Receiving a parking fine can be frustrating, especially when you believe it has been issued in error. In the UK, parking fines, typically issued as Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) by local authorities or as Parking Charge Notices by private companies, can be successfully appealed often depending on the strength of your evidence. This article offers practical advice on gathering the evidence necessary to bolster your case and improve your chances of success in an appeal.

Thousands of pensioners in Lancashire are missing out on a benefit, which could be worth £4,300 a year. 

Pension Credit is a government benefit designed to top up your income if you’ve reached State Pension age and your income is below a certain level. Yet, far too many people don’t claim it, often because of myths and misconceptions. Let’s clear things up.

The Department for Work and Pensions says the average Pension Credit payment is £4,300 per year.

The Equality Act is intended to protect disabled people from being disadvantaged at work. Yet many of the disabled people we support continue to face significant barriers because employers are failing to comply with the law. In 2025 alone, we helped 5,393 people with health-related employment discrimination. On average, this means our advisers are supporting someone with this issue every 1.5 hours.

Opening an energy bill and seeing a much higher amount than expected can be worrying – especially when household budgets are already stretched. If you’ve recently received a high gas or electricity bill, try not to panic. There are practical steps you can take, and plenty of support available to help you get back in control.

Households have endured a tough year as widespread price rises from energy to council tax have left many struggling to keep their finances on track.

As the festive season gather pace, more people than ever are relying on home deliveries instead of the high street. Parcel volumes reflect this shift: UK deliveries rose by 8.3% last year, reaching 3.9 billion items. Yet for many consumers, the delivery experience remains frustrating and unreliable.

This Talk Money Week, Citizens Advice Lancashire West is encouraging everyone to open up about money — because honest conversations can build confidence, prevent problems, and change lives.

We’re supporting Talk Money Week, which aims to make it easier for people to share their thoughts and feelings about money.

It’s not always easy to spot a scam. Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to trick people — that’s why it’s vital to recognise the warning signs and know how to protect yourself.

Use our online tool to check if something might be a scam and learn about the top 5 scams to watch out for right now:

A Lancashire pensioner was left thousands of pounds out of pocket after falling victim to ruthless doorstep scammers.

The fraud began when two men knocked on his door, claiming his roof urgently needed repairs. They handed over a leaflet for a so-called business called “Roofing Repair Specialists” and gave an initial verbal quote of £12,000.

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.