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The Consumer Council is the voice for Northern Ireland consumers. We aim to provide consumer information and skills to all, so that consumers can make informed choices in a complex market place.

What's New delivers timely and relevant information on Consumer Council work happening today. If you would like further information, contact the Consumer Council on 028 9067 2488.

• The Consumer Council 12 top tips for Christmas 2007

  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Consumer Council. Here's some top tips to make your money go further over the festive season:

• Concerned about missing child benefit personal details? Click here.

  information provided on the loss of information files announced by the Government today

• Save £1,700 for Christmas 2007 with the Consumer Council's Home Budget Planner

  Northern Ireland consumers spend £33 each week with no recollection of what they spent it on - that's £1,700 every year!
  
  The Home Budget Planner is a step-by-step guide to managing your income and outgoings. It shows clearly where your money goes, where you can cut back and how you can save for unexpected bills and events like Christmas, birthdays and holidays. It also helps with setting priorities for the essential bills like mortgage, rent, electricity and heat.

• Consumer Chief Crowned Public Sector Personality of the Year

  Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, has been crowned public sector personality of the year at a glittering awards presentation last night (4 October). The prestigious event honoured the cream of Northern Ireland business personalities and organisations.

• Teachers - has your school registered for this year's Young Consumers Competition?

  The Consumer Council's Young Consumers Competition aims ot raise young people's awareness of their consumer rights and responsibilites. To find out how your school can win a trophy and cash prize click on the link above.

• CASH, CHEQUES AND CARDS – PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE?

  The Consumer Council is hosting an event today to look at how we access and transfer our money. Will we be using cheques for much longer? What would we do if we couldn’t get money from the cash machine? These are just some of the many questions posed to representatives from financial institutions, local government, the public, community and voluntary sectors at a conference at the Stormont Hotel today in partnership with the Payments Council.

• OFT take banks to the High Court. What does this mean for you?

  The Consumer Council believes this is a significant and long awaited step. When the judgement is made consumers will know the cost of a fair charge and will be able claim back the money, with legal certainty.

• Consumer Champion for Water is Open for Business

  The Consumer Council has formally been established in law as the champion to represent the interests of water consumers here and hold Northern Ireland Water Limited (NIWL) to account

• Forthcoming events - Were you affected by the Farepak collapse?

  The Consumer Council is holding an event on Friday 19 October at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast at 11am, to launch its report into the Farepak collapse. Come along to hear about a new savings account from the credit union and details of the Office of Fair Trading's education campaign.

• Severe Weather Warning - What To Do If The Lights Go Out

  Following the Met Office’s forecast of severe weather warnings for gale force winds, heavy rain and hill snow for parts of Northern Ireland tonight (8 January 2008) and the early hours of tomorrow morning (9 January 2008). The Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.