Citizens Advice

⚠️ Are you an Iresa customer wondering what happens next?
🐙 You’ve been switched to Octopus Energy and can find out more from Ofgem

Following the collapse of Iresa, Utility Week says our energy star rating is “likely to be more important than ever in a consumer’s decision-making process".
Use our rating to compare your energy supplier's customer service: http://bit.ly/2nMCD0E

Today, the Bank of England raised its base interest rate to 0.75%. This is the highest level since March 2009.
Huffington Post features our Chief Executive Gillian Guy who says household budgets are increasingly stretched and today's move could be enough to push more people into the red.
If you're concerned about what this increase may mean for your finances, contact your nearest Citizens Advice for help with budgeting and debt advice.

With Virgin Trains removing peak fares on Friday afternoons through the end of August, why not check if you can start your weekend a day early?

This morning Ofcom proposed that telecoms companies must tell people when their contract is coming to an end. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
ITV News features our Chief Executive Gillian Guy:
“Consumers who stick with their broadband or mobile services end up paying more, so end-of-contract notifications are a step in the right direction. Our research shows broadband consumers pay an average £113 loyalty penalty per year if they do not switch. For mobiles, these proposals don’t go far enough. Over a million people are still being charged for a mobile handset they have already paid off – an extra £22 a month on average. This unacceptable practice needs to stop.”

Our consumer service helped with more than 53,000 issues with builders last year.
Our Chief Executive Gillian Guy says, “Tens of thousands of people turn to us for help when bad building work leaves their homes worse off. Dealing with botched jobs and unfinished work is not only a huge disruption to people’s lives but leaves many out of pocket. Some have no way of seeking compensation other than going to court.”
The Telegraph features our advice calling for Alternative Dispute Resolution to be made mandatory so it’s cheaper and easier for people to resolve their problems

People who stay with the same supplier are overpaying by almost £1,000 a year for essential services like broadband and energy.
People in vulnerable situations are often hit hardest. This needs fixing so customers stop paying the price.

Going abroad for the school holidays? Make sure you know your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled. 🛫

We think MPs are right to urge action on “worst in class” government debt collection.
Last year we helped 42,000 people with 98,000 bailiff issues. BBC News covers our response to the Treasury Committee report.

The temperature is set to hit 36 degrees today - but does the heatwave mean you're allowed to work from home? Our advice is quoted in The Daily Star.

We looked at the challenges people face when making a claim for Universal Credit. We’ve helped 120,000 people with issues around the benefit - it needs fixing so everyone gets paid on time.

Late Universal Credit payments put people’s financial security at risk, meaning they're more likely to fall behind on rent or get into debt. Read our new report on the benefit's rollout

In the past year, we've helped people with more than 120,000 Universal Credit issues.
If you're having problems, our advice can help.

On Wednesday, the tragic story of Jerome Rogers, who took his life after being hounded by bailiffs, was shown on BBC One.
The docudrama, 'Killed by my debt', shows firsthand why bailiff reform is urgently needed. We’re calling for bailiffs to be properly regulated.

Good news! This week Parliament passed a bill that will help cap energy prices until at least 2020.
This will make a real difference to the 12 million people stuck on the most expensive tariffs.

A new energy price cap has just passed through Parliament. This will stop firms overcharging customers who don’t or can’t switch supplier.
We've worked closely with Parliament, the regulator and other officials to make sure that 12 million people are protected from rip-off deals

The tragic story of Jerome Rogers, who took his life after being hounded by bailiffs, was shown on BBC One last night.
Last year, we helped 42,000 people with 98,000 separate issues with bailiffs. We’re calling for bailiffs to be properly regulated

Tenancy about to come to an end?
Your landlord shouldn't take money from your deposit for wear and tear, for example a worn carpet. Read our advice on this

We couldn’t do what we do without our 23,000 amazing volunteers.
You don't have to be an adviser to help people find a way forward, there are lots of ways to volunteer at your nearest Citizens Advice.
If you’re interested, check out the opportunities in your area.