I am not working due to disability, I get ESA and DLA plus a small pension. My wife works but only gets a low wage. For the last few years we've claimed Working Tax Credits (WTC) and sent HMRC all the required info, we've not held anything back or tried to hide anything. They do the maths and send us an award letter. As far as we're aware we've done all that's asked of us yet they have sent us overpayment letters every year. Anyway, we recently got a letter from Concentrix, on behalf of HMRC, asking us for pay slips, evidence of my self-employment (?) and so on. We sent them off, with a cover letter to complain about being told to send originals by post - we used special delivery and will never see that extra cost back! HMRC have told us they are stopping our WTC as they cannot determine that my wife works 30 hours. She is a home carer and changed company towards the end of last year. The sad nature of this line of work is that people go into hospital, or even die without any notice, which means the carer then loses out as the company they work for will not pay them for visits they don't do any more. It can take a while for them to gain a new client, or shuffle calls about, to give that carer more work. We had not realised what the backlash of this would be. It is not my wife's fault that her hours were sometimes cut back. You can't really blame the people she was caring for either. It is possible that some weeks she worked less than 30 hours without realising, but it was not deliberate. Obviously she's lost money through doing less hours, which made the WTC even more vital towards being able to pay the bills. Concentrix said they would send a fuller explanation and we would be able to ask for mandatory reconsideration, that was 3rd February, 4 weeks ago. We've heard nothing more from them. HMRC sent a letter to inform us the credits had stopped and they were claiming an overpayment. Concentrix also say they may be giving us a penalty charge. Can it get any worse ! Obviously we will appeal the decision as we feel it's not our fault. My wife may have to get a letter from her employer to explain any weeks she worked less than 30 hours. It is confusing anyway as she is paid in 4 week periods, not monthly. We are unsure if Concentrix have mis-calculated her pay and hours anyway. For example: a recent payslip shows she worked so many hours but also had a day off for which she was only given half a day holiday pay as she didn't have enough days available. Because of this her assumed hours averaged 29.75 over the 4 weeks. Has anyone else had this sort of action taken ? Is there anything we can do ?

Trip Advisor couple 'fined' £100 by hotel for bad review A couple say they have been "fined" £100 by a Blackpool hotel for leaving critical comments on travel review website Trip Advisor. Tony and Jan Jenkinson posted the negative comment after being unimpressed with the one night they spent at the Broadway Hotel. The couple, from Whitehaven, later found £100 charged to their credit card. The hotel said its policy was to charge for "bad" reviews. Trading Standards are investigating. Officials believe the hotel may have breached unfair trading practice regulations. The manager of the hotel, on Burlington Road West, was unavailable when contacted by the BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30100973

Hi, I have been signed off work with anxiety and depression for a month. My manager keeps calling and asking me how I'm feeling. He now wants to meet with me to discuss my sickness. I find it very difficult to talk about my problems and have a feeling he just wants me back to work as soon as possible. I do not feel ready to go back to work yet and my doctor has advised me to take some time to get better hence why he signed me off for a month. My question is, can my manager force me to come back to work before the end of my sick note ? Will it look bad if I say I'd rather not come back to work until the end of my sick note?. Also when discussing my illness, can I just say I don't want to talk about it or do I have to have a through discussion?. I am a very private person and don't feel comfortable talking about my life with people, especially work. I have not had a sick day for the last 5 years and am just so worried. Any advice would be very well appreciated, thank you. Liyanne

Seems this is the latest line of unwanted calls from this seemingly bunch of [problematic]. They seem to get their information from Blue Fire marketing who are bulk sellers of personal data. Now, I have no desire to use them as I have my own reliable IFA but I would like to make some effort to stop their calls cos asking don't work ! How about serving a notice under section 10 of the Data Protection Act on both of these monkeys? would it work ( probably not) and what would be the next step Thanks for your thoughts

Hi I wonder if anyone can help, been really stupid and moved in with partner in 2012, I was due to move in in 2009 but at last minute bf changed his mind, all mail was set up to come to his address, doc registered at his address etc. BF was claiming widowers pension and CTC for his 2 children, getting rent and council tax paid, I was working but neither one of us claimed for our child together my wage was £700, I had a large amount of debts car loan credit card etc so all my wage was used up on my debts. We have had letter from DWP saying they believe us to be living as a couple from 2009 because I used address for child benefit. We have contacted them to advise that I was living with my mum, but as she lives in a caravan park I used his address for my mail, they have said to get a letter from my mum to confirm this. However since all mail is for his address, I was registered at doctor etc I don't see how they will believe it as I wouldnt. They said not to worry about prison fraud etc etc but don't believe them, if they decide they don't believe us and that we were living together from 2009 and that we have to pay money back do they take into account what we should have got if we had claimed together ? sorry if I doesn't make sense, we claim ctc now as partner works full time and I am 7 months pregnant so this is really worrying me. Thanks in advance for replies

Please can I have help in instigating a judical review where the JCP Manager colludes with staff to threaten, verabl aabuse and spread lies about a person who is just trying their best. Their chip on the shoulder being the person is black well educated. Have heard from a reputable source that particular JCP does not like experienced graduates with 30+ years work history. Thwe online instructions on Justice.gov are very confusing.

BBC Parliament Channel today 9.30am -- Work and Pensions Committee sitting -- Taking evidence on the Oakley Review into sanctions with the nation's favourite dumb blonde being grilled.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) could consider a time limit on Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) complaints as part of a wider review to decide if the scheme has been a success. The FCA said it will use this evidence to assess whether the current approach is securing appropriate protection for consumers and enhancing the integrity of the UK’s financial system. It will look at how banks are handling complaints and how PPI complaints are being made. The regulator will then consider whether further action is needed such as a time limit on complaints or whether to continue the PPI scheme in its current form. The FCA will publish its conclusions in the summer. Since January 2011, firms have handled over 14 million PPI consumer complaints about the sale of PPI, upholding over 70% and paying £17.3 billion compensation. http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/news/fca-to-review-success-of-ppi-complaints-process/a795761

Hi, Had a large loan with Uncle Buck. After emails back and forth, including my MP sending them an email they agreed a payment plan. They now have emailed saying there is a 3 month review and to send two bank statements. I have NO intention of sending them anything. Shall I just ignore them emails or tell them that I will stick to paying the £40 a month to them. Only have about 6 months to go anyway.

I recently had to replace two rather expensive cooker hood bulbs for an Electrolux hood, but as we had only been using the hood for 5 or 6 weeks I rang Electrolux first and requested them free of charge. Although I spoke to several different staff in their customer services they would only agree to reduce the price of the bulbs to £16 for the pair. I purchased them but wasn't happy, as I felt that the bulbs must be very poor quality to only last 5 or 6 weeks. I therefore visited their internet site and gave the bulbs a poor review stating that they were poor value for money as they didn't last long at all, and that I felt they were not fit for purpose as they should last a reasonable length of time under the Sale of Goods Act. A couple of days later I received an email from Electrolux telling me that they had not published my review because it was not moderate. I was shocked that they could do this. Has anyone else ever had this happen to them? And are they actually allowed to do this if your review is honest and not abusive? I emailed back and asked this question but they ignored me.

Hello, Yesterday a Performance Measurement Review Officer came to my dad's home unannounced saying they needed to complete a form with my dad who is currently in receipt of ESA. I said no letter had been sent and we were completely unaware of the visit - the Officer said they do not always send letters out before visits. The Officer seemed okay but I had to reschedule the visit as I was just about to take my dad to a hospital appointment so we have rescheduled it for another time. I did a bit of research on the internet and the Officer gave me a leaflet and it seems the visit is to pretty much to check my dad is getting the right benefit payments. However, sadly, as with everything the DWP does I am suspicious of this "random" visit and wondered if anyone has had one of these visits before? What actually happens during the visit? Is it really just a matter of them asking about your payments and checking your accounts? The leaflet says the meeting can take up to an hour or longer - which makes me think that is a long time just to check your documents etc. Has anyone had their benefits affected after they had this review? Any information or help and advice would be much appreciated! Sorry to sound paranoid but with everything the DWP has put my dad and myself through in recent years I feel I have to be! Thanks in anticipation.

Please help me I am beside myself. i have received a letter to send off for my 25% council tax review, I don't know what to do as I have a friend who has used my address for a number of years to have bank and credit statements sent to as she has no fixed address after being homeless and falling onto hard times in a controlling and abusive relationship had to hide a lot from him. I am aware that she stays with friends and family and I know she has now recently moved. I am worried after reading a whole heap of horror stories that I will be sanctioned and deemed as living with someone which is not the case at all. I have spoken with her and she feels very upset that she may have caused me grief and will support me through anything that happens as she never meant for this. I didn't see any wrong in allowing her to have her mail directed to my address I receive ESA as well as HB and CT but I am scared and my depression has hit an all time low, I suffer with agoraphobia also. What can I do I am in pieces?

House of Lords votes against Grayling’s plans to restrict judicial review access The justice secretary, Chris Grayling, has suffered a defeat in a key House of Lords vote on his plans to curtail access to judicial review, which would have made it harder to challenge government decisions in court. More Here: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/27/house-of-lords-defeat-chris-grayling-judicial-review-plan?CMP=twt_gu

HI all our IP is doing our final IVA review but has asked for P60s since the IVA started until now, is this normal behaviour or should I be worried they are trying to find some more cash from somewhere? Many thanks JB

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29114235 Ministers are to review how payment of the TV licence fee is enforced amid concerns about the number of people appearing in court for evasion. Culture Secretary Sajid Javid will say more than 10% of all cases heard by magistrates involve TV licences and question whether the system is working. The review should conclude early in the next Parliament, he will say. It comes as Rona Fairhead, ministers' preferred candidate to chair the BBC Trust, prepares to face MPs' questions. The former Financial Times chief executive will be questioned about her views on the future regulation and funding of the BBC when she appears before the Commons Media Select Committee. The Conservatives and Labour have said they are sympathetic to calls for the decriminalisation of non-payment of the licence fee, which is used to fund BBC services. Legislation currently going through Parliament would give a future government the power to move towards decriminalisation if it was deemed to be in the public interest. Taking evidence In a speech to the Royal Television Society, Mr Javid will say the question of how the BBC enforces payment of the licence fee - currently £145.50 a year for a colour TV - must be considered now. "In 2012/13, almost 200,000 people ended up in court accused of not buying a TV licence," he will say. "More than 50 were sent to prison. "When over 10% of magistrates' court cases concern this one offence, you have to ask whether the current system is really working. So that's exactly what I'm going to do. "The government is committed to launching a review of decriminalisation once the Deregulation Bill receives Royal Assent. But we can't afford to wait that long. This needs to begin now. "Very shortly I will be publishing the terms of reference for a review of TV licence enforcement. I expect it to begin taking evidence in the autumn, and to conclude early in the next Parliament." 'Loved services' Mr Javid will insist the review will not pre-empt renewal of the BBC's royal charter, the process of agreeing its future funding and governance arrangements which is due to take place in 2016. "This will allow it to shape the future of the BBC in a way that works for both the corporation and those who pay for it," he will add. A spokesman for the BBC, which is is obliged to ensure its collection arrangements are efficient, appropriate and proportionate, said it hoped the review would be thorough and "not rushed". "Licence fee evasion is low which maximises investment in the programmes and services that audiences love," he said. "Changing the system could lead to higher evasion, so it is important that any decisions are made as part of the Charter Review process." A BBC Trust spokeswoman added that this was an issue that should be discussed "in the round", including the "potential impact on licence fee income and BBC output", with any decisions made as part of the BBC's charter review process. She said the trust looked forward to engaging fully with the review when the time comes. The BBC's director of strategy and digital James Purnell has suggested the time taken up by licence fee cases in court was actually much lower than often stated. "The last fact we saw was that it took up 0.3% of time because most of these cases are processed pretty quickly, about three minutes on average," he told BBC Radio 4's PM programme in March.

Please can anyone give me some advice or reassurance? My wife's daughter has this morning received a letter from DWP dated 26th August that her IS has been stopped as of 7th August. This was not so unexpected as she split with her partner on that date and he moved out officially on 15th August. What was unexpected was that when she called them to find out what to do about a new claim she was informed that she should not have been receiving any IS at all since they moved in together in July last year and they are reviewing her case. She must also make a fresh claim. The woman on the phone did admit that my stepdaughter had told the DWP at the time (she actually had assistance from some sort of family support worker to fill out the forms and has a benefit award letter stating 'Benefit paid for you and your partner' meaning they definitely did know) but she also said the DWP had made an error and she should have been denied IS altogether. She is disabled and has 3 dependent children all under 8 and is now unexpectedly skint as she didn't realise some of the payments she had thought were being made into the bank weren't! She now has to wait for this review to happen before she receives any more IS. To cap all that off, her recent new HB and CTB claims have also been put on hold whilst the matter is resolved, she moved into a new rental property on 16th July and still hasn't received a bean meaning she is already £1700 or so in rent arrears. Questions:- 1. How long is this DWP review process likely to take and is there any way to push for a speedy resolution? 2. Is it likely she will be asked to repay this 'overpayment' by the DWP? 3. Is it likely she will be asked to pay back some or all of the HB and CTB that she received for the previous period when they were living together. 4. What is likely to happen with this new claim for HB and CTB after the DWP review is complete? Would her HB payments be affected for the new property i.e. reduced payments? Many thanks in advance, worried stepdad and landlord!!!

In 2010, my local Council issued an ASBO against me because I had a dispute with a neighbour. My barrister tried but in vain to raise in Court that the Council had failed to follow its own procedures when the asbo was applied for. When Council's apply for an asbo they need to meet certain criteria which they failed to do so. Before an asbo is issued, you are supposed to receive a verbal warning, then a written warning, then you are asked to sign behaviour contracts; I was never sent no warnings etc etc. Does this make the asbo legal? The asbo has since expired without me breaching it; need I say more!! However the said neighbour prior to the asbo being issued, had been arrested for death threat which she denied of course, and before then I had also suffered threats of violence, and harassment. I was repeatedly refused the right to make statements, and so was my partner. I have also raised concern that some of the evidence used to obtain the asbo was not 100%; the complainant had lied on at least 4 statements, had lied during their section4a interview. The police dont want to know. I cost me £7000 to defend this joke of an asbo and I therefore want to seek if I can sue for damages. Does anyone know of any good solicitor who can do this on a no win no fee basis. Thanks!!

I am writing this post on behalf of a friend she has been unemployed now for about 9 months after doing temporary work for agencies. She completed the booklet and sent it back and the form was resent with sections not properly filled in one was her pension which she will not et until next year but they are asking statements, the other is she is living in her x partners property for now until he sells, the house belongs to him, but he is kind enough for her to stay there until such he stills pay the mortgage and the council tax but lives with a friend locally. She is not sure of his details but they are asking for his details, how should she answer to this does not know his address, she does not get involved with his private life, although they are good friends. Any advice please Mashmallow

HI, this is my first post on here but I need some help with an issue, I received an Income Support Review form in April which I sent back and received a letter saying there was no change to my payment. Then last week I received a phone call from Head Office saying I had been randomly selected for a review. I received the form last Wednesday and returned it on the Thursday. My income support payment was due in today but I have checked with the bank and no payment has been made. I live in Northern Ireland and the banks were closed on Saturday and Monday so I was thinking this could be the reason but also I was wondering do they stop your money while they review you. The guy from Head Office didn't mention that and was also very helpful on the phone so I had no reason to think there was a problem. I have spoken to the bank and they say they have definitely not received any payment. I have to wait until 9am to ring the social security office but could anyone here give me any advice in the meantime? Many thanks.

The Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) is launching a review of how the advertising rules are being applied to payday loan advertising appearing on TV to ensure that young people, in particular, continue to be protected. Payday loan advertising has attracted concern across society, including Government, media, consumer protection bodies and the public as the use of short-term, high-cost credit has increased during the economic downturn. In that context, BCAP consider it is timely to review how the advertising rules are being applied. BCAP has published terms of reference, which set out the scope and approach of the review. Find out more

09/03/2001 - Lease Commenced 9th March 2001 for a term of 5 years yielding an annual rent of £13,000 payable quarterly in advance. Rent review at end of 1st Year (9th March 2002) and end of 4th Year of term 9th March 2005). The Lease was not contracted out of L&TA 1954. 09/03/2002 – Rent Review increased rent to £14,000pa. ??/??/2007 - Landlord approached Tenant in 2007 to review rent, came up with several spurious valuations based on review dates of 9th March 2005 and a Lease Renewal of 1st June 2007. Rental comparisons disputed by tenant until advised by Landlord that No 25 (next Door) had renewed @ £18,500 pa with effect from June 2006. 05/06/2008 - Email issued by tenant stating willing to enter into a new lease @ £18,500pa 10 years with a 5yr review and 5 year break clause. 01/08/2008 - Letter issued by landlord enclosing New Lease £18,500 WEF 01/06/2007 and Memorandum confirming rent review and rent £14,500 WEF 01/06/2007. ??/01/2008 – Tenant became aware that No 25 comparable also included 2-3 parking spaces, so net rent for next door is £14,600 after allowing £3,900 cost of 3 spaces. Neither the Draft Lease nor memorandum was signed by either party. The Premises were voluntarily handed back to the Landlord in April 2009. Issues in Point The Lease of 2001 is a fixed term of 5 years with 2 reviews and makes no mention of anniversary rent review periods other than the only 2 dates contained therein. In a holding over situation, does the tenant become liable for further rent reviews outwith the original lease term. If not, then was the review actually negotiations for a new lease which was never signed and entered into. As the premises were tendered back to the Landlord Not by formal surrender. Is this a forfeiture of the Lease and does this mean that the landlord loses the right to pursue any outstanding rents ?

Long story short: dh was unemployed, I work p/t. We got ctax benefit ( later changed to something else, cant remember the name). When dh was back in work, I informed the council. They still kept putting the benefit on our bill. I called them several times and each time, they said they would deal with it and it was sorted. Today we received a benefit review letter, wanting paperwork wage slips etc and dates. I can't remember when dh started work,I just know it was about 2 years ago. I usually take the name of people I talk too, especially with things like this, but for some reason, I didn't this time. Obviously, it wasn't sorted out and now I'm in SUCH a state. I'm panicking because if I call them on Monday and explain all this, what is the likely outcome? I've been paying what has been on my bills,every week by standing order and have never missed a payment. The last one is due on 27th January, And then obviously the new bill in March. I'm really worried that they are going to send bailiffs in or take me to court,even though I haven't done anything wrong. My mind is working overtime, I haven't eaten all day and probably wont sleep tonight I can't even give them the dates I called, cos I can't remember. Can anyone advise me as to a likely outcome, or what I can say, any useful phrases? Thank you in advance.

This is a strong warning to others regarding Kwik Fit's dubious business practices/incompetence and very poor customer service. I went to my local branch (which I am considering naming) for an MOT. I was told that there was a parking brake imbalance and it would have to go back in for a brake check. While it was in, Kwik Fit phoned me and after 5 minutes of explaining how brakes work, I was told that in needed new discs and pads at a cost of £405. Fortunately for me, I declined the work and took it to a local independent garage who specialise in my make of car for a second opinion. After inspecting it, they told me that: The brake discs were absolutely fine The pads had another 10,000 to 18,000 miles in them And that all it needed was a handbrake adjustment. This cost me just £30!!!!!! I also paid £48 for an MOT and it passed. By trying to charge me £405 for work not needed, it's either incompetence on the part of Kwik Fit or they are deliberately trying to charge for work (and parts) that are not needed. Personally I think it's the latter. Either way, I won't be using Kwik Fit again. I called head office to make a complaint. They took details and said that the branch ops manager would call me. 5 days later, I'm still waiting. I may pay him a visit and see what he says about it.

I had a call from HMRC last week regarding a review of my repayments of TC overpayment (I have been repaying for 12 months) - my circumstances mean that I cannot increase payments at the moment (I have not been asked for details of income etc) so they are to stay at the same rate for the next 12 months when they will review them again. Today I got a letter saying that if I did not respond within 7 days they will cancel my arrangement so I called again to check that they were aware of the agreement to leave my payments as they are - the lady I spoke to said it was fine & the letter must have crossed with my call last week. I have checked my repayment agreement & it clearly states the amount of my monthly payment, the date it will start & the date that the final payment is due - it doesn't state anywhere that I will be subject to an annual income & expenditure review (I agreed to repay over 10 years so that I didn't have to go through I & E). My understanding was that if I make all payments as agreed then there will be no further action so why are they now saying that they informed me there would be an I & E review every year? Are the TCO trying to 'scare' me into increasing my payments? If I am ever in a position to repay more quickly then I will - is this just a case of 1 office not knowing what the other is doing? (the repayment letter last year & demand to contact them this year have come from different places).

Just for info https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/265351/work-capability-assessment-year-4-paul-litchfield.pdf