Swift Action

“SWIFT ACTION” REQUIRED TO PREVENT SUPPLIERS FROM USING YOUR CREDIT BALANCES AS THEIR BANK

Auto energy switch site Flipper is urging Ofgem to speed up plans to prevent energy companies from holding on to an estimated £1.4bn in customer credit balances.

In March the energy watchdog announced proposals to ensure suppliers are “not holding on to more of customers’ money than absolutely necessary”.

“I’m delighted Ofgem are looking into the matter, but with evidence of credit balances up to £1,000 to be returned, swift action required,” said Barry Hayward, managing director of Flipper.

“Hoarding on to cash is real bugbear to bill-payers, especially now with consumers facing financial hardship due to covid,” said Flipper’s managing director Barry Hayward.

“The retail energy market in Great Britain needs to be fair rather than money just being allowed to languish in suppliers’ coffers through overpayment.

“If the regulator’s proposals are confirmed the rules would require suppliers to refund credit balances each year from 2022 but that will be too late for many people.”

Households who pay their energy bills through a fixed direct debit can overpay during the summer – when less energy is used – and build up sizeable credit balances which reduce again in the winter. “Sadly, not all suppliers are forthcoming when it comes to refunds,” added Barry who heads up Flipper that analyses the market every month to deliver continuous savings to members.

“Ofgem’s report said it feared the overpayment funds were being used to fund "unsustainable business practices”, which is unacceptable and shouldn’t be allowed to continue.”

The UK’s Energy Ombudsman Ed Dodman has the problem of unrefunded credit balances accounted for more than 1,000 complaints to the body in 2020 alone.

Consumer champions Which? Say if you are credit to your energy firm, you can request a refund at any time and your energy supplier must do so promptly, unless there are reasonable grounds not to.

It will likely check whether your payments and credit will cover your predicted use over the next year, and require an up-to-date meter reading.

Flipper has hundreds of thousands of members who pay an annual fee of £30 to be automatically switched to the best deal, with the fee only kicking in when savings are made.

Auto-switching was introduced by Flipper with other websites introducing similar schemes. Unlike comparison websites auto-switchers are not paid by the energy providers so trawl the whole of the market and carry out the switch for you.

Tel: 01275 341478 Tel: 01275 814400

29, Old Street, Clevedon, North Somerset. BS21 6DA. Email: clevedon_funerals@btconnect.com www.clevedonfunerals.co.uk 27, High Street, Portishead, Bristol. BS20 6AB. Email: portisheadfunerals@outlook.com www.portisheadfunerals.co.uk

Director: Ian Taylor-Rowlands Dip.F.D. LMBIFD Covering Clevedon, Portishead, Pill, Nailsea and surrounding areas. At Clevedon Funeral Services and Portishead Funeral Services, we are here to help you every step of the way, providing dignity and respect to you and your loved ones. Funeral Arrangements can be made at our offices, or in the comfort of your own home. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available.

Direct Service £1499.00 (No Attendance)

Simple Service £2662.00 (Service before 10am) Traditional Service £2892.00 (No Limousine ) Traditional Service £2992.00 (1x Limousine )

Here are this weeks puzzles designed to test your mental skills during your lunch break or after tea.

Click the download symbol below to download our puzzles to your phone or computer and complete at your own leisure.

The answers will be published on our website every Thursday afternoon.

There are seven differences between these two pictures. Are your eyes good enough to see them all?

PROGRESS BASIS WARNING DRAMA FIGHT TUNE UNDRESS TALENTED MOUNTAIN LAST REPETITION REPRESENT SHELTER WEDDING WATCH LEAFLET DEFEAT SURGEON JOINT ATTIC

CITY AND PORT OF BRISTOL BOWLS CLUB

When Bradley Stoke Bowling Club arrived at the green on Sunday May 2nd they were the first visiting team to do so since season 2019. In season 2020 it was not possible to welcome other clubs or to visit other clubs because of Covid 19 restrictions.

Bowls England, the Sport’s governing body issued a succession of Return to play steps beginning on March 29th with step one and by April 12th step two which allowed bowling between clubs but limited the total number taking part to twenty four and no spectators. Step three which came into force on May 17 increased the number taking part significantly and allowed spectators to b e present. Each step was approved by the UK Government before it was issued. Currently the fourth and final step will be on June 21 when virtually all restrictions will be lifted but care will still be the byword when taking part.

Returning to the green and meeting bowlers from other clubs once again has brought joy to many who waited so long for the opportunity to do so. Bowling really is back and there for all to enjoy. County competitions are underway and David Hinksman found himself in round two of the Gloucestershire Four Wood Singles after his round one opponent John Smallwood of Olveston withdrew. His opponent in round two was Kevin French of Redland Green. The tie was played in Redland and thankfully the weather stayed dry throughout. It was a well contested game with both players producing some good shots but it was Kevin who took advantage of chances to maximise his score and he reached the magic 21 shots first to move on to round three --- well done to him.

There was mention in the previous edition of this magazine about repairs to a portacabin at the green and it is now looking very good. But not so good is the wooden building known as The Ladies Hut. It arrived at the green in 1983 from The Granary at The Port and Bomber Daley remembers it being dry but full of grain dust. He also remembers going to Yate to hire a JCB with which to prepare the site. The hut has given good service since its arrival but is now in need of ongoing repair and eventual replacement. Plans are being made for a purpose designed structure that will last for many years to come and provide a facility that the club can be proud of.

The club is constantly seeking new members of all ages and abilities. There is some emphasis this year on young players and it is hoped that there will be a try bowling session for children some time after June 21st. Clubs in other parts of the county have successful young bowlers ---- so why not City and Port? For further information about the club and how to take advantage of the free try bowling scheme call David Hinksman on 0117 9082713.