On Your Behalf

Travel expert Simon Calder explains how easyJet’s misinterpretation of passport validity rules might have cost passengers thousands of pounds, and tells you how to get compensation if you were affected.

The cost of plastic bags increased in April and Linda visited a school in Newcastle to find out how the plastic bag levy is funding environmental projects.

A listener got in touch after discovering that not all of the money she paid for her rates bill reached Land & Property Services, we help them track down nearly £200 that went missing.

News about enhancements to government support for private tenants struggling to pay their rent. Estimated meter readings led to one household receiving a £3,500 bill for their gas and electricity and a 600% increase in their monthly payments. Linda McAuley hears from a care worker who was left at the side of the road when her car broke down because she was waiting for her MOT appointment. And how have our spending habits changed? Did the High Street Spend Local voucher reach the businesses who were affected by COVID? A panel will remind us how consumer rights vary across different payment methods.

Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries:

Write to: OYB

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Listener Line: 02890 338314

Email via the website: www.bbc.co.uk/oyb

Listener Joanna got in touch when her luggage was damaged. She had booked a courier service rather than taking it with her on a flight between university and home. But, when she asked for compensation she was told her suitcase was considered to be “packaging” and isn’t covered for damage. Joanna asks Consumer Council expert Michael Legge what her rights are in this situation?

Northern Ireland’s Chief Electoral Officer Virginia McVea guides us through what we need to register to vote, what you’ll need at the polling station and what to do if you test positive for Covid on polling day. We also discuss accessible voting with the RNIB.

Over four decades, Co-Ownership has helped thousands of first time buyers get on the property ladder. Glynis Hobson explains how a new scheme will help people aged over 55 who want to move home.

On Your Behalf is doing some spring cleaning this week. It's the end of one tax year and the beginning of the next. Will Leitch will be finding out what can be done to make filling out your tax return less onerous, and less expensive. And what can we do to tackle debt. Are you worried about booking a holiday this summer in case you lose your break and your money if someone catches Covid? A driving instructor will explain how we can drive more efficiently and make that tank of petrol or diesel last that bit longer. And are there things we can do to reduce our heating bills? And Raymond Gormley from the Consumer Council will be here with blogger Helen McClements to share their consumer tips for making our money stretch a bit further.

Travel expert Simon Calder talks us through the situation at P&O Ferries. Routes are still disrupted after the company sacked 800 of its staff. After collapsing in 2020, Flybe returns to Belfast with new routes. And we have stories from two listeners whose travel plans have been disrupted.

James Jones dispels some credit myths. Personal finance guru Alice Gavin explains it’s never too early to start thinking about your pension and David Hayman of Make My Money Matter shares why it’s important to ask where your pension is invested. Do you know how green your pension is?

What are the rights of travellers and the responsibilities of P&O Ferries with sailings being cancelled?

One listener received a call during the recent storms and was told her current house insurance had been discontinued with immediate effect. Another listener asks who really needs to be named on insurance policies. Paul Hatty from the British Insurance Brokers Association joins Linda and offers advice to listeners who may be tempted to shop around for cheaper cover.

And when overseas holidays are delayed by the pandemic, travellers’ life circumstances can change in the meantime. And Linda talks to two people with autism about their experience of being diagnosed, and asks what difference the new Autism Bill will make.

A listener received a text message saying she needed to take a new Covid test. But when the fraudsters switched tack and mimicked her bank, she nearly fell into their trap. Another listener was conned into sending over £7,000 to scammers. Tony Neale from Safe Online untangles the webs of deceit. Linda McAuley talks to the new information commissioner John Edwards who visited Northern Ireland this week and asks how people’s data is being protected by companies. And it’s Consumer Week, so two experts from the Consumer Council join Linda to discuss what help is available for people facing a cost of living crisis.

More gas prices were announced this week, and the Consumer Council has also been tracking the rising price of oil. One listener tells us he bought 500L for £318 on Wednesday and his order was cancelled. When he asked for the same amount on Friday the cost had increased to £609. Consumer Council expert Peter McClenaghan offers advice for anyone struggling with their bills, and explains how conflict in Ukraine is affecting markets.

Money Magpie expert Jasmine Birtles joins to explain how events in Ukraine could have a knock on effect when it comes to pensions and savings.

This week was Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s Age Friendly Conference – we’ll reflect on some of the top tips offered by contributors with Janine Maher of Money and Pensions, and Jemma Theobald, a Registered Nutritionist in Health Improvement with the Western Trust.

It’s thought it takes five months for around 3.5 million people in the UK to pay off Christmas every year. If you’re one of them, Kevin Mountford has some advice for you.

The Public Service Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Margaret Kelly, explains how she plans to reform the systems for complaints about public bodies to make it easier and clearer for people.

Listener Mark contacted us after his experience of a flight to London. He uses a wheelchair and crutches to get around and requested a seat near the front of the aircraft. He was offered row 14 and in order to get a seat he felt he would be comfortable in, he paid to upgrade his ticket and pick his own seat. We ask consumer champion Jane Hawkes and legal expert Rosemary Connolly what Mark’s rights are in this situation.

We check in with Trekkie Carl who was struggling to get a visa to travel to Chicago for a Star Trek Convention. Did he ever reach the final frontier?

How do you listen to BBC Radio? Some listeners who use smart speakers told us they couldn’t get their favourite stations to play. We investigate and, with the help of Stephen Campbell from the RNIB, offer some advice to anyone struggling with tech.