STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

I’M INTERESTED in peer-to-peer lending, but I don’t have internet access. Can I deal with any firms by phone or post?

T. L., Hull.

UNFORTUNATELY not. According to the trade body for the industry, the Peer-to-Peer Association, all of its member firms only open accounts online. once you’re a customer, you can call or write with queries or for help, but you can’t set up the account this way.

I HEAR in the news that home insurance costs have gone down. But my policy has just increased to £170. My insurer said this was because only the national average has fallen. Is this right?

L. E., Darlington.

YES, the drop in home insurance premiums you’ve heard about will likely refer to the average premium across the UK. The price of an individual policy depends on lots of factors, including your postcode, how secure your home is and if you’ve made a previous claim. You may find that you can find a cheaper deal if you shop around.

I KEEP reading in Money Mail about a new higher state pension to be introduced in April. I’m already claiming my state pension. Will my payout change next year, too?

F. M., Broseley, Shropshire.

No. THE new state pension of £151.25 a week applies only to those retiring on or after April 6, 2016. If you are already claiming your pension, it will still rise each year in line with whatever increase is higher: average earnings, price inflation or 2.5 pc.

EVERY time I call to give my gas and electricity meter readings to my energy firm, E.on, it ignores them and just sends out an estimated bill. Can you help?

C. H., Cheshire.

THIS should now be resolved. A monthly direct debit has been set up based on how much gas and electricity you used last year. You will now get a quarterly bill that takes into account meter readings you submit.