On Your Behalf

By BBC Radio UlsterBusiness

On Your Behalf episodes

February 17, 2024 Changing transport, Universal Credit, and bank accounts
A show about journeys. Two experts join Linda in the studio to discuss the continuing rollout of Universal Credit. We hear about the new integrated transport hub and how it will change journeys into and across the city of Belfast. What happened when a listener's mother tried to switch her bank account? And London's night czar Amy Lamé explains what contributes to a safe and vibrant nighttime economy.
57 min
February 10, 2024 Poverty, Pensions & Parking
As the final cost of living payment is sent out this week we bring you a tale of 2 Prime Ministers!
Rishi Sunak says pressures are easing for families but Gordon Brown says the government has created obscene levels of destitution not seen in generations!
Siobhan Harding from the Women’s Support Network and Rachel Jeffers from Banbridge Advice Centre tell Linda what they are seeing at the grassroots.
Divorce is traumatic enough but women often overlook one of the biggest financial assets in a settlement. Linda finds out why not including pensions leads to a big loss in later years.
We have lots of listener queries from online grocery problems to mobile phones and credit.
And if you are flying off for half term don’t get your car stuck at the airport on your return – Motoring journalist Maria McCarthy has some top tips.
26 min
February 03, 2024 Planes, Post Office and Debt
No trains or automobiles but we are talking a lot about Planes.
The Consumer Council are in the studio to explain your rights when it all goes wrong. Debt continues to be a big problem amidst the cost of Living Crisis.
Advice NI dealt with 4000 cases last year and we'll hear from them and one woman they helped when her debt reached nearly £20,000.
We're also helping listeners with everything from Christmas presents to grocery deliveries
And OFCOM wants to know how you feel about the future of the Royal Mail!
24 min
January 27, 2024 Childcare Special
Today we're taking an in depth look at childcare in Northern Ireland and why we are losing out compared to the rest of the UK.
We hear from childcare providers, parents and experts.
And take an overview of the importance of early learning – it’s not just about who's minding the baby!
The Public Service Ombudsman is Margaret Kelly and you've probably heard her on Television or radio, or on this programme talking about major issues like nursing homes, but she's also there for the smaller issues.
This morning I'm going to find out what she does and who she can help.
27 min
January 20, 2024 Building Regulations, Broadband and Debt
Oil tanks – the saga continues as new building regulations might mean your tank needs to move. Blue Monday became Brew Monday last week and this week its Budget Monday. Linda talks to Christians Against Poverty about how they can help those in debt.
Which? magazine tell us why they think mid-contract rises for broadband are immoral and should be made illegal. And have you got a shock recently when your insurance renewal came through the door. Malcolm Tarling from the Association of British Insurers tells Linda why prices have gone up so much in the last year.
13 min
January 13, 2024 January Blues, Oil Tanks & Silver Surfers
Christmas is a distant memory and the nights are still dark and cold but is describing the start of next week as Blue Monday helpful?
Fiona McClelland from The Samaritans tells Linda why they prefer Brew Monday with a cuppa and chat. It has been cold this week and Raymond Gormley from the Consumer Council is recommending that you check your oil tank. If it ruptures the cost could be astronomical! We also help a listener whose car was written off by his insurance company who then went on to auto renew the policy for the next 2 years. We also find out why Northern Ireland uses more cash than the rest of the UK and why silver surfers are ruling the internet?
14 min
January 06, 2024 Tackling textiles, Plane Pains & Button Batteries
Tackling textiles, Plane Pains & Button Batteries
57 min
December 30, 2023 What we've learned in 2023
The useful. The surprising. The vital - we're looking back at what we've learned in 2023
58 min
December 23, 2023 Know your rights in case things go wrong over Christmas
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat ... but do you know for how long and at what temperature your dinner should be in the oven? Linda McAuley will be finding out from her guests how you can avoid some of the things that go wrong at Christmas. Airports and ferry terminals are at their busiest and cancellations can disrupt plan for family reunions. The postal and parcel delivery networks don't always keep their promises. Not every present works when the box is opened. Can you exchange those socks for a pair that fits? And what are the rules around refunds? Linda's joined by travel expert Sandra Corken, consumer guru Jimmy Hughes, and the Consumer Council's Richard Williams.
16 min
December 16, 2023 Scams, Smartphones and Safety
Tis the season to avoid the scammers! Linda looks at banking scams and the use of AI to make them more sophisticated.
She talks to Tony Neate from Get Safe Online about how to shop safely for Christmas and avoid common mistakes.
The NSPCC have advice on smartphones for Christmas and Advice NI have created Digital Champions to help people embrace and understand the online world.
And there is never a bad time to talk about retirement particularly if you are in 40’s or 50’s!
24 min

About On Your Behalf

From the publisher's feed

Anna Curran 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:

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