Carers NI latest research shows that unpaid carers are saving the economy £5.8 billion a year. Linda looks at the research and talks to a woman who has been caring for her mother for thirty years. Simon Murray from the Law Society joins Linda in the studio to answer listener questions on wills and power of attorney. And ahead of Energy Saving Week Kevin McGarry from the Energy Saving Trust has tips on saving money and we look at the potential for Geo-Energy in Northern Ireland. Finally we help one listener who faced losing 48 percent of her tax refund to a company she had never heard of.

Universal credit – six benefits into one - affects hundreds of thousands of people in Northern Ireland. All those on legacy benefits are now being transferred. Linda visits Limavady Jobs and Benefits Office to see how the process works. Paddy Rooney from the Dept of Communities and Kevin Higgins from Advice NI are in the studio to answer questions. Linda also talks to optician Sam Baird about why the move to Universal Credit is affecting free eye and dental care. We also help one listener who is paying a daily roaming charge on her mobile phone despite never crossing the border and brace ourselves for the Black Friday sales. Consumer Expert Martyn James tells Linda why the bargains are not all they are cracked up to be and how to protect yourself from scams.

Winter is here and food and energy costs are still very high. Linda talks to Philippa Mckeown-Brown and Raymond Gormley from the Consumer Council about how to get the best deals possible. It’s flu season but take up of this year’s vaccine is lagging behind in Northern Ireland. Linda talks to Dr Hilary Jones about the reasons behind the reluctance. We also follow up on the case of the fire that destroyed lots of wedding dresses but so far the insurance has not paid out. And Cash v Card – Is Linda selfish for using her phone to pay for a newspaper? One listener thinks so but UK finance has a more measured approach.

After the devastation brought by flooding to many parts of Northern Ireland, Paul Hatty, spokesperson for The British Insurance Brokers Association, explains what insurance can and cannot do in regards to claims. He also has advice for a number of listeners about claiming for dental work with travel insurance and how postcodes can change the amount you pay for insurance. Also, consumer expert Alice Beer has some tips to take some of the financial stress out of the fast approaching Christmas season.

Your nearest bank is your Post Office , that's what it says on the bill hoardings! But is that enough to fill the gap when your bank shuts up shop? Linda visits a new banking hub in Holywood post office to see what people think. It costs to care. New research shows almost half the carers in Northern Ireland are living in poverty. Linda hears from Barbara who cares for 2 autistic children and Craig Harrison from Carers NI who thinks the benefit system is failing carers. Also on the programme the Trussell trust explains why their food banks are giving out Sim Cards and we hear from the Consumer Council on passenger rights when things go wrong at airports.

This week we look at the financial reality for single and separated parents. Linda joins Parenting NI at Stormont as they highlight the daily struggle faced by many. Have you heard of AbilityNet? We hadn't but it's a charity that provides free IT support to older people and people with a disability. Linda goes on a house call to help one client learn how to get connected online. And On a wet stormy week we look at current travel hotspots and also talk to ATOL about protecting your package holidays.

The migration to Universal Credit is upon us and people on a range of benefits will be receiving letters to migrate to the new system. We ask Paddy Rooney, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Welfare and Benefits at the Dept for Communities and Kevin Higgins from Advice N.I. what the practicalities are. Also, Samantha Gallagher, Assistant Manager and Welfare Rights Specialist with Fermanagh Community Advice centre will be telling us how Universal Credit will affect the rural community. It's Book Week across BBC Radio Ulster, Foyle and Sounds and Peter Hughes of Libraries NI has news of new apps from libraries allowing you to borrow e-books, and read magazines and newspapers. Solicitor Simon Murray and Charted Surveyor Samuel Dicky have information about how the conveyancing process has changed to make it easier for consumers.

Over a third of adults in the UK have no idea what kind of help is available when it comes to end of life care. Sara talks to Ciara Gallagher from Marie Curie about why we need to talk about this and also what support is available. We also have lots of listener queries including Johns lost deeds, Patricks frozen bank account, Paul’s unfrozen food and John’s boiler replacement scheme woes. Finally Liam Neeson is looking for you, he will find you and he will help you. Find out why the Hollywood star is supporting a new service here called FindhelpNi that will connect people to over 400 health and community groups.

Linda McAuley 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: Write to: OYB BBC Ormeau Avenue BELFAST BT2 8HQ

We're talking about the move from landlines to Digital Voice BT's new digital phone service. Linda visits the BT roadshow to find out what happens if there's a power cut or if you have a personal safety or burglar alarm. We're talking about the cost of childcare and about the challenges for childcare providers with Aoife Hamilton from Employers for Childcare and Becca Harper from Melted Parents. Also the experiences of blind and partially sighted people who are also living with cancer and the additional barriers they face. And if there's a young adult in your household there may be a pot of gold waiting for them from the Child Trust Fund.

The Car hire traps that can cost you thousands of pounds – if you are 59 minutes lates then they can cancel your booking. Linda talks to Guy Hobbs from Consumer group Which. She also joins the Commissioner for Older People at a roadshow in Armagh and helps the listeners bumped of a flight by Loganair. And in the biggest change in a generation James Stinson from OFCOM tells Linda how the move from copper wires to broadband for phonelines will work.

The Leaky Caravan that didn't do well during the wettest July on record, the listener still being charged for a bed that was never delivered and the tax refund that shrank when an online firm got involved. Also can a shop change its mind after you have bought and paid for something? Consumer Guru Jimmy Hughes joins Linda to sort out our listener woes.

Its back to school this week with School uniforms, mobile phones and everything in between - it all adds up to a big bill for parents. Siobhan Harding from the Womens Support Network and Matt Cole from Advice NI join Linda to talk about the help that is available. Also on the programme when should kids get mobile phones and are earbuds destroying young people's hearing? Audiologist Feraz Ashraf is worried. And if you were caught up in this week's flight chaos can you get compensation. Andrew McConnell from the CAA says the answer is Yes and No! Finally jump aboard the Tardis with one of our listeners whose Broadband Connection is taking him back to the 1990's.

Some anglers at Loughgall Country Park aren't happy with changes that mean going fishing can't be a spontaneous decision but now needs 48 hours notice to access the lakeside. If you break down on the side of the road in England will your breakdown cover get you and your vehicle home? We hear from one family whose van has been in limbo for three and a half weeks. And with GCSE results out this week, child benefit will stop for some children unless parents tell HMRC that their children are staying in education. Linda McAuley finds out more.

Linda McAuley hears about a library that can help your next DIY job. What financial pressures are parents under with uniforms and other charges in the run up to schools going back? A listener's car was recalled with an airbag safety issue, but the dealer was slow to fix it. And do you need a licence to listen to music in work?

Linda McAuley is joined by a panel from Further and Higher Education colleges, and from Housing Rights, to discuss the options facing students who are hoping to enter third level education in September. How does clearing work? What pitfalls should be avoided when signing up for accommodation? Tips for financial management? And how courses – vocational as well as academic – can be accessed in different ways, at different ages and stages, not just when you’re 18.

The changing face of The Post Office as they move from stand alone buildings on the high street to being incorporated into filling stations and local shops. A new ‘Sensory Xperience’ for autistic children and adults has opened in Armagh. Why a local football club is 3 thousand pounds out of pocket because of flight delays and E-Bikes and E-Scooters and the danger of lithium-ion battery fires and what can be done to charge them safely.

Richard Williams from the Consumer Council explains your rights whether you're travelling by ferry or flight. Sinéad Campbell from Advice N.I. has some financial advice for parents struggling through the school holidays. Mark McAllister from the Labour Relations Agency explains why the Flexible Working Act isn't being implemented in N.I. and Philippa McKeown-Brown from the Consumer Council on people with food hyper-sensitivities.

Consumer guru Jimmy Hughes responds to listeners' problems, including claiming insurance for concert tickets that couldn't be used, the flights to Uganda that seemed too good to be true, and when the brakes came off a golf trolley. Also, guidance around buying or driving an electric car.

ABTA rep and travel agent Sandra Corkin is in the studio to give expert holiday advice. Paul Hatty explains the ins and outs of travel insurance, Rob Staines has some "holiday hacks", consumer champion Lady Janey on the benefits of all-inclusive holidays and best car hire practices with Guy Hobbs from Which?

Linda visits Positive Futures in Bangor to find out why 78 percent of adults with autism can’t find meaningful employment. Since Brexit most phone companies have reintroduced roaming and its now affecting lots of people in border areas of Northern Ireland. Anne Marie Murphy from the Consumer Council has more. We also help a listener facing a bill of hundreds of pounds for tolls on a car he sold 6 months ago and visit the brand new Banbridge Advice centre.

This week Linda talks to financial adviser Alice Gavin as interest rates for fixed rate mortgages hit 6 percent. Glynis Hobson tells Linda about co-ownership if you cant afford to buy a house on your own. With many pensioners facing retirement poverty is Equity Release a good idea? Simon Murray from the Law Society is also here to answer listeners questions on Wills and Power of Attorney. And after complaints about complaints in the public sector the ombudsman announces a shakeup of how public bodies act when things go wrong.

Universal Credit & Gas Prices

As hackers steal payroll data from companies across the UK, Linda asks Tony Neate from Get Safe Online how to protect yourself from scammers. Jimmy Hughes is back to answer consumer queries on everything from carpets to cars and even wonky mattresses! And Linda has afternoon tea in Lissane House, Cookstown as we celebrate Volunteering Week.

Energy prices are going up yet the wholesale costs are coming down. Energy regulator John French tells Linda why and what to expect over the next few months. A number of changes to benefits come in this month - Matt Cole from Advice NI explains how to get Disability Support Payments and how the rise in childcare payments works here. Might you be about to lose your Smartpass? A consultation has begun on raising the age to 65+. The Commissioner for Older People is deeply concerned and tells Linda why he see's it as a lifeline for older people. And everything you ever wanted to know about cremation but were afraid to ask as Linda visits Northern Ireland's newest facility which opens next week.

Linda talks about the government’s baby blind spot with Becca Harper from pressure group Melted Parents. Financial Adviser Alice Gavin talks about budgeting and mortgages. And as rents rise faster here than anywhere else in the UK, Stephen Morrison from Housing Rights outlines what help is available and what your rights are. We also hear from the poker player whose winnings got lost in the electronic ether!

Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to Germany to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when som

Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK and many of them are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we’re heading to Spain to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when something goes wrong? Welcome to On Your B

Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to South Africa to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available whe

Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to Canada to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when some

Every week On Your Behalf hears about problems people in Northern Ireland are having with broadband, travel, scams, banks, shopping and more. Everything from getting a refund for a cancelled flight, to making a complaint about a product or a service you're not happy with, or being kept on hold for hours. Most of the issues we hear about relate to companies in the UK, and many of them, we're happy to say, are fixable - particularly when On Your Behalf gets involved. But, here's something we want to know - Is it just us? Is it just us being kept on hold, or unable to get broadband in rural areas? Is it just us losing bank branches in small towns or being bombarded by scam texts and emails? Presenter Linda McAuley is having conversations with consumer experts from around the world to find out how consumers are treated where they are. In this episode we're heading to Sweden to find out what issues and topics people there are struggling with, and what support is available when some

Carer Allan Leonard on the challenges of accessing help and support

Travel expert Simon Calder shares travel tips ahead of the summer holiday season.

The Easter break is an opportunity for many people to get away for a few days, but it’s important to know your rights before you go. Richard Williams of the Consumer Council explains why prevention is always better than cure when it comes to travel and highlights what you need to consider before your getaway. With schools off, it can also be a challenging time for families. Chris Briggs from Employers for Childcare explains what support is available and how to access it. Kathleen Toner explores the situation for foster parents in Northern Ireland and what financial support there is for families considering fostering. We hear regularly from listeners struggling with deliveries or couriers. James Stinson of Ofcom, which regulates the sector, explains why new guidelines should improve things for consumers. If you bought electrical goods online do you know how to check whether they’ve passed safety tests? Giuseppe Cabana, engineer at Electrical Safety First, shares some horror stories o

Linda asks the experts about your consumer questions: Listener Glenda bought a new kitchen, but says it has never been right and the best way to open one of the cupboards is to turn on the extractor fan; Tommy bought a car that broke down while he was out shopping and hasn’t seen it since; John’s mother’s pension was stopped without warning, despite him twice filling out forms he was asked for. Electrical Safety First have some tips for buying electrical goods online and Linda visits a spring home safety event at Belfast City Hall.

More people than ever are having to use private healthcare which could mean more people getting into debt, according to the Royal College of GP's in N Ireland. We hear from Philip, who went private when he needed treatment for cataracts, his optometrist Brian & Dr Julie-Anne Little, Chair of the Association of Optometrists NI. Community organisations across the country are warning of the devastating impact that the closure of an EU funding stream could have. The EU’s European Social Fund was worth around £40m every year in Northern Ireland, but ends on 31st March as a result of Brexit. The sector is warning that Westminster’s replacement funding stream doesn’t fill the gap, putting jobs and services at risk. Community Foundation NI CEO Roísín Wood and Claire Meenehan of Include Youth explain what the loss of funds will mean for organisations and people here. We look back to the Helplines NI awareness event at Stormont, and look ahead to Belfast City Council’s spring safety event which

Linda and guests discuss what the 2023 Budget means for people in Northern Ireland.