I hired a company to install concrete fencing and a gate in my back garden. The quality of the work is poor, some wooden panels are loose and the gate doesn’t shut properly.

I paid before I inspected the work. What can I do? When you put your trust in a trader and they don’t meet your expectations it can be really frustrating.  When there’s a problem caused by a trader, you should be able to get it fixed or get … Continued

I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable.

What can I do to try and keep it cool? An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your … Continued

I’ve recently had to give up work due to a back injury and I’m worried about how I’m going to cope with the drop in income.

I’m not sure what benefits I can get – where should I start? Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s definitely worth checking what you can get. Claiming benefits also means you can get access … Continued

I bought a jacket online and when it arrived it looked nothing like the images shown. The company said if I want a refund I must pay to ship it to an address in China, but the website claimed the brand was UK-based.

Is this a scam and how do I avoid it in future? This is a really frustrating situation and unfortunately it’s becoming more common than you might think. It is in fact a type of retail scam and often leads … Continued

A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old.

Where should I start? The first thing to know is that anyone can make a lasting power of attorney; it’s not something purely for older people to consider.  Appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA) means nominating someone such as … Continued

I’m stressed about being able to afford food for my family as the colder months set in. We will be spending more on heating, and we’re barely making it through as it is.

Can I use a food bank if I need to? It’s understandable to be worried about affording food when you’re in a tough spot financially – especially with the cost of your bills rising. You’re not alone, as Citizens Advice … Continued

After last winter, I’m really worried about falling behind on my energy bills again as we head into the colder months. We’re careful about what we use but with small kids it’s hard.

What can I do if I’m struggling to keep up with payments? It’s understandable to feel anxious about energy bills at this time of year. If you’re struggling to afford your bills, it’s important to act quickly; support is available … Continued