh Assembly Government and UK Government to work with the banking industry to develop the capacity of alternative financial service providers such as credit unions, Community Development Finance Institutions and the Post Office so they are also able to offer bank account services that are appropriate to the needs and circumstance of people living on a low income.” Download the report at:-
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/assets/4/files/2009/11/404_20091112105252_e_@@_CFWTheCostofCashEnglishWEB.PDF
Sunday 13 December 2009
Welsh Assembly Government leading the way in planning for an ageing society
The Older People’s Wellbeing Monitor for Wales is a milestone research report that will guide the future work of the Welsh Assembly Government and its partners in planning for the demographic changes in society. See the report at http://wales.gov.uk/topics/olderpeople/research/wellbeingmonitor2009/?lang=en
Monday 7 December 2009
Health, Well-Being & Support Directory
The NHS Direct Wales website http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/ features a Health, Well-Being & Support Directory which contains information about a wide range of health, well-being services and support groups provided locally and nationally across Wales. You can use the directory to search for support to deal with an illness, ways to get more active, opportunities to make new friends or chances to get involved in your local community.
BEAT THE LOAN SHARKS – BITE BACK!
As the recession hits harder, money problems are affecting more and more of us. Who do you turn to when the rent’s overdue, the gas bill’s higher than you expected, or the washing machine breaks down? The Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (IMLU) is warning local residents not to make the mistake of turning to illegal lenders – male or female.
IMLU was set up by central government at the end of 2007 to search out and prosecute loan sharks throughout Wales, and operates as part of Trading Standards. These illegal lenders operate without a consumer credit licence, and prey on people who are vulnerable – whether because of poverty or debt, or difficulties in their lives such as addiction or health problems.
Loan sharks will rip off borrowers by charging extortionate interest (IMLU say that 150,000% APR is not unheard of!) and adding on penalty payments as and when they want. “Sharks don’t give you paperwork explaining the terms of the loan, and you have to keep paying them back until they decide you can stop. They may appear friendly when they offer the loan, and when you pay - it’s when you can’t pay that you see the other side of them”, explains Steve Tooby, IMLU manager.
It can get worse than just being ripped off. Loan sharks use threats and sometimes violence to make sure their victims keep paying. A loan shark in the north of England was recently imprisoned indefinitely for rape and blackmail. Steve warns that the helpful person who offers to lend you some cash may not be such a good guy. “Victims have found themselves forced into criminal activity to pay back the sharks. We have come across children pushed into shoplifting, and women pressurised into prostitution by these criminals.”
IMLU warns residents to make sure that anyone offering to lend money has a consumer credit licence. If you are a loan shark victim, or think there may be a shark operating nearby, phone IMLU on the 24 hour Hotline: 0300 123 3311. You can phone anonymously if you want.
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