On Your Behalf

Go green and keep energy bills manageable.

Taking steps to reduce your debt. Helping youngsters with money skills.

On World Alzheimer's Day, On Your Behalf looks at everything from ageing well to advice around planning for your care.Should older drivers have to re sit their test once they reach a certain age? Presenter Anna Curran has been meeting some older drivers to get their take on the matter.She chats to road safety expert, Rob Heard from the Older Drivers Forum about older drivers' safety.Jonathan Furphy from the Driver Vehicle Agency shares information about how to check your eligibility to drive when you reach an older age. Solicitor Rachael McKee answers questions about power or attorney and planning your care. Paschal McKeown from AGE NI and Ruth Barry from the Alzheimers Society join Anna to discuss issues around getting a diagnosis, planning care and where to get help.

Anna Curran is joined by experts with tips and advice for people who have been out of the workforce for a time and would love to get back but don't know where to start. Work coach and HR expert Helen Todd is on hand to help with CVs and application advice to get ready to get that ideal job. Perhaps you or a loved one face barriers getting work. Niamh Rainey from the Now Group is in studio to offer career help to people with learning difficulties and autism. Angela Phillips from Carers NI talks about carers who are desperately trying to juggle caring responsibilities and work. Anna hears from a woman who started her own business around her family life with the help of a government scheme. Are you over 50 and thinking of rejoining the workforce? A new scheme designed to help match workers to employer might offer some help. And Anna visits an apprentice scheme in the North West, getting young people into work.

Anna Curran gets the latest on the move from benefits to Universal Credit with Paddy Rooney from the Department of Communities. Benefits expert Rachael Jeffers will also be on hand to answer questions about accessing welfare and healthcare.As a new childcare scheme promises help for working parents, we hear from Becca Harper from Melted Parents who has been taking a look at the uptake and who will benefit most.Consumer journalist Martyn James discusses your consumer rights when it comes to concert tickets and hotels as Oasis tickets go on sale. Anna visits Fareshare, a charity helping people in need and who are calling for more volunteers. Also, how can we protect ourselves against identity theft and scams? Former scammer turned cybersecurity adviser, Tony Sales has plenty of helpful advice.

It's a bank holiday weekend and some families are thinking about returning to work and children going back to school. Anna Curran talks to Julieann about returning to work after the loss of her baby. In the studio Laura Dowie explains how flexible working practices can help support women back into the workplace after time away. We hear from a company that sees advantages of adopting a four day week but still paying staff 100% of their salaries. And we hear about a listener's parcels that are constantly returning to sender in England rather than being delivered to her home.

Anna Curran hears from Michelle. She survived cancer - twice - and is 10 years clear, but she pays over the odds to get insurance and can't get a mortgage offer. Some countries are introducing legislation to eliminate discrimination. Following up on last week's student special, we look at student accommodation and the dos and don'ts of deposit protection and what parents should look out for if they're asked to sign as guarantors. And Helen McClements will be sharing her tips for making household money stretch further. Tells us your suggestions - oyb@bbc.co.uk

Ahead of results day, Anna Curran is asking what students might need to consider. What to do if results are disappointing? Or better than expected? Maybe you're having second thoughts about a course you signed up for? And what about the alternatives to college or university? Maybe you're worrying about caring responsibilities with studying? Some people will be in work, or returning to work, and wanting to pick up a vocational or an academic qualification later in life. Anna's guests from across the fields of higher and further education will be on hand to prepare you and your friends and relatives for an important week.

From pensions to pinafores, On Your Behalf has advice on everything from planning for your retirement to access to help with uniforms, transport, school meals and childcare for the new school year. Janine Maher from the Money and Pension Service and Chris Briggs from Employers for Childcare.Anna Curran visits a charity in the North West helping parents find affordable school uniforms while helping the environment.We hear from the young girls in Belfast who are getting a taste of what it would be like to carve out a career in construction and DIY at a summer scheme ‘not just for boys' run by Women's Tec.And making the most out of your bank account, Personal Finance Expert Andrew Hagger has advice on how to get the best deal on interest rates for your savings.

Benefits expert Rachael Jeffers has the latest on the child benefit rules, universal credit and other claims you may be entitled to make. Solicitor John O'Prey talks future planning on everything from care home and wills to probate. He also has advice on ‘sadmin', how to navigate the paperwork with banks and utilitites when a loved one dies. Alexa Moore from the Rainbow Project chats about diversity in the workplace. Angela Phillips from Carers NI explains the new proposals to offer unpaid leave for carers and presenter Anna Curran visits a charity in the North West helping struggling families during the school holidays.

On Your Behalf First Time Buyers Special, Presenter Anna Curran and a team of experts guide us through getting on the property ladder. From getting the mortgage approved to picking up the keys, Anna finds out all the tips and tricks to deal with deposits, mortgages and legalities of buying your first home. She hears from a first time buyer who swapped his rental accommodation for his perfect pad in his 50s.Kelli O'Connor Wilson talks about the mortgage application and getting the right deal for you. Solicitor Catherine Heyes answers questions about the legal process. Glynn Hobson has the latest if you choose Co-ownership and Housing Rights will talk about the rent to buying transition and the pitfalls you need to be aware of if you choose to buy.

Motoring special – our expert panel will answer questions on everything from buying second hand to repair costs and selecting a garage.Are your tyres costing you a fortune because they're underinflated? Stuart Lovatt from TyreSafe and Sophie Lyden aka ‘Tyre lady' get you road worthy.We help a car owner who was being asked to pay a toll road charge for a trip he didn't make. Presenter Anna Curran swaps four wheels for two and hears from charity Life Cycles who are helping people get back on their bikes. Electric scooters, Ebikes and off-road vehicles, Solicitor Cormac Keenan with advice on where you stand legally.

Holiday rights, flight changes and insurance - Travel experts Simon Calder and Angela Taylor share advice and answer questions.Summer is a popular time for house moves. Whether you are a first time buyer or thinking of selling up – Solicitor Simon Murray is in studio with what you need to know on the legals and costs.We help a listener with a refund after she was stuck due to a cancelled flight on her way back from a pilgrimage and we hear about how a cancelled flight has meant a family's dream cruise is costing more than they bargained for.

Presenter Anna Curran chats to parents about the expense of childcare during school holidays and finds out what help is there, if any?The latest on the Aer Lingus pilot strikes, how travellers will be impacted. Preparing for the summer holidays, Michelle Kelly from the Consumer Council is in studio with tips. Welfare and Benefits – Expert Rachael Jeffers is in studio to answer your questions.The pitfalls of shopping online - we help a listener who struggles to get a refund from an online clothing shop.

Farewell from Linda after 29 years of championing consumers.Catching up with old friends and long-time contributors.In her final programme, consumer champion Linda McAuley catches up with some old friends and long-time contributors to find out what's changed in the world of consumer affairs and what's stayed the same. She celebrates the listeners who have been at the heart of the programme for nearly 29 years with input from A Perforated Ulster, and a fond farewell from On Your Behalf superfan Dan Gordon.

This week we look at Disability rights and wrongs because over the decades we've covered all sorts of issues from travel rights and responsibilities, to facilities and support for autistic children and how passengers and their guide dogs and people who use wheel chairs are treated. Agnes Lunny from Positive Futures and Nuala Tolman from Disability Action are in the studio.Funerals – one listener alerted us to how heartless scamsters are using death notices to con people into making a donation – a donation that goes straight into the fraudsters' pocketsWe're also talking about safe ways to pay – And asking why PayPal refused to refund a listener when the boots he'd ordered didn't arrive. Consumer Expert Martyn James helps us stay safe online.And the student who's been paying O2 for two phones - when she only has one!Linda also travels to Magherafelt to meet the Mid Ulster volunteers who tell her why they do it and encourage her to join them!

Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries:Write to: OYB BBC Ormeau Avenue BELFAST BT2 8HQ

£25 Million for childcare but that's a fraction of the £400 million campaigners say is needed.With school holidays approaching many parents may face childcare debt over the summer.Sinead Campbell from Advice NI and Aoife Hamilton from Employers for Childcare are in the studio...Preparing for retirement - part 2 of our series for the third age. Janine Maher and Nigel Kerns from Money and Pensions Service join Linda to answer questions. We also help a listener who was told that his insurance only covered one ear and it wasn't the one with the lost hearing aid! And its active travel month - time to get on your bike or at least a bus or train!

Electric Ireland pulls out of the domestic market in Northern Ireland - What does it mean for Consumers?The march of AI continues - this time the bots are taking over the PR Industry!The Competition and Markets authority tell us why filling up the tank on your car has been getting more expensive over the last few years, why Disability Benefits may be under threat from the government, the listener whose boots weren't made for walking - or anything else - because they never turned up and how safe is your pre-paid funeral plan?

Linda is joined by Independent Travel Editor Simon Calder and Michelle Kelly from the Consumer Council to discuss consumer rights and top tips for stress free travel.What happens when you're blind and travelling with a guide dog. Andrew McConnell from CAA explains what the law says. Hiring a car - how to avoid the pitfalls and not end up with unwelcome extras. We hear from one young woman who told Disney her fiance had died early on the morning of their special trip and that's why she hadn't given them 72 hours cancellation notice. Disney refused to budge on a refund!As Great Victoria Street railway station closes in just a matter of days what happens to schools and commuters? And the £340 million question - Is the new Grand Centra Station on track to open this autumn?

Ninety percent of us are worried about the cost of essentials - food, fuel, shelter and utilities. The consumer council share some tips on how to make your money go further.Carers NI tells us that this week's Stormont budget could be catastrophic for unpaid Carers. Craig Harrison is in the studio with Linda to explain why. Next week is a Bank Holiday weekend which is always a good time for DIY but if your skills are lacking could Bryson House and its Handyman scheme help out?And lightning strikes twice for one listener's BT line while another isn't yodelling when his hiking boots fail to arrive!

This week everything you ever wanted to know about your Rates bill but were afraid to ask. Sharon Magee, Chief Executive at Land & Property Services, explains all. If you are struggling to pay your rates bill there is help available. Matt Cole from Advice NI joins Linda in the studio. Stormont debates scrapping the Two Child limit for benefits but worries about the cost. Andy McClenaghan from the Cliff Edge coalition tells Linda that the money should be seen as an investment to combat child poverty. And Parenting NI is rebranding ....What will Parenting Focus do differently – Muriel Bailey explains the new direction. And finally waiting lists for MOT's that caused breakdown assistance problems for many Radio Ulster listeners but the AA and RAC have now agreed to help stranded drivers here temporarily.

There is still no sign of a Childcare strategy for Northern Ireland and we receive less government support for parents than anywhere else in the UK.Linda speaks to Casey McGivern from Melted Parents and Aoife Hamilton from Employers for Childcare about how parents are coping. Do you know how to fill in a CV or job application? Consultant Helen Todd teaches Linda her to beat the robots and get to the interview stage. And Linda talks to Laura Dowie from Timely Careers about the help and support available for those going back to work or changing career. Finally your money may be safe in the Bank but can you get it out when you want? - not according to our listener John who is not at all happy. We discover how new Financial regulations can make it tricky to withdraw cash.

Simon Murray from The Law Society gives advice for people living in apartments and town houses that have communal areas like car parks and green areas. These are normally maintained by a management company but what happens if the company goes bust? Listener Tom encountered just such a problem when he came to sell his house.Carers in England, Scotland and Wales are going to be entitled to 5 days unpaid leave from their employers under a new law, but not in Northern Ireland. We hear from carer Natasha about how her job is a lifeline for her to take a break from the pressures of caring for her two children and Craig Harrison from Carers NI calls for the legislation to be introduced here.And, are you going to an EU country on holiday this year? Make sure you check your passport as it is no longer possible to enter the EU if your passport was issued less than 10 years from the date you enter the country. The price of a UK passport is also going up next week on Thursday 11 April. Money Saving Expert's Peter Lekarski has the details.

On the programme this week - Everything you ever wanted to know about cars but were afraid to ask! Consumer guru and car aficianado Jimmy Hughes and Motor Ombudsman Bill Fennell talk to Linda about everything from wear and tear to finance, leasing and breakdowns.Have you had a bad experience with the health service but don't know what to do? Linda goes to the Helplines NI annual awareness day and speaks to Una McKernon from the Patient Client Council about their role in fixing problems.We also visit the All Ireland Sustainability conference and find out why the Competition and Markets Authority are looking at greenwashing!And while Jimmy is here we also look at the tale of Goldilocks and the 3 mattresses.Would it be the soft, the medium or the firm that was just right!

The workplace has changed forever and employers now have to offer flexible working as part of the job. But are a new generation of workers missing out by working from home? Emily and Martin came to On Your Behalf when Amazon said the One Time Code had been scanned and therefore they'd got their orders. Spoilers - they didn't, but things changed once we got involved.Easter Travel - The CAA tell us the pitfalls to avoid! The strange case of HMRC's helpline. On Tuesday it was being shut down for 6 months but the next day that decision was reversed. Linda talks to Tax expert Adrian Huston. Is the future of tax online?And Challenging Ageism - a fifth of older people feel they're treated differently because of their age. Eddie Lynch Commissioner for Older People talks to Linda about their latest research.

This week we look at the cost of living. Research from the Consumer Council shows that half of Northern Ireland households have less than £90 per week after their essential spending costs.Was there any help in the budget? is there any help coming from Stormont? Benefits Adviser Rachel Jeffers is in the studio.The cost of mobile phone and broadband contracts are about to rise mid contract but there are ways skip those price hikes and U Switch will tell us how.We're looking at Helplines - many and varied with Clodagh Crowe and Claire O'Prey ahead of the annual Helplines NI gathering. Last week we talked about the rights to property and finances for cohabiting couples when relationships break down. This week we're looking at alternative resolutions with Joan Davis from Family Mediation NI.

Money talks - money matters - money's tight. Linda talks to solicitor Karen Connolly about the financial realities for women when they divorce or come out of a long term relationship.James Jones and John Webb from Experian the Credit Reference Agency are in Northern Ireland to talk to health workers about their financial concerns.I was with them at Altnagelvin Hospital earlier in the week as they ran a financial clinic. We also look at money and the cost of energy - A quarter of Northern Ireland's households are left with less than £32 per week after paying for essentials according to the Consumer Council.Raymond Gormley Head of Energy at the Consumer Council tells Linda how to make sure you're getting the best deal on your fuel. And Linda heads to a teachers event designed to inspire financial wellbeing for young people where two P6 teachers planned a "Dragons Den" type challenge between their classes.

Listener Hazel tells Linda McAuley about the stress of struggling to get an MOT test slot booked. And chief executive of DVA, Jeremy Logan, explains how his organisation is continuing to increase test capacity, and how a car owner can book a last minute test to get the MOT they'll need if their car tax is up for renewal.A nurse explains why her caring responsibilities at home meant she had to give up up work after 36 years: a recent report suggests she is not alone with one in four women cutting their hours to accommodate caring responsibilities and one in three women giving up work early.People with disabilities face challenges getting into work: Linda hears about support on offer from the NOW Group and chats to three people attending an event to find out about options and opportunities to get help and support into employment.And being safe in your home isn't just about being safe from fire, from electrical faults, and your personal safety. It's also about staying safe on your devices and online activity.You can contact the programme at any time on oyb@bbc.co.uk

Do employers write off the over 60s who still want to work?

A show about journeys. Two experts join Linda in the studio to discuss the continuing rollout of Universal Credit. We hear about the new integrated transport hub and how it will change journeys into and across the city of Belfast. What happened when a listener's mother tried to switch her bank account? And London's night czar Amy Lamé explains what contributes to a safe and vibrant nighttime economy.

As the final cost of living payment is sent out this week we bring you a tale of 2 Prime Ministers! Rishi Sunak says pressures are easing for families but Gordon Brown says the government has created obscene levels of destitution not seen in generations!Siobhan Harding from the Women's Support Network and Rachel Jeffers from Banbridge Advice Centre tell Linda what they are seeing at the grassroots.Divorce is traumatic enough but women often overlook one of the biggest financial assets in a settlement. Linda finds out why not including pensions leads to a big loss in later years.We have lots of listener queries from online grocery problems to mobile phones and credit. And if you are flying off for half term don't get your car stuck at the airport on your return – Motoring journalist Maria McCarthy has some top tips.

No trains or automobiles but we are talking a lot about Planes. The Consumer Council are in the studio to explain your rights when it all goes wrong. Debt continues to be a big problem amidst the cost of Living Crisis. Advice NI dealt with 4000 cases last year and we'll hear from them and one woman they helped when her debt reached nearly £20,000. We're also helping listeners with everything from Christmas presents to grocery deliveries And OFCOM wants to know how you feel about the future of the Royal Mail!

Today we're taking an in depth look at childcare in Northern Ireland and why we are losing out compared to the rest of the UK.We hear from childcare providers, parents and experts.And take an overview of the importance of early learning – it's not just about who's minding the baby!The Public Service Ombudsman is Margaret Kelly and you've probably heard her on Television or radio, or on this programme talking about major issues like nursing homes, but she's also there for the smaller issues.This morning I'm going to find out what she does and who she can help.

Oil tanks – the saga continues as new building regulations might mean your tank needs to move. Blue Monday became Brew Monday last week and this week its Budget Monday. Linda talks to Christians Against Poverty about how they can help those in debt. Which? magazine tell us why they think mid-contract rises for broadband are immoral and should be made illegal. And have you got a shock recently when your insurance renewal came through the door. Malcolm Tarling from the Association of British Insurers tells Linda why prices have gone up so much in the last year.

Christmas is a distant memory and the nights are still dark and cold but is describing the start of next week as Blue Monday helpful? Fiona McClelland from The Samaritans tells Linda why they prefer Brew Monday with a cuppa and chat. It has been cold this week and Raymond Gormley from the Consumer Council is recommending that you check your oil tank. If it ruptures the cost could be astronomical! We also help a listener whose car was written off by his insurance company who then went on to auto renew the policy for the next 2 years. We also find out why Northern Ireland uses more cash than the rest of the UK and why silver surfers are ruling the internet?

Tackling textiles, Plane Pains & Button Batteries

The useful. The surprising. The vital - we're looking back at what we've learned in 2023

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat ... but do you know for how long and at what temperature your dinner should be in the oven? Linda McAuley will be finding out from her guests how you can avoid some of the things that go wrong at Christmas. Airports and ferry terminals are at their busiest and cancellations can disrupt plan for family reunions. The postal and parcel delivery networks don't always keep their promises. Not every present works when the box is opened. Can you exchange those socks for a pair that fits? And what are the rules around refunds? Linda's joined by travel expert Sandra Corken, consumer guru Jimmy Hughes, and the Consumer Council's Richard Williams.

Tis the season to avoid the scammers! Linda looks at banking scams and the use of AI to make them more sophisticated. She talks to Tony Neate from Get Safe Online about how to shop safely for Christmas and avoid common mistakes. The NSPCC have advice on smartphones for Christmas and Advice NI have created Digital Champions to help people embrace and understand the online world. And there is never a bad time to talk about retirement particularly if you are in 40's or 50's!

Linda visits Kilkeel which has gone from a town with no banks to having a hub with a different bank there each day.And there are four more of these Banking Hubs planned for N Ireland.With the average cost of a full time childcare place in NI more than £10,000 a year who is staying home to mind the baby? Linda talks to Aoife Hamilton who has published this year's NI Childcare report. And the knock on affect for women's pensions when it's time to retire. Alison Nicolson from Scottish Widows tells us why three quarters of single moms face pension poverty. Johnny came to On Your Behalf when his identity was stolen, and his credit rating plummeted making getting a new mortgage very tricky. And as people struggle to pay the bills, Buy Now Pay Later becomes the second most used form of Credit in N Ireland.

One month after devastating floods in Downpatrick Linda meets traders to see if they can get back to business in time for Christmas. Consumer guru Jimmy Hughes is in the studio with his list of Christmas do's and don'ts and to answer listener queries. And Michael Legge from the Consumer Council gets us up to date with Christmas postal dates and parcel advice. It's Energy Saving Week and we investigate whether Geo-Energy has a future in Northern Ireland.