STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
I HAD a call from someone claiming to be from Tesco Clubcard, saying I’d won £50 in vouchers. The caller started asking questions such as whether I am retired or a homeowner. Was I right to hang up? C. S., St Albans, Herts. Tesco confirms this was a scam. report your experience to Action fraud at action fraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. DO I need to inform an insurer if I get six extra points on my driving licence?
My renewal forms have gone through and, if I tell them I now have nine points, my premium will go up. In the event of an accident, will this affect my claim? P. M., London. MY Source at a price comparison website says: ‘renewal documents will ask you to notify the insurer of any changes to your circumstances or inaccuracies in the details listed, and points would count as this.’
Not all insurers require you to notify them of points during your policy term, but you
definitely need to mention them when your renewal comes up. Premiums may go up, but what’s the use of an invalid policy? I’M A retired basic-rate taxpayer, but for each withdrawal from my pension pot, I am taxed at 40pc. I have to manually reclaim the other 20pc, which takes a month. Is there a quicker way to reclaim? N. D., via email. Pension providers are required to apply ‘emergency tax’ on the first withdrawal, where the customer does not have a P45. The provider should send all of the details regarding the payout to the taxman, which will then usually issue an updated tax code so future payments are taxed correctly.
contact HMrc to ask why you are being taxed at the higher rate. MY FRIEND is at his wits’ end struggling with debts. Last year, he missed some council tax payments while looking after his unwell sister.
He’s not in good health himself and now debt collectors are chasing him. Where can he go for help? R. C., Essex. THErE are a number of debt charities your friend can call for free advice. Try stepchange on 0800 138 1111, the Debt Advice foundation on 0800 043 4050 or National Debtline on 0808 808 4000.