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Green & ethical MoneySaving
Archives for September 2020
Discussion List
The governments green deal
Dear all,I have today gone through the government website for assessment for the governments green deal home improvements scheme.I got through it and was told i was eligible.I was then redirected to a website with lists of companies that can assess you for the scheme. All the companies on the list were not familiar to…
Ethical Womens clothing and China should I/shouldn't I?
Ok, here goes... I'm a 55 year old northern mother of one grown up daughter. I'm not a size 0 (10-12) and I'm not 6' tall (5'3"). I try to 'dress' for my body shape/size, I like to look up-to-date but don't necessarily follow fashion trends. I have a dog and I work from home, pretty average. I'm in the fortunate position…
Kelly kettle
Just wondered if anyone had used one of these? I recently got one as I'm starting to build up camping supplies but I thought I might sometimes use it when the sun's not out and I would otherwise have to pay to boil the kitchen kettle. The Mrs thinks it's a bit obsessive given how little I'd save but I think better in my…
Solar PV + Battery quotes
Hello forumites, Help and advice needed please. I have been looking to get Solar PV installed in my current house, which has a fairly large roof and also an independent double garage. Layout picture, provided below. Following Martyn1981's advice on these threads, I have tried getting installers to quote for the maximum…
Current Agile prices
Was looking forward to some nice cheap leccy this weekend as we've had gale force winds across much of Scotland the past 24 hours and forecast for the same over the next couple of days yet Agile prices for the next 24 hours are barely below 7p at any point. What the #%*# !!?? We're currently averaging 7p a unit so far this…
Still trying to make the numbers work for a heat pump
Our deemed heat usage on the EPC is about 13k heat and 2.5k hot water. Our actual usage (high efficiency Gas boiler) is about 17k heat (we heat 24/7) and 14k hot water (we like to keep clean). This means that what we can get form the RHI is much lower than the cost of installing a GSHP or ASHP. However we can probably get…
Social Energy Scotland
Anyone come across these guys? I recently found them on Facebook and it looks like they could be quite new, since they only have 45 'likes' on their page. I sent them a message and they called me to talk about the idea of having a battery and being able to supply my neighbourhood with any excess electricity. He also…
Solar PV on garage roof?
We're having a garage built, and as I have an EV I'm interested in having solar panels on the roof & a battery. The garage roof area will be approx 3m x 6m and will be on a 5 degree slope, facing almost due South. We alao have a smaller area of flat roof on the rear of the house (also South-facing) on which I was thinking…
Rainwater harvesting instead of soakaway for new driveway
We're having a garage built and a new extended permeable driveway (35 sq m approx). This should have a soakaway at least 5m from any building or highway, which would mean at the bottom of the back garden. In between the driveway and the back garden is a stretch of concrete along the side of the house. I thought a more…
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MSE News
Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.
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