Useful contacts from recent programmes

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: exportability.team@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

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 taxvol@taxvol.org.uk.

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: thinkjessica1@googlemail.com

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

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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