STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
JOHN LEWIS promised I would be sent a £5 gift voucher by email if I spent more than £50 in store. But it never arrived. When I contacted the company, it said there was no record I was entitled to one. A. R., Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan.
JOHN LEWIS admits it is to blame for this oversight after failing to update its database when you recently changed your email address. It is sending you a £10 gift card as an apology.
I BOUGHT my son an annual Tastecard subscription on December 16, but he doesn’t want it. When I called to cancel the order on December 28, Tastecard refused to give me a refund. I thought that under consumer law, you have two weeks to return goods bought online if you don’t want them. S. T., by email
A SPOKESWOMAN for tastecard confirmed that new customers are entitled to a refund if they contact its call centre within 14 days of making an order.
she says you were initially refused a refund because you were given a voucher for a free case of wine when you applied for the card. the firm needed to check it had not been redeemed before issuing the refund. You have now got your money back.
I WANT to rent a garage and use it as a workshop. My tools are currently stored at my parents’ house, so I’m covered under their home insurance policy even though my name is not on the documents. Will I still be covered if I keep the kit in the workshop? S. B., Kent.
You need to buy a new policy. Look for commercial rather than personal insurance if this is more than just a hobby.
For independent advice, call the British Insurance Brokers’ Association on 0370 950 1790 or visit biba.org.uk
I’M ABOUT to go on maternity leave. I earn £50,000 a year, but while I’m off work this will gradually reduce to statutory maternity pay of £139.58 a week.
That means my total annual income will be under the £11,000 personal allowance. Will my tax code be adjusted so I don’t have to pay tax? L. L., Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
IF Your employer continues to pay you each month, your tax code is adjusted automatically as your income reduces, says HMRC.
If you’re concerned, you can check online that you are paying the correct amount of tax. register for a personal tax account at