Your legal questions answered.

Q Q AI have a gym membership that I pay monthly, usually with cash. The gym has told me they will now only accept direct debit. Can they do this? Dave Lee Traders can stipulate what they like regarding payment methods. If you’re mid-contract and always paid cash, you could say this is an unwritten term of the contract between you and that you are entitled to continue. To be sure, you’ll need to check the terms and conditions you signed up to.

Q

I booked six tickets to a festival that was cancelled in lockdown. I still haven’t had a refund and can’t raise the ticket company via phone or email. What can I do next? Will Hardcastle

Alots

of people seem to be in this position. The first thing is that you

A Aare of course entitled to a refund. If you paid by debit or credit card, you could make a chargeback or Section 75 claim. If not, you will have to keep hounding the ticket provider.

Q

I bought an electrical device from a trader in China. It arrived and does work but is nothing like described. They say

Athat because it works they don’t have to refund me. Doesn’t the Consumer Rights Act give more rights than this? Adam Jacobs

The Consumer Rights Act does – but it doesn’t apply when you buy goods in China. If you paid by card, try a chargeback or Section 75 claim.

Q

I bought a mattress in 2013 and it cost a lot of money. The springs on one side have collapsed. The retailer said they could not do anything as it will be down to wear and tear. Where can I take my complaint next? Shaun Kent The Statute of Limitations Act provides that legal claims must be brought within six years (in this case, from date of purchase). I’m afraid you have no formal right of redress here.