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We’re sunk when it comes to getting a Swim! refund

Notifications of cancellations at Rebecca Adlington and Steve Parry’s swimming school don’t mention form-filling process to get money back

Swim!, the nationwide swimming school set up by the Olympians Rebecca Adlington and Steve Parry, has cancelled a number of my child’s lessons recently, but makes it unnecessarily hard to get refunds.

Parents, who pay by direct debit, must specifically request a refund by filling out a form within 30 days. None of the text or email notifications of cancellations mention this. Consequently, I have ended up inadvertently paying for five cancelled lessons.

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Β© Photograph: Getty Images

Β© Photograph: Getty Images

Β© Photograph: Getty Images

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TalkTalk keeps cutting off my elderly parents’ phone

The service was cut off and then there were threats of losing the number of 60 years

My 84-year-old parents, who have significant disabilities, had their TalkTalk landline cut off without notice in August.

We eventually had to sign a new contract to get the service restored and were assured that they would keep their phone number of 60 years.

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Β© Photograph: Shaun Daley/Alamy

Β© Photograph: Shaun Daley/Alamy

Β© Photograph: Shaun Daley/Alamy

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Beware airport parking thieves: police warn over spate of car thefts

Drivers also told to take caution after complaints rise about long-stay meet-and-greet services

Terence Baxter* had booked a meet-and-greet service to park his Volkswagen at Heathrow airport while he and his wife went on holiday. The couple handed over the keys at the drop-off site and were driven to the terminal – and that was the last they saw of their car. On their return they were informed by the company it had been stolen.

Their case comes as airports and police forces are warning travellers to be wary of β€œunofficial” operators advertising cheap long-stay parking after a rise in complaints.

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Β© Photograph: Britpix/Alamy

Β© Photograph: Britpix/Alamy

Β© Photograph: Britpix/Alamy

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HMRC owes me Β£2,200 but says it could be 33 weeks before it pays me back

A reader says they overpaid their national insurance, but seem to be lending the government money with no interest

I have two roles within the NHS, which has resulted in overpayments of national insurance each year.

Since Covid, the refund system has slowly ground to a halt. I was told in October that I am owed Β£2,200 and that it could take 33 weeks to receive the payment.

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Β© Photograph: Ascannio/Alamy

Β© Photograph: Ascannio/Alamy

Β© Photograph: Ascannio/Alamy

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