Hello Firstly, what a great site this is. You significantly helped a friend of mine, who was in a mass amount of debt due to a failed marriage and a life-changing illness. I truly believe you saved her life! My complaint is in relation to Xercise4Less. My husband and I cancelled our gym membership by written notice (within their stipulated 30 day time frame I may add) as we have hit some financial difficulties and also we are not using the gym as much as we should as we are utilising our local park in the summer months. This was on the 27th May (direct debit payments come out of our account on the 25th of every month). Anyway, to cut a long story short, I panicked! I read some reviews on various websites that stated that Harlands (the company that collect Xercise4Less' direct debits) continued to take people's gym payments despite them cancelling moons ago! As a result, both my husband and I have received administration charges. My husband owed £40 and I owed £30 (no idea why they were different when we joined at the same time and cancelled at the same time). Panicked, we have paid up as whilst we thought they were unfair charges, we didn't want anyone banging our door down, especially as we are already stressed due to financial worries. I have since read that an industry body has stamped down on these unfair admin charges and I was wondering whether anyone could tell me who I should complain to. I have just written emails to Xercise4Less asking for an explanation, but I am not hopeful, so I was wondering whether anyone knew what the next step may be or whether I should just let this go and let it be a lesson learnt! Any past experience or advise would be greatly appreciated. P.S. Also, I don't know whether this is worth mentioning or not, but I will go ahead anyway. This solely relates to my husband's cancellation. My husband and I sent letters of cancellation on 27th May and we were told they were received on 1st June. On the 1st June, my Xercise4less branch called my husband and stated that if he rang the head office and paid £9.99 there and then, then he would not be liable for charges. My husband explained that he wouldn't have any spare cash until Friday. As promised, he rang on the Friday and explained that he wanted to pay the £9.99 to clear the account. This was accepted and his bank details were taken. It was only after he mentioned that I (his wife) had been charged considerably more to cancel the membership, did the advisor on the end of the call said "Sorry, I have taken £39.99, what did you think I had taken?". I quite clearly heard my husband state £9.99 at the beginning of the call, so I have no idea how the advisor didn't. The advisor refused to accept this, so we immediately rang our bank, who said they would contact Xercise4Less and request a refund, but I am not hopeful that Xercise4Less would accept this! I can't get over how Xercise4Less think it is fair to charge £20 per failed direct debit payment! Surely, a letter does not cost £20 of anyone's time! Also, the advisors at the head office are the rudest and incomprehensible advisors I have ever encountered. They talk over you at 100 mph and just shout you down. It's atrocious.

I have an issue with a work program provider regarding MAN ( mandatory activity notifications.) Appointments. I am using as my source : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/417141/wp-provider-guidance-chapter-3a-cpa18-v2.pdf the relevant section : Annex 1 –Appointment MAN (JSA ONLY) The pdf has this section highlighted in red [Please Note: the following template must be used and the structure must not be altered or added to] The section where my issue lies, At: (Start and Finish time) Further on the guidance states. "Consequence The Labour Market Decision Maker (LM DM) will make a decision based on an assumption that the MAN meets requirements. If you fail to mandate correctly any sanction imposed would not be underpinned by the legal framework." Now this document is a recently revised edition, I believe, updated to reflect the amendment made to "THE JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE (SCHEMES FOR ASSISTING PERSONS TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT) REGULATIONS 2013 " http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/276/pdfs/uksiem_20130276_en.pdf This amendment I believe was the result of an application for judicial review in the case of Reilly and Wilson v DWP, although DWP won the case my point lies in section, "4.3 However, the Court of Appeal found against DWP on two grounds: Specifically this is the relevant part. b) The Court upheld the High Court’s ruling that letters sent to claimants when they were mandated to an ESE Scheme did not comply with the regulations. " So it seems to me work providers when mandating an appointment have to stick to the legal framework and use the template provided as highlighted in red due to this ruling. So from this I have rightly or wrongly come to 2 conclusions. If I failed to comply with the MAN for whatever reason, I am on solid ground, because they failed to provide a “finish time” (If you fail to mandate correctly any sanction imposed would not be underpinned by the legal framework.) the case would be thrown out, as in, I would have nothing to appeal against. Secondly if I have taken the correct complaints procedure, adviser , office manger , head office and they still refuse to include a finish time then my next step would be the Independent complaints examiner (ICE) again taking into account the above they would have no choice other than to uphold my complaint on the grounds of maladministration. I know it might only seem like a small thing but apart from the technicalities of my argument and sticking it to the man, my primary objective and all that I ask at this point is, when I am mandated to attend an appointment I am given a “Finish time”, for example say I am mandated to attend at 9:00 AM without a “Finish time” they could keep me at the offices 5 seconds or until who knows how late into the night, if I did receive a “Finish time” I could plan my time more effectively and know if I should take a packed lunch or not, not make any other arrangements for that day and so on. I am flexible, just a rough indication of the length of time would help, surely it is just plain common courtesy regardless but it seems like they only road they are leaving open to me is to take my complaint to ICE. If anyone can pull me up where I might be going wrong here regarding the legal side of my argument before I begin the fight or point to other resources that might be useful I would be most grateful.

Hi, I've just received a county court claim form from Shoosmiths LLP claiming on behalf of Cabot Financial for an old Premier Man account from the 17/12/2008 for the sum off £406. I don't have any paper work from the account and got into financial difficulty around that time. Can anyone please shed some light on what is the next step, should I ask for a copy of the agreement etc. It says I have 14 days to reply so any help would be much appreciated. I have made no payments since 2008. Regards Mitsy

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2881419/Man-appears-court-charged-murder-neighbour-stabbed-death-way-work.html

A man was killed when a charging e-cigarette exploded and ignited oxygen equipment he is believed to have been using, Merseyside's fire service said. The 62-year-old victim was found in the living room of a house in Penkett Road, Wallasey. A small fire in the bedroom of the property had gone out before firefighters arrived, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said. The exact cause of death is yet to be established, with an inquest now due. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-28701515

Yet again, this awful documentary is in the headlines...this time because one of the 'stars' of the show has been spared jail after he scrawled abusive graffiti on a cancer victim's home...falsely brandishing him a paedophile. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2580985/Boxer-Repo-Man-spared-jail-abusive-graffiti.html

A young chap , 25, has lost almost all the sight in one eye. He can still drive, for now, and he works for a large betting company. He went to one hospital and they delayed treatment and told him that if he was 16 he'd be a more urgent case. This was 2 years ago. He's been referred to another and told that they have to go through the whole evaluation again as they can't use what the other hospital has sent them and that will take 2 years and he will be completely blind by then as he needs cornea transplants amongst others. If he were a private patient he could have it done for £5000 within 2 weeks to save one of his eyes. The mods. may wish to put this on another forum. I'm thinking that he works for a large company and they would have to make provisions for his sight and can't just sack him so why not ask them to fund the operation rather than spending the money on aids for him to work there and he is a valued member of staff? He's not in their healthcare system and can't join now as it's pre-existing but he has been employed by the company before he was diagnosed. I need to check if he's in a union but asfaik he's not got anything insurance wise that he could fall back on. If anyone can think of anything and a way forward for this lad then do chip in and say.

[beware ladies going into Topps without a man present and ordering tiles-adhesive-grout etc. Because I didn't know how much of anything I needed (except the tiles ) they managed to sell me £93 worth of goods I didn't need. I know that had there been a man present this would never have happened. How unscrupulous is that ?? The tiler who did my kitchen said " By golly they saw you coming didn't they " --or words to that effect. Getting money refunded is not so easy as just the till receipt won't do. Not going to give up-----watch this space.

Hi, I had made an order for a tracksuit fro myself on 9th of December 2013 from the website ManandManDirect, few days later I had received a slip through my door from Hermes that said that an item is behind the plant pot, however since I got home that night very late it wasn't there, either someone had taken it or they never delivered it, I had waited a few days for them to deliver it until I had fully realized that this parcel must have been the tracksuit that I had ordered and I decided to email their customer services. On 28th of December 2013 I wrote to them saying "Hi, I have ordered Zenit St. Petersburg tracksuit quite some time ago, its now pass christmas time and I still didn't get it. On 12th of December, few days after I purchased the tracksuit, when I got home in the evening I had discovered a note from Hermes delivery that said that they left some item behind the plant pot. I had checked and it wasnt there, nothing was there. I assumed it was some sort of mistake and I decided to wait with a hope of them trying to come back to give the delivery, however now it hit me that this item was a tracksuit although I never received. I find this situation quite hectic and I am outraged by this situation as it was a Christmas present and since I didn't receive it, I had to do more spending to buy a christmas present for that person. Please get back to me as soon as possible. Kind regards" Then on 28th of December I had received a reply from them saying "Hi Customer. Thanks for your email. Unfortunately we are unable to take the matter further as we advise if you do not get your parcel within 14 days of placing the order you must notify us so we are able to investigate. Kind regards" Then today, 30th of December I replied "I find this highly inappropriate since you do not say that anywhere, I can provide you with the slip they put through the door, I find this situation highly outrageous and I am even more angry that you say you cannot do anything with regards to it. I know that I have my customer rights, and since I had never received an item I purchased, it is entirely your fault. "The distance selling regulations say goods or services must be delivered or provided within 30 days of the date of your order or by the date you agreed. If not, you have the right to a full refund." as mentioned above, my goods hasn't actually been delivered to me so hence or therefore I am entitled to a full refund. I would like this query to be taken seriously." To which I had received a reply "Hi Customer Thanks for your email.Our Terms and Conditions clearly state that you need to notify us if you do not get the parcel within 14 days of placing the order. This then gives us the chance to investigate into the where abouts of the parcel.Your order was placed on 10.12.13 and you failed to notify us until 28.12.13, this is passed the 14 days we ask for customers to report the parcel undelivered.Your tracking states that your parcel was delivered to secure location in the porch. Kind regards" TO which my last reply today was "As I mentioned earlier all I got was a note slipped in by Hermes through the letterbox saying that the item is behind the plant pot which wasn't the case by the time I checked, I came in that day very late. In that case you contradict your terms and conditions stated in the email which I received from you on 9/12/13 as part of confirmation of my orderL "You should receive delivery within 5 days from placing your order. We deliver Monday to Saturday using local couriers who may ask you to sign for your parcel. If you are not in when we try to deliver your order, a card will be left giving details for you to be able to contact the courier to make arrangements for your delivery on an alternative date." Clearly, you haven't stood still by what is written in that email, as I wasn't home you was supposed to deliver the item on another occasion or leave a slip with contact detail on it rather than just leaving it somewhere. Please sort this out peacefully, it is your fault, and I expect a full refund or to get the item that I ordered from you.! Please help me what to do, I am quite outraged by all of this, I would really appreciate if you may help!

A father was arrested and accused of fraud after complaining to his local Tesco that he had spent £470 on an iPad that turned out to be just a box with clay lumps inside. Colin Marsh, 47, rushed back to Tesco in Whistable to complain after discovering that the iPad he had bought there as a present for his 10-year old daughter Maddie was actually an empty box stuffed with clay. Instead the staff reported him to the police on suspicion of attempted fraud. Two days later he was arrested and held at the police station for hours before being released on bail. The missing iPad turned up in Wales two months later registered under a different name http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/11/15/tesco-ipad-_n_4279737.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

Hello, can anyone help with this issue please? I live on the Isle of Man and have Barclaycard and mercers still chasing me for a debt they say I owe them, I have written to Barclaycard several times and asked for the Original Credit Card agreement they replied saying then did not have it,one sentence in the letter said “We arecurrently unable to provide a copy of the credit agreement you entered into. We accept that we are therefore prevented from enforcing our agreement with you while this state of affairs continues”. Now I know that the consumer credit act 1974 is not applicable here on the isle of man, also Iam concerned about jurisdiction as the isle of man has its own laws and court system. Any help with this would be much appreciated. To add the card was takenout in 1996 in the UK mainland as I used to live there at the time.

I am continually getting letters from Rossendales for some alleged debt my late husband had. My husband has been dead for 2 1/2 years. I have been returning said letters marked "Deceased" for some time (without saying who I am) - written on the envelope. That doesn't seem to penetrate their amoeba like brain cells. Yet another "begging letter" as I like to call them arrived from Rossendales today. This time I have been a little ruder, asking them what they don't understand about dead and that I will sue them if one more letter comes to this address. This latest letter states that Arrow Global have onpassed the "debt" to them (sure they said the same thing a year ago...) Nothing I would like better than to sue the **** off these parasites for harrassment. Can someone point me in the right direction too do just that please?

This story just makes me want to weep Daniel Pelka murder: Mother and partner given life

Hello, Have anyone heard about this story today? a man's JSA Claim sanctioned for 3 months because he refused to apply for a job at a dressmaker's! I can't provided a link as I found this on a forum and the op didn't provided a link so I don't know if this story is true or not but I think its not true as people can't have jsa sanctioned for 3 months, is that correct? people who get sanctioned will be sanctioned for the following periods. 2 weeks 4 weeks 6 months 3 years

This is what DWP said to MSPs article from Evening times: http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/dwp-man-told-you-are-talking-claptrap-124288n.21068511 TENANTS hit by the bedroom tax should either move, get a job, increase their hours or take in a lodger, it was claimed today. Pete Searle, Department of Work in Pensions, Strategy Director, based in London, stunned MSPs when he said there were smaller homes available. He told the Welfare Reform Committee four ways in which people could deal with the changes, which was then dismissed by one MSP as "claptrap". Mr Searle said: "There are 148 one-bedroom properties in the social sector in Scotland. There were 24,000 new lets in the sector, there are properties there. "Not perhaps all sitting empty at April 1 but there's been plenty of time to prepare for that. "There are a number of responses housing associations and individuals could make. Downsizing is one. "They could take up work in some cases, increase their hours or take in a lodger. "They can use the private sector and some people will choose to make up the shortfall. "I'm not saying this is easy but there are options." MSPs on the committee were outraged by the suggestions. Linda Fabiani, SNP MSP, branded it, "nonsense," and had to be asked by the committee convenor to let Mr Searle continue. Annabelle Ewing, SNP MSP, said it was like "Alice in Wonderland" Kevin Stewart, SNP MSP said: "I've never heard so much claptrap in all my life." Information from the largest housing association in Glasgow and a look at the labour market cast doubt on Mr Searle's assertions. Estimates in the city showed 15,000 homes will be liable for the cut of either 14% for one room or 25% for two or more, costing an average of £52 per month. Glasgow Housing Association estimates 6000 of their tenants would be affected and has a £16m plan to buy up to 300 smaller properties on the open market to meet increased demand. GHA said it currently has only 86 one-bedroom flats available for rent in the city. NG Homes in the north of the city said it had 1321 one-bedroom properties in total. It had only 15 which were currently empty, but some were under offer. A spokesman said: "Our void turn-around is five days and we don't have a lot of properties sitting empty." Queens Cross Housing Association said it had let out 112 one-bedroom flats in the whole of last year out of its stock of 1910 one-bedroom lets. The latest unemployment figures show Glasgow had the fourth highest level of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance at 5.7%, higher than the Scottish rate of 4.1% and the UK rate of 3.9% In Maryhill and Springburn the rate is 7.5%, the highest in Scotland. Many new jobs are part-time in the service sector, with studies and anecdotal evidence showing people want to work more hours but can't, with many having their working hours cut. The Office for National Statistics reported between 2008 and 2012 the number of workers who wanted to work more hours increased by 1 million. to more than 3 million. A recent poll by IPSOS Mori found 40% of people in work said they would take on more hours if they could. Michael McMahon, Welfare Reform Committee convener said: "There was a clear difference between the evidence the Committee has gathered on the demand and availability of social housing in Scotland and the DWP's understanding. "This is incredibly worrying. We will continue to push for answers." New Gorbals Housing Association let 20 one-bedroom flats in the last six months and have 1500 people looking to move into one-bed homes. It estimates 400 of its 2700 tenants are affected.

An older, white-haired man walked into a jewelry store one Friday evening with a beautiful young woman at his side. He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a $5,000 ring. The old man said, “No, I’d like to see something more special.” At that statement, the jeweler went to his special stock and brought out another ring. “Here’s a stunning ring at only $40,000″ the jeweler said. The young lady’s eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man, seeing this, said, “We’ll take it.” The jeweler asked how payment would be made and the old man said, “By check, but I know you need to make sure my check is good, so I’ll write it now and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds. I’ll pick the ring up Monday afternoon.” he said. Monday morning, the jeweler phoned the old man. “There’s no money in that account.” “I know,” said the old man, “But let me tell you about my weekend!!

A YOUNG office worker has told how a £100 loan ended up costing him £6,000. Nick Ellis' finances spiralled out of control after he says they were "hijacked" by high-interest online loan firms. ​ Nick Ellis A top money expert today launched a scathing attack on 'payday lenders' and likened the industry to the drug trade. Recession-hit Brits flock online to borrow £1billion each year from the booming payday loan industry. But behind the glossy TV adverts and catchy company names are "merchants of misery" who prey on the young and vulnerable, according to Plymouth-based Steve Meakin, chairman of the Institute of Money Advisers. The leading cash expert spoke out amid fears of a ballooning crisis of debt-riddled youngsters in the city. "Debt, like drugs, destroys lives," Mr Meakin said. New research from the Plymouth Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) reveals how around one in five disadvantaged under-25 year-olds in the city has already taken out a payday loan – and half admit to money worries. The paperwork-free loans can land in a borrower's bank account within minutes – but often come with astronomical interest rates and pricey penalties for missed repayments. "There has been a huge explosion in the use of payday loans," said Mr Meakin, money advice coordinator at the CAB. More ...

Hi all, my name is Donal I live in County Down Northern Ireland. I am 30 years old and still live with my parents, I should be in my own place but that just doesnt happen in this day and age. I have four younger brothers all in their 20s and we are all on the same boat, my parents are happy with us at home and have never forced or asked us to leave. My dad is a carpenter and has worked his ass off all his life and my mum is a nurse who also has worked quite hard to keep our large family ticking over. My parents have got them selves into bother with swift and owe them over 40 grand because of charges, now I dont know what these charges are or how they came about but this is the way with these cold hearted **** bags. They have been threatened in the past with court action and have also had people from the courts out to the house to talk things through but nothing has ever came of it. My mum got a letter a week or two ago from these cretins to say they wanted to work out a deal so my mum went through the online application of budgets and all that, they got back to her on Monday past and told her they were willing to negotiate a deal if they paid 5 grand up front and then said there will still be a chance that you will lose your home. Today is the first day that we have truelly started to pack up our belongings and move to our rented property, we have to be out by Friday 21st or there will be people at the door asking us to leave. So rather than cause a scene and embarressment we are just going to pack up and go. If only I knew sooner about this board then things might have been a little bit different or maybe not. I dont know. I just thought I would share with everyone how sadening and soul destroying this is and I know my dad will never get over this, they have turned him to a broken man who has always been so happy and proud. Regards Donal Trainor.

Bit of a long shot here but does anyone have details of the main man still at Egg Derby. If there is such a person nowdays. Was going to proceed with a claim for unfair charges but suddenly realised who exactly am I after for these charges. Account is an old Credit Card. It was sold pre Barclaycard to a DCA so this would I believe let Barclaycard off the hook. I have never seen anyone trying to claim back charges from a DCA that they have not put on themselves (By that not seen anyone on here trying to get a DCA to cough for OC's unfair charges) The remainder of Egg was sold to Yorkshire Bank after the Credit Cards were sold on. Would anyone have any idea's as to who I should be chasing or is this dead in the water and not worth the stamps and paper to try and reclaim now? Many thanks for any idea's.

I was forced to take out Key Man insurance by Lombard Group for 2 business loans which have now been paid off. The loans were for equipment used to carry out surveys. I am the director of the limited company (just myself & wife as company secretary). Has this been mis-sold & is this something I should look at reclaiming? Works out at around £1500. Many thanks for any help or advice.

Hello I am having a problem with Reliable Collections. I have been paying them for a long time. In May this year (2012) they wrote to increase my payments. They told me how much I could afford. I wrote back and told them that what I can afford is different to what they say I can afford. I offered them £9 per month, from £7.15 per month. Payment was also due so on May 15th I paid the £9 I had offered. Since May 15th was nearly the last day to pay on that months installment I paid the £9 immediately. When I checked my account online shortly after paying I noticed there was still £9 owing. I emailed them 3 times to say I had paid. I talked to them on the telephone (not nice people) and was told that the account had been reset a couple of days AFTER I had made my payment so that months payment became invalid and I would need to make another £9 payment. I said my budget only allows 1 payment per statement month, they said that wasn't their problem. I wrote to complain but received no response to my complaint. I did receieve a reminder letter and a £12 charge. I wrote again, no response from them about my complaint. They added another £12 charge (within 3 days of the other charge). They want me to pay £18, now it's £27 (May, June, July). I paid the agreed amount in May, they said it is invalid. I paid £1 June and they will get another £1 in July and until the greedy swines sort this out. £24 so far in charges, and prob be another £24 this month (July). Would I be able to claim these charges back for definite? Are they breaking any rules I mean? If I can get the charges back can someone link me to what I need to do please. I have tried looking but forums really confuse me, sorry (oh and sorry if this post is in wrong place) Thank you so much.

Hi All I have been struggling to pay last year's tax bill like many people not much work about at the moment , I applied to have the pay 50% up front for next year taken off as I believe next year to have little or no tax to pay as may not even brake even but HMRC refused my bills about £4K I have paid all charges and interest that I owe them on this amount I have just rung them and asked if I could set up a payment agreement but they said no and will refer to a debt collection agency is this the norm ??? I don't argue that the tax is due and want to bring everything up to date but just needed some time. Thanks CB

The Man Rules At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down Finally, the guys' side of the story. ( I must admit, it's pretty good.) We always hear 'the rules' From the female side Now here are the rules from the male side These are our rules! Please note.. these are all numbered #1 ON PURPOSE! 1. Men are NOT mind readers. 1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down. 1. Crying is blackmail. 1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it! 1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question. 1.. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for. 1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days. 1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.. 1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one 1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself. 1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials. 1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we... 1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is. 1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle. 1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.. 1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...REALLY. 1.. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as football or motor sports. 1. You have enough clothes. 1 .. You have too many shoes. 1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape! 1.. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight.. But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping... Pass this to as many men as you can - to give them a laugh... Pass this to as many women as you can - to give them a bigger laugh, because its true!