Welcome to Working Lunch's little black book: a list of contact details for the organisations we mention on the show. For our regular DEBT, BENEFITS, TAX, SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS and MORTGAGES contacts click here:
Friday 30 July 2010 PENSIONS For help finding your way through the pensions maze, try the Pensions Advisory Service - pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk The helpline number is 0845 601 923. On the government website - direct.gov.uk - on the home page click on 'pensions and retirement planning'.
Wednesday 28 July 2010 BENEFITS To find out which benefits you might be entitled to, go to the government's website - direct.gov.uk . On the home page - Click on 'money, savings and benefits'. You could also visit your local citizens advice bureau. Find your local office by putting in your post code at citizensadvice.org.uk To find independent help in your area, try to Advice UK's website: adviceuk.org.uk To find out if you can claim benefits while living in another EU country, you can email the DWP: [email protected] For information on the Motability scheme, in which you can put some of your benefits towards the cost of a car, visit www.motability.co.uk
Tuesday 27 July 2010 BROADBAND SPEED BBC iPlayer has a speed checker at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/diagnostics Also Simplify Digital ( www.simplifydigital.co.uk ) is an Ofcom-accredited broadband comparison and advice service.
Monday 26 July 2010 TAX HELP FOR OLDER PEOPLE If you are pensioner on low income and are struggling to work out your tax, you may want to contact TaxHelp for Older People on 0845 601 3321 or 01308 488066 or email them on [email protected].
Thursday 22 July 2010 TAX CREDITS For more info on tax credits visit hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits And there are help videos available to assist you with filling in the forms, at direct.gov.uk - from the front page, follow the links to Money - Tax and Benefits.
Monday 14 June 2010 FASTER PAYMENTS For more info, and to check if your bank offers Faster Payments, visit the UK Payments Administration.
Thursday 10 June 2010 PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY stayprivate.org registers your preferences with the Direct Marketing Association. You can also try the Telephone Preferential Service MAKING MONEY FROM YOUR HOME Agencies for letting your home for film or photo shoots: Renting out your driveway: Renting out a room:
Wednesday 09 June 2010 SOLAR ENERGY The company offering free solar panels is called A Shade Greener: www.ashadegreener.co.uk Their phone number is 0845 519 1598. HELPING DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE BACK TO WORK The charity we featured was the Camden Garden Centre, which employs and trains disadvantaged people: camdengardencentre.co.uk Other useful website include: shaw-trust.org.uk and socialfirmsuk.co.uk Help for ex-offenders
Help for the homeless
Tuesday 08 June 2010 CREDIT CARDS 0% BEST BUYS 0% on Purchases Sainsbury's Finance Mastercard for Nectar Card - 0% for 12 months - APR 15.9% Barclaycard Platinum with Purchase Visa - 0% for 12 months - APR 15.9 % Tesco Bank Clubcard Mastercard - 0% for 12 months - APR 16.9% 0% on Balance Transfers Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank Gold Mastercard - 0% for 16 months (fee 3%) - APR 16.9% Santander Credit Card - 0% for 15 months (fee 3%) - APR 15.9% Natwest/RBS Platinum Mastercard - 0% for 15 months (fee 2.9%) - APR 16.9% SOURCE: Moneyfacts.co.uk
Tuesday 01 June 2010 SCAMS For more info or to report a suspected fraud, visit actionfraud.org.uk or call 0300 123 2040. If you're a victim of fraud, you can get support from charity Think Jessica - www.thinkjessica.com You can contact Think Jessica via email: [email protected] Or by writing to: Think Jessica P.O. Box 44 42 Chesterfield S44 9AS
Friday 28 May 2010 DRIVING TEST For more info on the test and syllabus, visit www.dsa.gov.uk For info on advanced driving lessons, go to the Institute of Advanced Motorists website. The DVLA has more information on licence costs.
Monday 24 May 2010 NORTHERN ROCK For more information see the FSA's guidance UK banking and savings at fsa.gov.uk Also take a look at the BBC News piece here:
Friday 21 May 2010 GETTING ONLINE If you want to get online but don't know where to start, then you can call UK Online Centres for advice on 0800 77 1234. If you live in England they'll tell you where you nearest UK Online centre is. And if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland they'll give you contact numbers for the organisations that run help centres closest to you. And if you've got the Internet but need more help on how to use it - go to the government's MyGuide website.
Wednesday 12 May 2010 ODD JOBS
Friday 30 April 2010 SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING or call on 0845 600 9 006
Thursday 29 April 2010 COMPLAINING These websites have advice on how to complain:
Thursday 22 April 2010 PET INSURANCE WEBSITES rspca.org.uk dogtrust.org.uk battersea.org.uk Catchat.org moneysupermarket.co.uk/pet-insurance
Tuesday 20 April 2010 LEARNING A LANGUAGE The websites mentioned in Sharif's piece were: - The BBC's online resources for language students: www.bbc.co.uk/languages - The language community site www.busuu.com
Thursday 15 April 2010 LEGAL AID In England & Wales, visit www.legalservices.gov.uk In Scotland, try the Scottish Legal Aid Board - www.slab.org.uk And in Northern Ireland, it is the Legal Service Commission - www.nilsc.org.uk
Wednesday 14 April 2010 CAREER-CHANGING You can find more advice at careershifters.org
Monday 12 April 2010 SAVINGS PROTECTION You can get more advice from the FSA's website: moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk And also from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme site: fscs.org.uk
Thursday 01 April 2010 WOOD FOR WOOD BURNERS If you want to learn more about wood management, visit the forestry.gov.uk website.
Tuesday 30 March 2010 STATE PENSION CHANGES Useful info can be found at direct.gov.uk - search for 'state pension calculator' in the top search box. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH Health for Work Advice line (England) - 0800 0 77 88 44 Healthy Working Lives Advice line (Scotland) - 0800 019 2211 Health at Work Advice line (Wales) - 0800 107 0900 Labour Relations Agency Helpline (Northern Ireland) - 028 9032 1442
Monday 29 March 2010 RAIL STRIKE - IMPACT ON SERVICES Check what lines are running using nationalrail.co.uk/dispute
Thursday 25 March 2010 GIVING TO CHARITY Here are the two sites mentioned in today's Savvy Spending:
Friday 19 March 2010 BUSINESS RATES The Valuations Office website is voa.gov.uk Their helpline is VOA helpline: 0845 602 20 10
Thursday 18 March 2010 GETTING A COMPUTER Best Buys - from Matthew Bath at Which? 1) If you're interested in a desktop computer, Apple, Sony and Dell were the top-scoring brands in terms of satisfaction in recent Which? Survey and Advent came bottom. But desktops can be expensive so may be consider a laptop. 2) Matt says the Acer Aspire 5740 for around £480 is a good laptop buy 3) And if you're happy with a smaller laptop computer, may be consider a netbook. Best buy listed here is the Toshiba Mini netbook starting from £190. GETTING BROADBAND Two broadband deals we featured were: 1) AOL Broadband - Contact: 0800 954 0306 - AOL offers a deal that you can cancel at any time - It's £4.99 for first 3 months and £14.99 thereafter - 10GB cap. - NOTE: Offer is until the end of this month! 2) PlusNet - Contact: 0845 140 0200 - £5.99 per month in certain areas - 10GB usage allowance - Up to 8Mb speeds - Will charge at least £80 if you cancel after 12 months
Tuesday 16 March 2010 STAYING SAFE ONLINE Get useful advice at the government website, getsafeonline.org FREE ANTI-VIRUS Here are the free software titles we mentioned:
Monday 15 March 2010 GETTING ONLINE For businesses and organisations who are interested in getting involved with Race Online 2012 visit www.raceonline2012.org For people who'd like to find out more about getting online call 0800 77 1234 to find a local UK online centre staffed by people who can help. For people who are already online but know someone who's not, visit www.ukonlinecentres.com/passiton CONSUMER RIGHTS
Wednesday 10 March 2010 LOST BANK ACCOUNTS The website to check if you have a lost bank account is mylostaccount.org.uk Or try the government's website direct.gov.uk/dormantaccount You can also search a database of life policies, pension funds and other investments in the Unclaimed Assets Register , but you will have to pay a £25 fee per search FLEXIBLE WORKING FOR FATHERS
Tuesday 09 March 2010 COMPLAINTS ABOUT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Your first step should be to complain to the institution directly. If this does not solve the problem after eight weeks, take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman: phone 0300 1239123 or visit financial-ombudsman.org.uk You can also try
Thursday 04 March 2010 SPORTS TICKETS Ticket sellers we mentioned (obviously there are many others):
Wednesday 03 March 2010 SPORTS FUNDING Under 16s can apply to the Youth Sports Trust or Sports Aid. Over 16s can apply to the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme. Details of apprenticeships in Sport can be obtained from Skills Active. CARING FOR GRANDCHILDREN
Tuesday 02 March 2010 DISPOSING OF OLD GADGETS You can used eBay's 'Advanced Search' function to look at completed listings and get an idea of the 2nd-hand value of old tech. Sellmymobile.com will compare how much different recycling and refurbishment companies will pay for your old mobile. Computeraid.org will accept donations of computers and accessories.
Thursday 25 February 2010 SCRAPPAGE The top three scrappage deals recommended by our guest Kieren Puffett were: - Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic = £7,760 list price but £5760 under scrappage
- VW Polo 1.2S 3-Door = £9,910 list price but £7,910 under scrappage
- Honda Jazz 1.2 i-VTEC S = £11,058 list price but £9058 under scrappage
Wednesday 24 February 2010 WEBSITES FOR STUDENT FINANCES English Higher Education (universities) : www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance English Adult Learners (colleges) : www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning English healthcare students: www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk Scotland: www.saas.gov.uk Wales: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk Northern Ireland: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk Open University: www3.open.ac.uk/study/explained/financial-support.shtml NUS website: www.nus.org.uk NUS resources for students who are parents: www.nus.org.uk/Student-Life/Money-And-Funding UCAS info for mature students: www.ucas.ac.uk/students/wheretostart/maturestudents
Tuesday 23 February 2010 CHILDCARE COSTS The Ofsted website has reports on child care facilities - click the link for inspection reports. For more information on getting help to pay for childcare, try payingforchildcare.org.uk If you want to speak to someone directly, the Daycare Trust has a helpline - 0845 872 6251
Friday 19 February 2010 ELDERLY CARE For independent advice and help try carers.org Also try the government Caring for Someone site. If you are a younger person caring for someone try youngcarers.net For support and info on respite breaks try crossroads.org.uk And if computers aren't your thing, the NHS provide a freephone service on caring - 0808 802 02 02 UNCLAIMED ACCOUNTS To make a claim with Scottish Widows click here. To trace a lost bank account try mylostaccount.org.uk To trace lost assets including pensions, unit trusts, investment trusts and life insurance policies, try the following services: Free Services: £25 Fee:
Thursday 18 February 2010 ESTATE AGENTS If you want advice on finding an estate agent, go to the government's direct.gov.uk website and type 'estate agent' in the search box on the front page. To find out about the Property Ombudsman service and how to complain, visit tpos.co.uk
Wednesday 17 February 2010 HOME WORKING For advice on working at home, try the Telework Association. Their phone number is 0800 616008.
Monday 15 February 2010 JOB SEEKING The government's Direct.gov.uk website and Job Centre Plus have advice and job listings. If you need support regarding being unemployed, try Credit Action. Private recruitment agencies we mentioned: monster.co.uk prospects.ac.uk fish4.co.uk jobsite.co.uk Recruitment agencies with a high street presence: Blue Arrow Reed Adecco Hays
Monday 08 February 2010 TAX CODES You can call the tax office on 0845 3000 627 if you are affected by a problem with your tax code.
Thursday 04 February 2010 ENERGY SAVING For more info on the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, visit the dedicated website.
Wednesday 03 February 2010 TOYOTA To find out more about the recall plan, go to Toyota's website. If you think your car has a problem, then call Toyota immediately on 0800 138 8744. To see a full list of all car recalls, check with VOSA , part of the Department of Transport. PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS DATA To find out about patents and trademarks, visit the Intellectual Property website
Tuesday 02 February 2010 BOILER ROOM SCAMS If you are worried about boiler rooms call the FSA on 0300 500 5000 or visit their Money Made Clear website.
Monday 01 February 2010 NEW BOND MARKET Find out how you can invest in bonds on the 'Bonds Made Easy' section of the London Stock Exchange website.
Thursday 28 January 2010 GREEN HOME IMPROVEMENTS The T-Zero website run by the Building Research Establishment has advice on how make your home more energy efficient, to reduce fuel bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
Wednesday 27 January 2010 INSOLVENCY If your business is struggling financially, you can get advice from the government's Business Link website.
Wednesday 20 January 2010 STOPPING NUISANCE CALLS You can find more info at the Ofcom website as well as whocallsme.com and snozwangler.com
Monday 18 January 2010 DONATING TO HAITI The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) distributes money to the 30 biggest humanitarian relief charities. You can donate via their website or by calling 0370 60 60 900, or in your local bank or Post Office. You can donate by cheque - make it payable to DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE APPEAL and send it to PO BOX 999, London, EC3A 3AA You can also donate directly to any of the charities represented by DEC, or to any of the smaller charities with people on the ground in Haiti - these include Rapid UK and SOS Children.
Thursday 14 January 2010 SOURCES OF BUSINESS LENDING You can find advice on the various schemes available at the Business Link website. RETURNING UNWANTED GIFTS Find out about your rights as a consumer on the Consumer Direct website.
Tuesday 12 January 2010 COMING OFF INCAPACITY BENEFIT Dial UK will give you information about support available in your local area. The Disability Alliance will tell you if returning to work will have an impact on your benefits. And this government website will give you advice on other schemes that will help you to look for work.
Friday 08 January 2010 DEBT ADVICE If you need help with your debt, you can go to the Consumer Credit Counselling Service , where they have an online debt tool called 'Debt Remedy'. You can also try Credit Action or ring the National Debtline on 0800 808 4000.
Thursday 07 January 2010 FRANCHISING Be Franchising featured in Rob's film and may help those living in the North East. Also try the British Franchise Association . Business Link has information on setting up your own franchise.
Tuesday 05 January 2010 BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME Find information on how to take part in the £400 discount scheme, visit the Energy Saving Trust website or call them on 0800 512 012 Also visit the British Gas website for info on their extra £400 discount.
Monday 30 November 2009 MUMS RETURNING TO WORK The National Childbirth Trust has published two free downloadable guides for returning to work for mums and employers.
Thursday 26 November 2009 BOILER SAFETY If you suspect there is something wrong with your boiler you can request a free inspection from Gas Safe Register - the organisation formerly known as CORGI - on 0800 408 5500.
Wednesday 18 November 2009 CARE AT HOME FirstStop provide a care advice service to identify the right care services for older people. There is also an advice line you can call on 0800 377 7070.
Tuesday 17 November 2009 ENERGY SAVING GRANTS The Energy Saving Trust has details on grants that the Government, energy suppliers and local authorities provide.
Monday 16 November 2009 DOORSTEP SCAMS If in doubt about a doorstep trader contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. Visit the Consumer Direct website for tips on how to avoid being scammed. LONG TERM CARE Direct.gov, the website of the UK government, has help for people caring for someone.
Monday 9 November 2009 MAKING A WILL Visit the Will Aid website for advice on making a will with a solicitor or do-it-yourself kit.
Monday 2 November 2009 ON-THE-JOB TRAINING SCHEMES The Cornwall scheme featured in today's film can be found here. Other regional schemes: England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland
Wednesday 28 October 2009 GRANDPARENT BENEFITS Learn more at the Fostering Network website or call 0800 0407675
Thursday 22 October 2009 MOBILE PHONES To compare mobile phone deals, you can use the price comparison site, BillMonitor ,which is accredited by Ofcom.
Wednesday 21 October 2009 FUEL POVERTY For advice on fuel poverty you can call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or go to their website There's also the Citizen's Advice website and the Government's own website Direct.gov.uk - you need to look under the pensions and retirement section to look up winter fuel payments. OLDER WORKERS The Really Caring 60+ Recruitment Company
Friday 16 October 2009 SMALL BUSINESSES - TAX HMRC Business Payment Support Service HMRC Support Scheme Helpline: 0845 302 1435 CREDIT RATING REPORTS Experian Equifax Callcredit
Thursday 15 October 2009 LEHMAN BROTHERS Creditor Helpline info Helpline number: 0844 770 2203
Wednesday 14 October 2009 MONEY MATTERS ROADSHOW PENSIONS Pensions Advisory Service The Pensions Advisory Service
11 Belgrave Road
London
SW1V 1RB Helpline: 0845 6012923 DEBT ADVICE Consumer Credit Counselling Service Citizens Advice National Debtline TAX TaxHelp for Older People The Chartered Institute of Taxation
Friday 9 October 2009 POSTAL STRIKE DHL DX Monday 5 October 2009 ENERGY SAVING MONITORS Energy monitors can be borrowed thanks to some schemes operated by local authorities and libraries, where the devices are loaned out in the same way as books. In some cases, housing associations are also loaning these to their residents. The Energy Saving Trust has a list of where the loan scheme is operating: Click here for the list It is worth going to your local library and enquiring. The Energy Saving Trust runs a loan scheme in some areas of London and elsewhere where they provide monitors administered by libraries. These are: The London councils - Croydon, Sutton, Richmond, Camden, Harrow, Haringey, Havering, Redbridge, Greenwich (not yet available: Ealing, Southwark, Barnet). Leicestershire County Council - see here for more information The City of Edinburgh Libraries recently launched a smart monitor lending scheme. The Energy Saving Trust are involved in a supporting capacity. For people on low income or benefits, it is up to each energy supplier to determine if and how a customer is eligible for a monitor under the governments Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT). More details about CERT here: Energy Saving Trust website. Thursday 1 October 2009 MAIL SCAMS Think Jessica Wednesday 30 September 2009 CHILDREN COOKING CLASSES Mini Cook BUSINESS LINK Business Link national helpline: 0845 600 9 006 Starting a business during a recession Starting a business as a woman Starting a business on a low income
Tuesday 29 September 2009 FREEVIEW Freeview retuning information List of affected freeview boxes
Monday 28 September 2009 FULL-TIME MOTHERS fulltimemothers.org
Thursday 24 September 2009 TREASURE HUNTING Portable Antiquities Scheme
Wednesday 23 September 2009 BENEFITS HELP Entitled To Citizens Advice And you can get advice from your Local Authority.
Wednesday 9 September 2009 ADULT LEARNING Careers Advice Service - 0800 100 900 Directgov
Tuesday 8 September 2009 CARERS ALLOWANCE ADVICE
Monday 7 September 2009 ENERGY PRICE COMPARISON SITES Energyhelpline.com Customer helpline: 0800 074 0745 uSwitch Customer helpline: 0800 404 7908 UKPower.co.uk Customer helpline: 0845 009 1780 SimplySwitch Customer helpline: 08000 111 395 MoneySupermarket.com Customer helpline: 0845 345 5708 HomeAdvisoryService.co.uk Customer helpline: 0845 1800 300 SaveOnYourBills.co.uk Customer helpline: 0800 055 3800 Energylinx Which? Switch Unravelit Confused.com
Friday 4 September 2009 PENSIONS DEBT ADVICE Citizens Advice National Debtline Consumer Credit Counselling Service For local authority advice centres, contact your local council.
Wednesday 2 September 2009 GREEN BUILDING Energy Saving Trust website Sustainable Build website For for wattle and daub look at look at Paula Sunshine's website
Tuesday 1 September 2009 CHILD TRUST FUNDS Child Trust Fund website
Monday 27 July 2009 TAX CREDITS INFO HM Revenue and Customs website Citizens Advice network website Direct.gov website - click where it says money, taxes and benefits
Monday 20 July 2009 PAYMENT ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES Institute of Credit Management website
Wednesday 15 July 2009 CARBON TRUST ENERGY EFFICIENCY LOAN Carbon Trust website
Monday 13 July 2009 CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT WEBSITES Seatwave website Viagogo website Seatchoice website
Thursday 9 July 2009 WIND TURBINES Energy Saving Trust website Energy Saving Trust phone number: 0800 512 012
Monday 6 July 2009 PRIVATE LENDING
Wednesday 17 June 2009 0870 Say no to 0870 website FREELANCE TIPS Or apply on the phone at 0800 055 6688.
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