Newsroom

Electric Ireland have today (Friday 8 January 2021) announced they will be increasing their prices by 3.7% from 1 February 2021. This will see the typical Electric Ireland customer needing to find up to an extra £21 per year.

The Consumer Council has announced Noyona Chundur as its new Chief Executive. Noyona took up her post today (Tuesday 5 January 2021). She joins The Consumer Council from Invest Northern Ireland where she was Head of Campaigns and Digital Solutions since 2006, joining the organisation in 2004. She led their communications strategy for Northern Ireland, winning multiple internationally recognised awards for marketing and digital innovation, and is also Chair of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

Following the publication of temporary guidance for parcels moving between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) from 1 January 2021, The Consumer Council has said it remains concerned about the long-term solution for NI consumers and businesses.

Our office opening hours over Christmas and New Year are:

In light of the new lockdown beginning on Saturday 26 December 2020, The Consumer Council is advising last minute Christmas shoppers buying goods from the high street to double-check retailers’ returns policies to find out what protection they have if they need to return or exchange an item.

With Brexit just around the corner, The Consumer Council is concerned with reports of retailers and parcel operators withdrawing deliveries between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI).

Debenhams, the department store chain, will temporarily stop accepting orders on their website for Northern Ireland delivery from midnight tonight (Thursday 17 December 2020).

More than a fifth (22%) of UK consumers have already decided they’ll be sending festive gifts through the post rather than giving in person this year. The Consumer Council has put together some top tips to help consumers get the best deal on postage and to ensure their cards and parcels arrive on time.

The Consumer Council is encouraging passengers due to travel over the festive period to plan in advance and be prepared, due to the impact of COVID-19 and EU Exit.

With the two-week circuit breaker now over, Northern Ireland consumers will be leaving their homes for some last minute Christmas shopping. Therefore, the risk of receiving a private Parking Charge Notice (PCN) has increased.