THE advertising watchdog has ruled against six major broadband companies after they failed to meet advertising standards.

BT, EE, Plusnet, TalkTalk, O2 and Virgin have all been told to take down certain ads on their web pages by The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) after it said they did not make potential price increases clear.

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The watchdog ruled that the firms had not been clear about how much customers’ bills would go up due to mid-contract price hikes.

Mid-contract price hikes are increases to your bill during your contract term.

Broadband and mobile phone firms typically increase bills every March/April in line with Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation, plus an extra fixed amount – often 3% – to account for other rising costs.

But the ASA said telecoms firms had made information about these rises too difficult for customers to find and that the adverts “must not appear again”.

For example, it said in some cases the firms had placed this information separately to the headline prices quoted on the advert, and in a less prominent position.

The watchdog said it had received multiple complaints from customers who felt they had been misled, and stated that the companies had “fallen foul of guidance” .

For example, it said an advert on the BT website featured the headline: “Get Ultrafast Full Fibre 100 for only £29.99 a month.”

But in much smaller text, the ad said: “Prices rise each year on 31 March by £3 – 24 month [sic] contract.”

And the ASA said the relevant information about price rises in EE’s ad “would likely have been overlooked because of its placement at the bottom of the page.”

The providers have been reminded that in future such price increases must be displayed prominently rather than in small print.

These rulings came as a reminder of CAP’s most updated guidance which was released December 2023.

The guidance said that “certain material information must be provided to consumers, in a specified format, before they can agree to enter into a contract for phone or broadband services.”

A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson told The Sun: “After working closely with the ASA to update our website and provide prominent advice about any price changes, we are surprised and disappointed by their ruling.

“Consumers visiting our website are greeted with a prominent message at the top of the page explaining in large bold font how and when price rises take effect, and this explanation is also always visible when consumers scroll, ensuring they are not misled.

“While we’re confident in the steps we’ve taken to repeatedly provide consumers with clear and easy-to-understand information about any price rises, we’ll carefully review their judgement and implement any necessary changes.”

The Sun also offered the other broadband providers the opportunity to reply and have not heard back – we will update readers if this changes.

This is not the only time providers have been warned about transparency with customers lately.

Last week, it also emerged that the regulator Ofcom had set new rules for network providers, so they must now warn customers when they might be hit with data roaming costs.

Data roaming is when you connect to another country’s network while travelling, costing as much as £6 per MB of data used.

The regulator ruled that providers must tell customers when these fees were happening to prevent them being unexpectedly charged.

Uswitch’s mobiles expert Ernest Doku pointed out that “while this is good news there is still inconsistency between providers – meaning a lack of clarity for consumers, who were hit with £539 million in unexpected roaming charges in 2023.”

To check your network or broadband rate visit your online account or phone your provider.

We recommend you always read the small print when buying into new contracts or making any changes to your location.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Brits care almost four times as much about the cost of living as they do about climate change, a new survey has shown.

The figures underline long-held concerns that many cash-squeezed Brits have to prioritise their budgets rather than considering more expensive green electric cars or heat pumps and solar panels.

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While net zero is considered a pressing issue, it still falls far behind Brits’ lists of concerns and after the cost of living, the quality of the NHS, the economy and immigration, according to a survey of 12,000 households by British Gas.

However, threat of climate change is still seen as the fifth most important issue to Brits and even comes above housing, crime, Brexit, welfare spending or terrorism.

Despite the government’s net zero obsession, almost two-thirds of Brits reckon the UK will not hit its targets by 2050.

The survey also revealed that almost half of Brits believe that heating bills should be kept low, even if it means doing so will contribute more to climate change.

While eight in ten Brits said they would be willing to make changes to their home to tackle climate change, two thirds are put off by the cost of installations and worries that upfront costs won’t actually reduce energy bills.

More than half of the survey respondents said that the current system of grants and subsidies for energy reduction schemes was difficult to understand.

BELOVED homeware chain Wilko is back on the high street having closed 400 stores last year after going into administration.

Wilko has confirmed that its Uxbridge store will open its doors to customers at 9am on 22nd November – right in time for Christmas.

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Brits were heartbroken when beloved Wilko announced it would be closing all of its shops back in October 2023.

But almost a year later, Wilko is making a comeback, launching new stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Uxbridge store launch marks the household and garden retailer’s return to West London.

It is also its seventh opening since the brand was acquired by CDS Superstores.

Spanning approximately 30,000sqft, the store will be situated in its former trading location at The Pavillions Shopping Centre.

It looks to offer local shoppers access to products they know and love – including Christmas essentials.

The store’s launch day will feature goody bags for the first 50 shoppers in the queue and an exclusive prize for the first person in line, along with great value deals across many key categories.

Shoppers will also get to try their luck at the spin the wheel, with a chance to win gift cards and pick-n-mix vouchers.

As with its fellow six concept stores launched to date, the new Uxbridge store will feature additional services, including a Click and Collect offering.

This store launch forms part of Wilko’s expansion plans, with a further national roll-out planned.

It’s the brand’s latest store, joining recent openings in Poole, Exeter, Luton, Plymouth, St Albans and Rotherham.

What other retailers have made a comeback?

It has been a tough time for retailers since Covid and the last few years have seen many vanish from our high streets.

The rising cost of living and expensive rents have all been playing a part in the demise of some of our much-loved high street names.

This week saw the return of the beloved record chain Our Price.

The record store was once a staple of the UK high street from the early 1970s until 2004.

The first store was on London‘s Finchley Road, and the brand had as many as 300 branches at its peak, making it one of the biggest music store chains in the UK.

Last week Our Price revealed it would be making a return as music lovers will once again be able to buy thousands of vinyls and other merch.

Shoppers can browse the catalogue online for now only, owners have not ruled out the return to physical stores at some point in the future.

Toys R Us is also among those which has managed to make a comeback.

The popular toy brand opened up nine new shops in 2023 after vanishing from the high street in 2018.

However, the new stores are slightly different as they are “shop-in-shops” and are located inside WHSmith stores.

Toys R Us will be opening 30 new shops across the UK this summer following the successful opening of almost a dozen stores last year.

In October last year, Paperchase also made a return after closing all of its 134 shops and concessions earlier in the year.

Fans of the brand were devastated when the retailer disappeared from the high street in April after falling into administration.

However, supermarket giant Tesco stepped in and bought the rights to the brand and then went on to launch it in some of its stores.

A total of 261 Tesco stores now stock Paperchase products – we have the full list here.

M&Co, previously called Mackay’s, fell into administration for the second time in two years in December 2022.

Fellow retailer Yours Clothing bought the M&Co brand and intellectual property.

The retailer launched a new M&Co website in June 2023 and The Sun exclusively revealed its plans to open up physical stores starting in May 2024.

Meanwhile, we also visited the new Toys R Us shops when they first reopened.

Plus, have a look inside an iconic fast food chain’s training centre with a fake restaurant simulator.

COCA-COLA has confirmed the return of one its limited edition drinks just in time for Christmas after it was axed four year ago.

One fan described the drink as their “favourite ever” after a post on Facebook revealed the product had returned to UK shelves.

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The drinks manufacturer has confirmed its Zero Sugar Cinnamon flavour will be available across the UK from mid-October until the “end of the year.”

A post in group Newfoodsuk about the drink rapidly gained traction and amassed over 500 comments and 700 reactions.

Some fans rejoiced at the news following the product’s axing in 2020.

One user commented: “Lovely stuff, wish it was available all throughout the year.”

Another added: “Best coke, should be permanent.”

Some described it as their “favourite” while others were excited to “try” the unusual flavour.

However, not all reception was positive.

Some were sceptical of the item’s taste, while others had less than fond memories of it from the past.

One commenter said: “Don’t like the sound of cinnamon coke.”

Another said: “Not something I’d want to try doesn’t sound appealing.”

One unhappy user commented: “Why do Coca-Cola insist on making it zero sugar when it’s flavoured?

“Coke zero is awful.”

The product is currently available exclusively at Tesco in 2L bottles and retails for £1.85.

This places it in line with the price of the brand’s entire Zero range, which also includes regular Zero, Zero Caffeine-Free, Zero Lemon, and Zero Cherry.

Coca-Cola Cinnamon was first introduced in the UK back in 2018 as a “limited-time offer for the holiday season.”

It then returned for the festive season again in 2019 and 2020 but hadn’t been seen in UK supermarkets since.

A ranking of the best Coke flavours in 2024 by lovefood.com placed the cinnamon version 10th on its list.

While fans were split over the revival, some people also took the opportunity to express their sadness at other axed Coca-Cola products.

One user said: ” I wish Coca Cola should bring back the Diet Vanilla Coke that was delicious.”

Just last month, the drink’s giant had to apologise for discontinuing its Cherry Vanilla flavour, citing “consumers’ taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing.”

ALDI has revealed the exact date its wooden toy range will hit stores just in time for Christmas.

Prices start from just £2.99 for the supermarket giant’s sell out range which includes more than 50 products.

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The German retailer’s range varies widely and includes items such as Wooden 2D Wheeled Animals and a Wooden Climbing Triangle and Cube.

Other gift ideas include a brand new Wooden Horse Box and a Beauty Station to let your child’s imagination run wild, both retailing for £24.99 each.

Shoppers will have to act fast, however, as the range sold-out when it was released last year.

The chain also laid out its top 10 wooden toys as gifts to “help mum, dad, and Santa’s little helper with what to choose.”

The list included, in no particular order:

• Wooden Kettle, Coffee & Hot Chocolate Maker 
• Wooden Kitchen Sets 
• Double Sided Easel 
• Wooden Climbing Arch and Slide 
• Wooden Toy Kitchen 
• Wooden Birthday Cake 
• Wooden Cupcakes and Doughnuts Assortment 
• Wooden Tabletop Assortment 
• Toy Roleplay Bags 
• Wooden Grocery Sets 

The discount retailer chain is also bringing back the wooden Cuthbert which previously caused a stir with M&S fans.

In 2021 M&S lodged an infringement claim against Aldi arguing the chocolate cake was too similar to its classic Colin the Caterpillar which has been around for 30 years with an unchanged design.

But Cuthbert returned to shelves in February 2022 after the two supermarkets called a truce in an agreed settlement. 

Aldi claims this years range of wooden toys is its “biggest ever” and that shoppers can expect the “same great value” as 2023’s set.

This comes as rival Lidl announced its own range of wooden toys.

Its set of products are expected to arrive in stores across the UK from October 17 with Aldi’s range available from October 10.

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How to save money at Aldi

Unlike other major supermarkets, Aldi does not have a rewards or point card system but that does not mean you cannot save on your shop. 

Every week the store releases a list of special buys, which are unique bargain products you find online at Aldi and in-store. 

The store releases a fresh range of deals every Thursday and Sunday, so be sure to check regularly to see what’s new. 

Meanwhile, the store also regularly sells fruit and vegetables at highly discounted prices, as part of its ‘super six’ deal.

It also does weekly saving offers on typically pricey items such as meat and fish.

MILLIONS of people claiming the Personal Independence Payout (PIP) benefit are eligible for extra freebies and discounts.

Those who claim PIP for help with long-term health conditions and disabilities could be missing out on extra advantages which come with the benefit.

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PIP is an important benefit for adults aged 16 and over who have not reached state pension age (66) and is made up of two parts.

One is to help with day-to-day tasks and the other is to help with mobility for those who need help getting around.

And whether you are able to claim both depends on your disability and how it affects you.

The amount you can get within these brackets also differs depending on your individual circumstance.

Payments are issued every four weeks.

In April, payments for the daily living component increased from £101.75 to £108.55 for enhanced and £68.10 to £72.65 for standard.

The mobility component also rose from £71 to £75.75 for enhanced, and £26.09 to £28.70 for standard.

If you get both parts, you can receive a maximum of £184.30 every 4 weeks – which is nearly £10,000 a year.

Eligible applicants must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and currently living in one of these countries.

Whereas the process is different if you’re from Northern Ireland, you live abroad, or you’re not a British citizen.

Health professionals assess the claimant to work out the level of financial help needed to support the mental or physical disability.

Then payments are made every four weeks into the individual’s bank account, tax-free.

Here are 10 freebies you can also get if you claim the PIP benefit. It could be worth thousands of pounds extra a year, but of course the exact amount can vary depending on your circumstances.

Council tax discounts – £2,171 average

People who claim benefits can apply on the Government website for a council tax reduction.

This means if you’re either the daily living or mobility part of PIP you could get money off your council tax bill.

Some claimants are eligible for as much as a full discount.

Though the amount will vary depending on where you live and how much of the benefit you receive.

The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for the 2024/25 financial year is £2,171 – meaning this much could be saved if you got a full discount.

In order to find out if you are eligible, contact your local authority, and they will seek a PIP letter as evidence.

Reportedly around 2.8 million people don’t take advantage of the council tax discount, meaning £2.7 billion goes unclaimed each year.

Blue badge – £3,800 average

With a blue badge, those with disabilities can claim exemption from certain parking restrictions and take advantage of designated parking spaces.

The spaces usually offer more room to the individual and are located closer to store entrances.

Blue badge holders can park on single or double lines for up to three hours as long as there are no loading or unloading restrictions.

They can also get free or discounted on-street parking.

According to Just Park, Brits spend £3,800 on parking on average each year.

Which means PIP claimants could be saving this much with their blue badge.

The blue badge must be visible to others and displayed on the windscreen of your car.

Those who qualify for a blue badge receive one of the following benefits:

• Disability living allowance
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• Received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8)

Anyone with a limited ability to walk, a disability in their arms, or who are registered blind are eligible for the badge.

To apply, you must submit PIP evidence to your council – however they usually charge a fee up to £10.

Benefit boost – £7,334.40

Individuals on PIP as well as one of a number of other benefits can claim a premium – which is an extra benefit top up.

You can claim a boost if you’re receiving one of the following alongside PIP:

• Housing Benefit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance – but only if you get the PIP daily living component
• Pension Credit – but only if you get the PIP daily living component

If eligible, you could get either:

• £39.85 a week for a single person (disability premium)
• £56.80 a week for a couple (disability premium)
• £76.40 a week for a single person (severe disability premium)
• £152.80 a week if you’re in a couple and are both eligible (severe disability premium)
• £19.55 a week for a single person (enhanced disability premium)
• £27.90 a week if you’re in a couple and at least one of you is eligible (enhanced disability premium)

This means with the maximum amount, you could claim up to £7,945.60 annually.

The top up can happen automatically – or, if you haven’t received it when you should have, you should get in touch with the department in charge of handling your benefits.

This will either be HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions, and they will likely ask for proof of your PIP letter.

Go to Gov.uk and use the Benefits Calculator to check your eligibility.

Capped water bills – £1,053

If you are claiming PIP, you could also benefit from a water bill cap thanks to the WaterSure scheme.

This means your bill could be capped, so you’re paying less than others in your area.

Claimants must be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed, and they should also be able to prove that their disability causes them to use more water than an average household.

According to WaterSure, the average water bill a household pays annually is currently £471.

This means your bill will be capped at this amount if you are claiming PIP.

However, according to Martin Lewis, one person was refunded £1,053 through the scheme.

This scheme applies to households in England only, and they should apply by contacting their water supplier via its phone line or website.

Vehicle tax reduction – £1,177.50

Vehicle tax is the same as road tax – it is the price you pay to drive on the roads.

People who claim the standard mobility component of PIP can get up to a 50% reduction in vehicle tax.

You can also get 100% off if you’re on the enhanced rate mobility component.

In some cases vehicle tax can hit prices of as high as £2,355 a year, so the reduction could be as much as £1,177.50 for PIP claimants.

This is not always the case, and the amount could likely be lower.

To be eligible, applicants must be registering the vehicle in their own name or the name of their nominated driver.

They must also provide:

• A letter or statement from DWP that shows your PIP rate and the dates you’re getting it
• The vehicle log book (V5C)
• A V10 form
• An original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
• A cheque or payable order (made out to “DVLA, Swansea”) for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle

Paperwork should then be sent to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF.

Motability Scheme – £23,760

The Motability Scheme is designed to allow PIP claimants to lease a car for their specific needs.

There are over 2,000 cars to choose from and insurance, tax and servicing are all sorted within the lease.

This is for people on the higher rate of the mobility component on PIP, and who also have at least 12 months remaining on their allowance.

Car rental costs around £66 a day on average in London, which could typically amount to a whopping £23,760 over the year – a considerable save.

Go to motability.co.uk for information on how to apply.

Free prescriptions – £115.80

If you are claiming PIP and have a certain qualifying illness, you could get your NHS prescriptions for free.

The prescription charge is £9.65 which means you could save £115.80 a year.

The full list of disabilities are available on the NHS website, and include cancer diabetes and epilsepsy.

Claimants must provide a medical exemption ticket (MedEx) which you can get online if you ask your GP for a signed FP92A form.

Disabled person’s railcard – £113

According to National Rail, adults with a disability can get a third off of travel with a Disabled Persons Railcard.

This means you could claim an average annual savings of up to £113, says the group.

With your PIP award letter, you can apply on National Rail’s website.

Discounted days out – £144

Many attractions offer discounted prices to those who can show they are on PIP or have a blue badge.

National Trust and English Heritage offer free entry to a person and their carer through the Essential Compassion Card.

An annual pass for these sites usually costs £72 a year, meaning you could save a combined £144 with your carer also entering free.

Discounts can also extend to cinema, theatre and art gallery visits, as well as the additional bonus of reduced bus and train travel.

To browse which discounts you can get, disability charity Scope offer a useful summary of what’s on offer.

Disabled facilities grant – £30,000

PIP provides useful evidence for those wishing to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

This is a grant which allows you to rework your home to suit the needs of your disability.

For example, bar handles for bathrooms or ramps for wheelchair access.

People in England can get a grant up to £30,000, while those in Wales can get £26,000, and Northern Ireland £25,000.

This grant scheme does not include Scotland.

This is the general maximum, and could be much less depending on your circumstance.

Gov.uk specifies that in specific cases the grant could be even higher, based on the cost of the work on the property.

The grant can be acquired through your local council, so you should go to their website to find out how to apply.

How do I apply for PIP?

You can make a new PIP claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 917 2222.

There are also other ways to claim if you find it difficult to use a telephone. See Gov.UK for more information.

When you claim, you’ll need:

• Your contact details
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number
• Bank or building society account number and sort code
• Your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
• Dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital

Someone else can call on your behalf, but you’ll need to be with them when they call.

You’ll then be sent a form to fill in, after which you’ll be invited for an assessment or your health or social care worker will be asked for information.

After this, you’ll be sent a letter telling you if your claim has been successful.

You can find out more on the government’s website.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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