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The Consumer Council is urging Halifax customers to review their banking needs following the announcement of the closure of two more branches in the coming months.

The branch in Newry will close to consumers on 8 November 2022, with the Coleraine branch closing on 10 January 2023. This follows the closure earlier this year of the branch in Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, on 28 June 2022.

Jenny Redman, Head of Financial Services at the Consumer Council, said: “Whilst many consumers are choosing to access their banking services through the internet, apps and over the phone, there are still many who rely on face-to-face banking through their local branch.

Consumers can continue to visit their nearest Post Office to pay in cash and cheques, withdraw money, and check their balance. Basic banking services is something the Post Office provides for all banks in Northern Ireland.

Jenny added: “Before each branch closes, we would advise customers to think about their needs and preferences and liaise with their local branch to discuss the options that are available to them. If the bank is unable to meet these needs, consumers may wish to switch their accounts.

“The Consumer Council is continuing to monitor the impact of branch closures across Northern Ireland and is working closely with the financial sector to represent consumers.”

The Consumer Council’s website has a number of free resources to assist consumers. Consumers can also get in touch with the Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling Freephone 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.

Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland are over £1 per litre, more than double the ten-year average price, and prices have only been higher for one week this decade according to the Consumer Council’s weekly heating oil survey, published today.

The summer travel period is upon us. With recent air and sea travel disruptions in mind, the Consumer Council is helping Northern Ireland holidaymakers prepare for their upcoming journeys with its Top Travel Tips.

Click Energy, the smallest of the five electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland, has announced it will be increasing electricity prices by 11% from 1 July 2022, impacting around 26,000 customers.

This will see a typical bill for a household with a credit meter needing to find around an extra £98 a year and those customers with a prepayment meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £99 per year.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: “The increase is due to the continuing rise of wholesale energy costs and comes at a time when many are already experiencing extreme pressures on their household budgets with rises in home heating oil, natural gas, coal, grocery, and transport fuel costs.

“We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or to top-up their meter, to contact their supplier directly for help with payment plans for bill pay / direct debit and prepayment meters. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and, importantly, if possible, trying to save over the summer months to cover energy costs during winter 2022-23.”

Click Energy customers should think about shopping around to make sure they are on the best electricity deal as no exit fee will apply if switching before 1 July 2022. In Northern Ireland there are five electricity suppliers who have over 20 different tariffs to choose from. The Consumer Council website has an independent energy price comparison tool for households to compare all available tariffs to get the best deal.

Consumers can get in touch with us for free independent advice by calling FREEPHONE 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.

Firmus energy has announced today, 7 June 2022, an increase of 24.54% effective from 1 July 2022 for gas customers in the Belfast area.

Following the cancellation of a number of recent flights in and out of Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council has issued advice.

SSE Airtricity is set to increase its Greater Belfast gas tariff by 42.7% from 1st July 2022, impacting around 187,000 homes.

This significant rise will result in an increase of £372 per year to the gas bill of a household with a credit meter and customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their costs increase by £367 per year, taking the overall average household yearly gas bill to over £1,200.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council said: “The enormity of this SSE Airtricity tariff increase in the Greater Belfast gas network is shocking but sadly it is not unusual; heating oil consumers, electricity consumers, and gas consumers outside Belfast are already living with extremely high prices. 

“We know the biggest challenge for many consumers right now is having enough money for food and energy. Our research shows fuel poverty in Northern Ireland stood at 34% in March. This means even before today’s announcements one in three households were feeling their purse strings stretched near breaking point. It’s clear that without the introduction of significant support for consumers the coming winter will be miserable for many and life threatening for some.

“The Consumer Council is working to protect consumers by encouraging Government to introduce financial support ahead of the coming winter and clarity is needed about if, how, and when the Chancellor’s energy support package will be made available to people here.

“We are also talking with SSE Airtricity regarding their billing practice processes, customer communications, and support for vulnerable customers. We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or to top-up their meter, to contact their supplier directly for help and support. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and if possible, try to save money over the summer months to cover energy costs during the coming winter.

“In the longer term, this situation shows the importance of the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy Action Plan, that aims to tackle affordability and move Northern Ireland away from its dependence on fossil fuels.”

Consumers can get in touch with the Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling FREEPHONE 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.

As EasyJet cancel six incoming and six outgoing flights from Belfast International Airport (correct as of 3:30pm 26 May 2022) because of an ‘IT systems failure’, the Consumer Council is reminding those impacted by cancelled flights of their consumer rights.

Richard Williams, Head of Transport at the Consumer Council, advises: If your flight is delayed, cancelled or you are denied boarding, you are entitled to assistance, including food, drink, and overnight accommodation if needed. Passengers should keep receipts for any expenses and also keep any evidence of any contact made by EasyJet.

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must also offer you the option of:

• a refund within seven days; or

• alternative transport to your final destination.

EasyJet have confirmed that their earlier IT issues will be classed as non-extraordinary, therefore you should submit a compensation claim if your flight was cancelled today. EasyJet advise customers due to travel with them to continue to check their online Flight Tracker for the status of their flight before making their way to the airport. To claim compensation, you can complete an online form on easyJet’s website.

If you remain dissatisfied with the airline’s response, you can get in touch with the Consumer Council by calling 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk and we will take up the complaint on your behalf.

Consumers can find out more about their passenger rights by visiting our Air Passenger Rights information.

Cancellation compensation rates

Distance of flight 

Impact on arrival time to destination airport 

Compensation 

0 - 1,500km

Less than 2 hours

£110

More than 2 hours

£220

1,500 - 3,500km

Less than 3 hours

£175

More than 3 hours

£350

More than 3,500km 

Less than 4 hours

£260

More than 4 hours

£520

As the statutory body representing air passengers flying in and out of Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council is reminding those impacted by cancelled flights of their consumer rights. This advice comes after several easyJet flights from Belfast International Airport have been cancelled and a TUI flight from Greece to Belfast has also been cancelled.

Northern Ireland’s largest energy supplier, Power NI is set to increase its electricity tariff by 27.5% from 1 July 2022, impacting over 461,000 households. A typical Power NI customer with a credit meter will see their bill rise by around £204 per year, while customers with a prepayment meter will see a yearly increase of about £199.