STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

WHAT’S the easiest way to switch energy suppliers? Our bills are getting expensive and I don’t think we’re getting the best deal.

J. S., Southport.

VIsIT thisismoney.co.uk/energy and pop in your postcode. You will also need a rough idea of your household’s energy consumption. This will give you all the best deals in your area.

Your new supplier will contact your old supplier and agree a switchover date.

The whole process should take around 17 days, which includes a two-week cooling-off period.

I HAVE been trying to order a debit card without contactless technology from Barclays for two months. I have contacted the bank more than ten times and made three formal complaints. Can you help?

L. S., Hildenborough, Kent.

You should now have a non-contactless card for both of your Barclays accounts.

Barclays has apologised for the delay, which it says was caused by a staff training issue.

The bank has also paid you £350 in compensation for the poor service you received.

MY INCOME consists of £249 a month from an annuity payment and £287 every 28 days as a state pension. Any income tax paid is refunded to me.

When I give to charity, can I tick the box saying I am a taxpayer so Gift Aid can be claimed on my donation?

D. F., Warwickshire.

unfortunately, hmrc says not. You must be a taxpayer for a charity to claim back tax paid on money you donate.

As you earn below the personal allowance and get back any income tax paid, you do not count as a taxpayer.

A SALESMAN rang my home telephone offering a free pension review. Is it a good idea to sign up?

E. L. Birkenhead, Merseyside.

No. firms who call out of the blue are unlikely to be legitimate. Companies offering pension reviews tend to be scammers who dupe you into putting your money into risky investments where your cash will be lost.

MY PARENTS are willing to give me £60,000 to buy a house. Will I be liable to pay tax on this?

A. P., London. If Your parents live for seven years after giving you the cash, there is no inheritance tax to pay.

And if the house will be your main residence, you won’t have to pay capital gains tax on any of the profit when you sell.