With How to fight for right to a refund
LIFE has been turned on its head but many people are still forking out for goods and services as normal.
There has been a big focus on holiday refunds – but this is not the only area where consumers should be asking for their cash back.
Generally if you have paid for something that cannot now be provided, you are entitled to a refund. So make sure you are not being shortchanged.
School/nursery fees
All schools and nurseries are closed at present, except for children of key workers.
Most nurseries are not providing any of the service you pay for and there is a very strong argument for withholding payment or simply cancelling the contract.
But there has been a lot of stress over whether nursery places will still be there in oversubscribed areas if they have been cancelled.
Many private schools are providing education online. But it is a reduced service so parents should get a fee reduction.
Kids/afterschool clubs
These will not be running so you will be entitled to a refund for any fees you’ve paid during the lockdown and to then stop payments.
Subscriptions
If you have a subscription for a magazine that is no longer delivered, cancel it and get your money back for missed deliveries. If you pay for any other form of subscription that has been affected, you will be entitled to cease payments or, at the very least, get a price reduction.
Gym memberships
Gyms are currently closed so members should not be forking out for them.
If this applies to you, I would advise you to cancel your direct debit immediately and apply for a refund of any fees you have paid up to now, for months where the gym has been closed.
Train season tickets
Many commuters with season tickets will have had a few months of having no use for the ticket.
The good news is that rail companies are providing refunds for the proportion of tickets that cannot be used during these strange times.
You will have to apply directly to the train provider you use, via its website.