STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

IF I TOP-UP my state pension by purchasing Class 3 National Insurance years, how long does it take to show up on the State Pension Forecast website as an increase in pension? I made a contribution on behalf of my wife a couple of weeks ago but it hasn’t yet resulted in an increase in forecast. E. H., Peterborough.

THE Department for Work and Pensions says when the payment has been cleared it should appear on the customer’s online State Pension forecasts in three to five working days. It can take longer for a cheque to be processed.

I BOUGHT a new boiler from British Gas in December 2017 for £1,709. I paid by cheque and my bank confirmed this was cashed a month later.

British Gas has since denied any knowledge of the cheque and is now sending me reminders to make the payment, even threatening me with debt collectors. I’m 92 years old and am now afraid to open the door to anyone in case British Gas has sent bailiffs. Mrs J. B., Essex.

BRITISH Gas says it made an administrative error and will be contacting you personally to apologise for what’s happened and to offer you £75 as a goodwill gesture.

CAN I pay taxes to HM Revenue and Customs by cheque? R. K., Herts.

YES. Send a cheque to: HMRC Direct, BX5 5BD, payable to HM revenue and customs, followed by your unique Taxpayer reference (UTR) number. You should include any paying-in slip HMRC sent you.