Citizens Advice Middlesbrough

🔍 Got a question about your rights? You can find lots of free advice on our website, from benefits and consumer rights to managing debts and work issues. We’ve got you covered ⤵️ bitly.ws/ZaKT

"I bought a jacket online and when it arrived it looked nothing like the images shown. The company said if I want a refund I must pay to ship it to an address in China, but the website claimed the brand was UK-based. Is this a scam... ?" buff.ly/vuG0gi6

Private renting is changing 🏠 Renters now get fairer contracts and more protection from ‘no-fault’ evictions. Find out what this means for you and your tenancy agreement on our website ⤵️ buff.ly/Ituzg1G

You’ll have legal rights if something you bought is: ➡️ Broken or damaged ➡️ Unusable ➡️ Doesn’t match the seller’s description Try our online tool to check your consumer rights ⤵️ buff.ly/eG93vb3

If you want to cancel a gym membership early, you’ll normally have to pay the full cost of your contract. ➡️ There’s a few circumstances when you might be able to cancel without paying a fee. Read more on our website ⤵️ buff.ly/iAOLhqU

Struggling to pay your council tax? You’re not alone. 💙 Contact your council early, check if you’re eligible for a reduction, and don’t ignore reminder letters. Citizens Advice Middlesbrough can help. Watch the video for support.

🛑 If you think someone is calling to trick you into giving them money or your personal details, hang up and call 159. This is a secure service that connects you directly with your bank. Our advice can help you protect yourself from fraud ⤵️ buff.ly/igqIDpA

VONNE brought together VCSE leaders, funders, academics & TVCA to explore the VCSE sector’s role in Tees Valley’s economic future. We're proud to have contributed to the report alongside Stockton Citizens Advice. vonne.org.uk/vcse-heart-gro…

You might be able to claim benefits if: ➡️ You have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around ➡️ You can’t work because you’re sick or disabled Find out what you’re entitled to on our website ⤵️ buff.ly/nlXDHoP

Redundancy is when you lose your job because your employer needs to reduce their staff. ✅ During a redundancy process, your employer should talk with everyone whose jobs are at risk. Find out about the redundancy process ⤵️ bit.ly/4ucxM6R

Understanding who's responsible for making sure your flat is fire safe depends on: ➡️ Your tenancy agreement ➡️ When your home was built ➡️ Whether you have a private landlord Find out more about fire safety ⤵️ buff.ly/lqQ9AKP

Are you looking to learn new skills? 👉 Volunteering can help you build your confidence and gain experience in the workplace while making a difference in Middlesbrough. Find out how you can get involved. buff.ly/cxx9BrN

Our advisers thoughts and insights (along with all the other responses submitted by local Citizens Advice offices) were useful in strengthening the evidence base and shaping our positions... so a massive thank you to them all.

We’re very pleased to share a huge win on council tax debt collection 🎉 The government has published its response to the Council Tax Administration consultation in England (which we submitted to), & it’s encouraging to see several of our calls for improved practices reflected👏

Getting scammed can be stressful. There are steps you can take if you’ve been scammed. It’s important to report the scam and protect yourself from further harm. Our advice can help you ⤵️ buff.ly/3PhQTAg

🚗 Are you facing problems with your used car? You might have a legal right to a repair, the cost of a repair, or some or all of your money back. Check your consumer rights with our online tool ⤵️ buff.ly/GeDofZa

Back billing is when your energy supplier charges you for energy you’ve used in the past. ❌ Your supplier usually can’t send you a bill for energy you used more than 12 months ago. We can help if your supplier tries to overcharge you ⤵️ buff.ly/3BnfkQW

If you used finance to buy a car, motorbike or van between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 you may be owed compensation. More here ⤵️ fca.org.uk/consumers/car-…

Has your employer underpaid you or deducted some of your wages? You should check your payslip to find out what the problem is. Find out what your work rights are ⤵️ buff.ly/fXm0YnD

Travelling to the EU? ✈️ A new digital border system that requires fingerprints and photos alongside a passport scan is coming into effect from today. Make sure you allow extra time at the airport to avoid delays or disruption. More info here ⤵️ gov.uk/guidance/eu-en…