If you were affected by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban between 1967 and 2000, you can apply for the Financial Recognition Scheme and other forms of recognition.
Whether you were dismissed, discharged or affected in other ways, it’s worth checking what’s available before the deadline.
In April 2027, responsibility for Adult Social Care in Torbay will return to Torbay Council so they would like to understand how hospital discharge is working for you and what can be learned to inform future services. Please complete the survey to give your experiences of hospital discharge, whether you were a patient, family of a patient or an unpaid carer in the last 12 months.
We’d really value your insight into your experience of hospital discharge and returning home. Please share your experience through the short survey: Hospital Discharge in Torbay
Thank you for taking the time to contribute.
Published Monday 28th September
” I’m doing everything I can to save money on my energy bills, and I’ve recently heard about new plug-in solar panels. I can’t get traditional panels installed because I rent a flat, plus they’re very expensive. Are plug-in solar panels a suitable alternative for people like me? “
Plug-in solar panels are designed to sit outside on a balcony or in a garden, and plug directly into your mains electricity to generate power. Like traditional panels, they can help cut your energy bills by generating electricity you can use in your home. Though they produce less power, plug-in kits are cheaper upfront and more accessible to renters or flat-dwellers with outdoor space, as they don’t require roof access or professional installation.
There are a few things to consider before you buy. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure it’s right for you and your home. You’ll need an unshaded outdoor space that ideally faces south, though east or west will still catch some sun for part of the day. The government estimates you could save up to £110 a year on your energy bills with a plug-in solar kit, but your actual savings will depend on things like where your panels are located and if you have the flexibility to use appliances during the day.
One big difference to be aware of is that unlike traditional panels, you must use or lose the power you generate. Current rules mean most people won’t be able to store electricity in a battery, and you can’t get paid for any unused power generated by your kit.
It’s important to check if you need permission before you make a purchase. Read the government’s official online guidance to see if you need approval first. The key thing to know is that if you rent or live in a leasehold property, you should speak to your landlord or freeholder. And if your home is a listed building or in an area with planning restrictions, you should speak to your local council.
Follow the government’s safety rules, included in the online guidance, before plugging in a new kit. Key rules include plugging your kit into a safe wall socket (never an extension lead) and sticking to the strict limit of one kit per household.
To ensure your kit is compliant with UK regulations, only purchase an all-in-one kit that features a 3-pin UK plug and a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. If you’ve already bought one that doesn’t meet these criteria, see if you can return it, or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice.
Finally, you’ll need to register your kit with your electricity network company. Your electricity network company provides the wires to your home and is different from the company you pay your bills to. You can find your network company via your electricity bill or by visiting the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website.
Published on Tuesday 1st September 2026
“I finished school in the summer and since then I’ve applied for countless jobs, but I’m not having any luck – most companies don’t even bother getting back to me. It’s really getting me down – what can I do to be more successful?”
Navigating your first steps into the world of work can be really daunting. If you’re struggling to find a job, you’re not alone. Nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training. Clearly, there are some big structural and economic issues that are making it hard for young people to find work, but there are still things you can do.
When you’re applying for a job, it’s vital to do your homework. Make sure you’ve done your research about both the role and the employer, and adjust your CV to fit the position you’re applying for. Employers will usually want to know why you’re interested in working for them specifically, so take some time to look into who they are and their values as an organisation. Then discuss how they align with what you’re looking for in a role in your application.
Be cautious about using AI. When you’re feeling the pressure to get out as many applications as possible, it can be tempting to turn to AI to help you write your CV, cover letter or application form. But employers can usually tell when you’ve used AI, and some may use AI detection tools when screening your application. It might put them off wanting to progress your application, so it’s best to always use your own words.
If you’re worried about your lack of experience, one way to make your CV stand out from the crowd is to try volunteering. Not only will you gain vital skills and work experience but also make a positive difference to people’s lives. For example, volunteering in your local Citizens Advice service can give you office experience and customer service skills – you can find out more about opportunities in your area on our website/you can find out more about volunteering at Citizens Advice Torbay on our website. Home – Citizens Advice Torbay
If you’re struggling financially, you should check what benefits you’re able to get. If you’re over 18 (or in some cases 16 or 17), not in education or training, and you have less than £16,000 in savings or other investments, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. You might also be able to get ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance for up to six months while you look for a job. You can check what benefits you can get on the Citizens Advice website.
And lastly, job hunting can take a real toll on your mental wellbeing. Endless applications, back-to-back rejections or – worse – being ghosted entirely can all chip away at your self-esteem and affect your mental health. If you’re finding it tough, there’s help and support available. You can reach out to organisations like StudentMinds, try YoungMinds or get in touch with Mind – you don’t have to face it alone.
Published on Tuesday 21 July 2026
“I hired a company to install concrete fencing and a gate in my back garden. The quality of the work is poor, some wooden panels are loose and the gate doesn’t shut properly. I paid before I inspected the work. What can I do? “
When you put your trust in a trader and they don’t meet your expectations it can be really frustrating.
When there’s a problem caused by a trader, you should be able to get it fixed or get some money back. Evidence is important – take photos and make notes about what happened and when, including times and dates, and keep hold of receipts or other proof of payment.
People can experience different types of problems with traders, and there’s specific advice available on our website depending on what the issue is. In your situation, it’s important to note if a trader hasn’t done a good job with ‘reasonable care and skill’, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 entitles you to ask for the problem to be fixed or for a refund.
This is something you can mention when you take the problem up with the trader and cite your evidence. They should fix the problem within a reasonable amount of time, without causing you too much inconvenience. The law doesn’t say what counts as reasonable, so you’ll have to agree on it with them.
If they can’t or won’t fix the problem, you can ask for a partial or full refund, depending on how bad the problem is. You’ll have to come to an agreement about how much you should get. It’s a good idea to start by suggesting a figure and explaining why you think it’s reasonable, then take it from there. Once you’ve agreed on the amount with the trader the law says you should get your refund within 14 days.
If you can’t come to an agreement, or they refuse to fix the problem or give you a refund, there are other steps you can take – including complaining to your card provider if you paid by card.
You can check if the trader is a member of a trade association or quality scheme. If they are, they might have to follow certain rules, and if they’ve broken them you could get help to take your complaint further. They might be part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme – a way of solving disagreements with a trader without going to court – or they might agree to use one.
If the trader isn’t part of an ADR scheme, and you’ve already complained to your card provider and the complaint isn’t resolved, you may be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Anyone who is experiencing a problem with building work, decorating or home improvements can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice and support from a trained adviser. The helpline number is 0808 223 1133.
