Whether it's a faulty gadget, a mismatched item, or something that stops working too soon—most of us have experienced buyer regret. The good news? UK law offers strong protections to help you get a refund, repair or replacement when things go wrong.

Food banks are community-run charities that provide emergency food aid to individuals and families facing short-term crises. In the UK, networks like the Trussell Trust and Independent Food Aid Network deliver food parcels designed to meet immediate nutritional needs while also offering access to broader support services. These essential services aim to offer dignity, practical help, and a pathway out of crisis.

Parental responsibility (PR) refers to the legal rights, duties, powers, responsibilities, and authority that a parent has over their child and property, as defined by the Children Act 1989. Knowing who holds PR—and what it covers—helps parents make informed decisions and access the right support during separation or in daily life.

Scammers are circulating letters and calls claiming you have unpaid debts, pressuring people to hand over cash and personal details quickly.

In recent weeks, there has been a sharp rise in reports of fraudulent debt collection letters claiming to come from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the government agency that manages courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Alongside these, people are also reporting cold calls that claim to “help with debts.”

The UK government has teamed up with TikTok influencers to launch a new campaign warning of the risks of travelling overseas for cosmetic and medical procedures. The initiative comes in response to the growing number of people booking treatments abroad – from hair transplants to dental work – often lured in by low prices and slick online marketing.

During the pandemic, Wolverhampton resident Leanne McDonald set up Simple Acts of Kindness to help families in financial difficulty. Five years on, she says the cost of living crisis has left more working people — including skilled professionals — turning to her group for help.

Applies to England – see separate advice for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales

You might be entitled to compensation if both of these apply:

• You bought a car, van, or motorbike on finance after April 2007

• Your finance lender paid the dealer a commission you weren’t told about

BT has returned a total of £18 million to customers in the form of refunds and account credits, following enforcement action by Ofcom.

The action stems from a breach of consumer protection rules, which require telecoms companies to provide customers with clear and simple contract information before they commit to a new agreement. In 2024, BT was fined £2.8 million for failing to meet these obligations.

Kids Go Free & Discounted Entry Passes

• Merlin Entertainments “Twice the Fun” deal: Visit two Merlin parks (Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor, Chessington, Thorpe Park) for the price of one between 21 July and 17 August 2025, with the second visit redeemable until 30 September — saving at least £29 per person.

• Kids Pass App: Offers discounts up to 57% on family days out (zoos, aquariums, theme parks) and up to 56% off cinema trips.

• Annual passes from £6–£10: Local attractions like Cardiff Castle, Preston Park, SeaCity Museum, and British Motor Museum offer family or child access from as little as £6.65 to £25.65 annually.

Creative ways to keep kids happy, healthy, and entertained on a budget

The school holidays can be a joyful time for children — but for many parents, the rising cost of living adds pressure when it comes to food, activities, and childcare. Whether you’re looking for fun on a shoestring or accessing extra support, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the break.

Record-high bills spark surge in demand as households look to take back control

Skyrocketing water bills have triggered a major shift in consumer behaviour — over 100,000 homeowners requested water meters in the first four months of this year alone, amid growing public pressure for reforms in the industry.

Criminals are using ‘SMS blasters’ to send thousands of scam messages undetected — right from the boots of their cars.

A man has been jailed in the UK for using a high-tech SMS “blaster” device to send out scam messages to thousands of unsuspecting mobile phone users in London.

Amazon has agreed to implement stronger measures to combat fake reviews on its platform following an investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This commitment includes tougher sanctions for sellers and reviewers who attempt to manipulate product ratings, and marks a major step in protecting UK consumers under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA).

Did you know that 4.5 million children in the UK are living in relative poverty after housing costs as of April 2024? That’s nearly one in three—approximately 31 % of all children—up by 100,000 from the previous year.

Looking after someone who’s disabled, unwell, or elderly brings immense responsibility—and responsibility shouldn’t mean facing it alone. Below, we break down the key help available for carers in England, so you can understand your rights, access vital support, and protect your wellbeing as you care for others.

Scammers are getting smarter — and one of their latest tricks involves sending fake text messages about unpaid parking fines. These scams often look official, sound urgent, and try to scare you into clicking a link or giving up personal details.

Here’s how to protect yourself and what to do if you receive one of these fake messages.

At Citizens Advice, we believe no one should have to face life's challenges alone. For over 85 years, we’ve been helping people navigate tough times and find a way forward. As a charity dedicated to serving everyone, no matter who they are or what they’re facing, we’re here for the whole of society.

Every year, millions turn to us for support—whether they’re dealing with financial pressures, housing issues, employment concerns, or something else entirely. But behind each practical issue, there’s often something deeper—like isolation, anxiety, or the feeling that there’s no one to turn to. Loneliness doesn’t always look the way people expect, and we know it can affect anyone.

From now until January 2027, all traditional landline phones in the UK will be moving from the old analogue system to a new digital network. While this change is part of an essential nationwide upgrade, it poses a serious risk to people who rely on telecare alarms connected to analogue phone lines.

In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, scams have taken a terrifyingly real turn. From deepfake videos of loved ones to cloned voices pleading for money, criminals are leveraging AI to exploit trust and emotion in ways never seen before. But knowledge is your best defence. This guide will show you how to spot the red flags, check suspicious media, and protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to AI-generated scams.

Music fans are warning others not to buy tickets for sold-out Bank Holiday events from social media resellers, after several people were scammed out of their money.