Are YOU due hundreds of pounds in compensation?

CONSUMERS could be missing out on hundreds of pounds by failing to claim money they are entitled to. Many could be compensated for travel delays or refunded for overpaid energy bills, bank charges or tax – simply by taking the time to claim.

Rail watchdog Transport Focus estimates that tens of millions of pounds in compensation go unclaimed for train delays every year. But with most train companies using the Delay Repay system, making a claim is relatively straightforward.

Claims can be made through the train operator’s website, by post or phone, and typically involve filling in a form and scanning in or uploading a photo of the ticket.

Passengers are entitled to 25 per cent of their single fare for delays of between 15 and 29 minutes; 50 per cent for delays of 30 to 59 minutes; and 100 per cent of the single fare for delays of more than an hour. Claims need to be made within 28 days of the date of travel.

Compensation can also be sought for flight delays. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, anyone flying from a European airport or with an EU airline is entitled to compensation if the flight is held up, providing the delay is the airline’s fault.

For flights arriving at their destination more than three hours late, travellers can claim €250 (£220) if the distance flown is less than 1,500km; or €400 (£350) if the distance is between 1,500km and 3,500km. For flight distances of more than 3,500km, travellers can claim €300 (£260) if they arrive more than three hours late, or €600 (£510) if arrival is delayed by more than four hours.

Coby Benson, of law firm Bott and Co, urges consumers to apply for compensation. He says: ‘Passengers have every right to hold airlines accountable if they’ve suffered loss of time and any inconvenience to their travel plans.

‘Many may not be aware of their legal rights and we’ve seen cases of airlines’ refusal to pay claims which we later found were eligible and recovered compensation for.’

To apply for compensation, contact the airline directly or check its website. If there is no standard claim form, follow the template letter on the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.co.uk. Another area where consumers may be able to claim money back is energy bills.

Those who make energy payments by direct debit can often claim a refund if their account is in credit. Credit balances can run into hundreds of pounds and suppliers must refund this amount on request. Richard Longmore, of home management firm Hoppy.co.uk, says: ‘Customers should contact their supplier with their most up-to-date meter reading to make sure they are entitled to a refund. If the account is still in credit after submitting these meter readings, the supplier is obliged to process a refund directly back to their customer’s bank account.’

He adds: ‘Providing suppliers with regular meter readings, maybe getting a smart meter installed so meter readings are shared automatically, and obtaining a direct debit payment plan review from your supplier, will ensure you are paying the correct amount.’

Claims can usually be made online or by phone, although some suppliers will automatically provide refunds. British Gas and Scottish Power, for instance, will refund customers if they are more than £75 in credit after a year.

Finally, taxpayers should keep an eye on their tax code, particularly if they have recently changed jobs and are on an emergency tax code.

Incorrect tax codes can result in too much income tax being handed over to the taxman and a rebate could be due.

The gov.uk website can help when assessing tax codes and you can contact Revenue & Customs on 0300 200 3300 if you think your code is wrong. Claims for a refund can be made via the gov.uk website.