STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

I TRIED to take a dress back to a shop which didn’t fit. The shop said all they could offer me was a credit note but I want my money back. Is this correct? G.L. by email.

If the dress was faulty you would have a legal right to a refund if you returned it within 30 days. however, if there is nothing wrong with it you must rely on the shop’s own returns policy. this might offer you cash for a return, although the shop is also entitled to offer you just a credit note. I COMPLAINED to the Financial Ombudsman but I’m unhappy with how they have dealt with my case. Can I now complain about them? And if so, who should I complain to? A.B., Birmingham.

If the ombudsman finds against you, that decision is final. your only option is to take your case to court. If it is not the outcome that is bothering you but rather the service provided you should first complain to the case handler and then their manager.

If you are still unhappy you can write to the financial ombudsman’s independent assessor, Amerdeep Somal, who will then carry out a review of the way it handled your complaint. email her at independent. assessor@financial-ombudsman.org.uk or write to the Independent Assessor, Po Box 35738, London e14 9yU.

I BOUGHT breakdown cover from the AA because it offered a £20 M&S or Boots voucher. I paid £39 in February for the insurance but there’s no sign of the gift. I’ve called several times to no avail. J.C., Lancashire.

the AA says it sent you a letter on March 6 containing a link to an online page where you could register your email.

this is so that you could be sent the vouchers digitally.

A spokesman says you missed a character when inputting your email address, which is why you never received them.

It apologised that you didn’t get through on the phone first time or manage to speak to an appropriate person.

the AA has now re-issued the voucher code to you.