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N. Ireland
Archives for December 2017
Discussion List
Tarmacing
I have recently widened our driveway to make it more comfortable for cars to fit. Our tarmac is very old and little crumbly, as I found out when using a kango drill to take a wall down..... so the main bit and the new stoney are will need a good resurfacing. Does anyone have any recommendations for reputable tarmac…
Pvc door installation- recommendations?
Hi, the lock system on my pvc front door has rusted away and looks like I will need to get not only a new lock but also a new front door-handle seals coming away etc. Anyone have any recommendations for anywhere in Bangor area? Thanks for your help.
Grit boxes - roads only or driveways too?
Hi Guys, As per the title - is the grit in yellow, council provided, grit boxes intended for general use or is it supposed only to be for public roads which are not otherwise gritted? I always understood that anyone could take some grit and use it on their driveway but someone, near our local box, is getting quite militant…
U.K./Irish passport name change question
Hi, I am divorced and wish to revert to my maiden name. I can do this easily at banks, work, dvla with my divorce papers and birth certificate. My query arises regarding my passports. I have a uk passport with 3 years left on it in my married name. For financial reasons I will not renew this until it runs out. I am about…
Verdo logs
Hi all, Before ringing around all the local Home Bargains, I was wondering if any of you lot have been into any stores very recently where they have a good amount of stock? Holywood exchange and yorkgate have none at all :( Verdo website state production has stopped due to flooding, though I don't know if this has happened…
savings for pensioner
Hi, my mum is a pensioner. she has almost £20000 in the credit union and can't put any more than that in. She has money in her current account that is making nothing. Is there any hassle free savings account I could put her in. don't want the hassle of changing banks or setting up regular savings accounts, cheers for any…
Pip
There are horror stories about PIP reviews across the water and a recent Spotlight programme seemed to suggest that it is much tougher to obtain the benefit here in NI Would like to here from anyone who has went through, or helped others through the system, especially those with mental conditions how they found the system…
Staying in Edinburgh
Hi All, I would have tried this in the "Scotland" forum but it seems very quiet so I thought I would try here. Does anyone recommend any good hotels in Edinburgh, looking for somewhere around February time. Thanks.
Winter coats
Belfast area: Any shop recommendations for a casual, warm winter coat? I have a nice formal coat I use for work and nights out, but I am after a casual outdoors type coat. I went to new TK Maxx today in Lisburn and it was brutal, awful selection. Next was too young in their style and M&S was more on the formal side which I…
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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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