DIFFERENT services have sent us rises for the services and utilities that we use with the cost of living going up. I ask myself have we become a nation of not asking questions and just accepting everything. One provider said the price of your service will increase each month by £3.54p. This is in line with your terms and conditions, which are linked to inflation. Where are we supposed to find the extra money especially pensioners? I think we are cutting back as much as we can.

This was my experience. My phoneline was not working properly, people could hear me, but I could not hear them. So, I phoned the company, I was told it might be a problem with my phone and to be told if there was not a fault with my line, I would be charged for a call out. As it happened there was a fault to my line. I have been with this company for more than 50 years.

I would like to see a review on these matters to see if all these different companies and utilities can tell us what they are going to do for the extra money they are requiring with these rises. We are always told that it is to do with inflation.

Your new council tax bill in the top right-hand corner will show the breakdown of the percentage of where your money goes, this includes:

  • Hampshire County Council
  • Adult Social Care
  • Test Valley Borough Council
  • Andover Town Council
  • Andover Special Expenses
  • Hampshire & I.O.W. Fire and Rescue
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

If you live alone you could qualify for a rent rebate or council tax rebate, but you must remember to contact Test Valley Borough Council to ask.

Southern Water has a priority service for customers that need extra support. Please contact them to see if you qualify for any of the conditions to do with this service.

Please don’t forget to contact Citizens Advice Bureau, which is in Andover’s Chantry Centre, if you need any help and support.

Please do not be afraid to ask for any help that you may need, there are people out there that can help you.