This is an alliance of UK consumer, education and trade organisations which aims to co-ordinate the efforts of these organisations. The Partnership says it will develop a common voice to promote a national strategy for consumer education. It is backed by the Director General of Fair Trading who states: "Educated consumers are the best allies any enforcement authority can have. They do not fall for the worst scams, they know their rights and seek redress when business standards are low..... Consumers will have to shoulder the burden of choosing between highly complex products and services. In order to do this successfully and avoid very costly mistakes, they must be provided with the right level of information and the appropriate skills to use that information."
It is indeed sad that the High Court has decided that the fact that these prepayment meters cut off the water supply is in breach of the water companies’ duties under the Water Industry Act. Many people have been highly satisfied with their use, as they allow them to budget. Certainly in the South West, if a meter runs out, the water company receives immediate on-line notification, a supply of water is supplied for a limited period each day and the customer is contacted to find out if there are problems.
Ian Biatt, Director General of OFWAT, says: "The Judge noted that much of the evidence suggested that these payment devices have been found beneficial to customers who have chosen to use them. I share the Judge’s view, however, that it is for Parliament to decide whether the benefits warrant changing the law."
Do not bother to collect the new commemorative 50p coin which marks membership of the European Union. The first such coin showing nine hands clasped together was issued in 1973. Almost 90 million were issued. Taking inflation into account even a perfect scratch free coin is now worth 5p in terms of 1973 value. The new coin will show 12 stars and 5 million are likely to be minted, though more if needed. How have you fared with the use of the new 50p piece in local machines? Some have been converted fairly quickly while others long continued to accept only the old coin.
Do not join schemes that offer fantastic rewards for recruiting others, unless of course you are recruiting them for NfCG when the rewards, though great, are intangible! Consumer Affairs Minister, Nigel Griffiths, says: "Don’t be taken in by schemes that offer easy money for little work. If an offer looks too good to be true then it probably is". The DTI has recently closed down 27 companies in the High Court involving pyramid selling and similar schemes.
A Times reader reports receiving a mail shot to apply for a gold visa card. "You have been specially selected...." it stated. However, it was addressed to "The Occupier"!
It is being vigorously promoted by the British Sandwich Association who promise that some wonderfully imaginative sandwiches, such as the one below, will be available.
consists of granary bread, toasted and buttered, Hellmann’s mayonnaise (of course), grilled bacon, avocado, peeled and sliced, and sliced tomato.
There has been much publicity about high pressure Gas salespersons. With Ken Frere’s information (see middle pages) you should be better informed than any gas salesperson who arrives on your doorstep. This has been a monumental work by Ken and it has attracted a lot of outside interest.
I have just received revised details about the changes to telephone numbers which several major cities, including London, will be subject to on Saturday 22nd April in the year 2000 and will publish them in the next issue.
New Premium Rate numbers are being given the 090 prefix now, existing ones will, as BT describes it, migrate there by the year 2001.
I am very grateful to the several contributors to this issue and to those for whom I was unable to find space. They, including the Avon story, will appear, I promise. Please continue to send contributions, by the middle of May for the June issue, to me, John Brown at:
No 6 Priory Gardens,
Dartford, Kent. DA1 2BE.
Phone/Fax 01322 280673
or, editor@ncf.info
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