STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
WE BOOKED a Fred. Olsen cruise called Lochs of Scotland. It was a disaster. The itinerary was changed and we saw not one loch! The firm has sent us two 20 pc discount vouchers for a future cruise, but we do not wish to travel again with Fred. Olsen. Can I get any compensation? J. V., Hove, E. Sussex.
Fred. olsen apologises for the late-notice change of departure port, from liverpool to rosyth. it says further changes to your itinerary were due to bad weather, which is beyond its control so, it says, it is not required to compensate you for this.
it gave you the vouchers as a goodwill gesture. if you are still unhappy, you can refer your complaint to the association of British Travel agents ( abta.com or write to aBTa ltd, 30 Park street, london, se1 9eQ).
I BUY a prescription prepayment certificate. This costs £29.10 every three months and means I can get as many NHS prescriptions as I need.
I didn’t realise my last one had expired and now I’ve been fined £105.60 by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). I feel this is disproportionate as it was a genuine mistake. I. G., by email.
The nHsBsa refused to discuss your case with me, but says it is the patient’s responsibility to check they are entitled to free prescriptions when signing the declaration on the back of the prescription form.
anyone who wants to challenge a penalty fine should contact it to explain their circumstances. The phone number is 0300 330 1341. if you can demonstrate you did not act wrongfully or with any lack of care, the nHsBsa says the fee can be waived.
I VISITED my local NatWest to withdraw £150, but I was told I’d have to withdraw at least £250, visit the Post Office, or use the cash machine. I’m 81 and I don’t feel safe using a machine to withdraw such a large sum. Why did this happen? A. S., Sheffield.
naTWesT apologises for the confusion. Your branch was due to close down three weeks after you visited and the member of staff probably just misunderstood your query and was trying to recommend places nearby where you could withdraw cash when it had shut.
The bank does not demand that customers withdraw a minimum amount when using the counter.