January 2019

Energy firm Outfox the Market is cancelling its new seasonal direct debit policy following a raft of complaints over the planned move which would have seen most customers pay 40% more during the winter months. 

A new railcard will be launched this year to let 16 and 17-year-olds buy half-price train tickets, the Government has announced. 

Millions of rail passengers aged 26 to 30 are now able to buy the new 26-30 Railcard. The railcard, which is the first digital-only railcard, costs £30 and will get holders a third off most rail fares across Great Britain. MoneySavingExpert.com first revealed the launch of the 26-30 Railcard in October last year, and since then 20,000 railcards were released as part of two trials. The 26-30 Railcard was set to be released nationwide by the end of 2018, but its launch was delayed until today (2 January) - potentially meaning thousands of people who recently turned 31 will miss out on the savings. However MoneySavingExpert understands anyone who turned 31 between 31 December and 2 January SHOULD be able to apply for a 26-30 Railcard before the end of the month by contacting National Rail.  The railcard went on sale at midday today, though there were initially waits of up to an hour to apply for one after launch. You can apply via the Railcard website - you'll need to provide a scan of your photo ID and a clear selfie as part of the application process.  See our Cheap Trains guide for more info on other railcards, plus see our Railcard deals page and details of the Government's plans for a new 16 & 17 Railcard, which will launch later this year and give 50% off adult fares. 

Ryanair customers have inundated us with complaints that it is unfairly charging them £115 to change their name, insisting it was the airline that messed up their bookings – and we are urging Ryanair to prove it has a heart and show leniency.

Millions of customers stuck on expensive standard tariffs should start to see lower energy bills this week as Ofgem's price cap kicks in, though don't be fooled – the savings are still pitiful compared to switching to the cheapest providers.