The Crusader: Bargain cooker hood complaint settled

"It was like a bargain Rolls Royce not to be missed, but it was too good to be true," a homeowner told Crusader after his kitchen makeover hit a stressful stumbling block.

As many know, lining up the appliances and cabinets before the fitters get to work is a finely timed operation. Wilf York had it all arranged, but knew his builder had only one slot for the job otherwise it would mean a wait of several months more.

++ If you've been affected by this issue or feel you've been a victim of injustice, please contact consumer champion Maisha Frost on maisha.frost@express.co.uk ++

As the deadline neared just one item needed to be delivered - a new cooker hood. Wilf's "bargain" moment had happened in early August when he spotted just what he wanted for a fraction of the normal price in one of retailer Wickes' stores.

Good ones don't come cheap and as consumer and best buys expert Which points out: "A cooker hood is a long-term investment for your kitchen, so you'll want one that performs well and looks great. The best cooker hoods eliminate steam and odours quickly and efficiently without causing a racket." But it also warned that some it tested were noisy and ineffective.

Aware of the cost, the hood Wilf saw from the widely trusted retailer was one on display. When he enquired, he explained: "I was told it would be ex-display soon so was priced at just £170 reduced from £800, which was generally the price I had seen. I ordered and paid for it on the spot. I was told I would be informed when it was taken down so I could collect it. I didn't hear and asked again about the timeframe saying September was vital for me, but no date was available."

Crusader then took up the matter so at least he could make the decisions needed whatever the outcome. To his relief Wickes got in touch. The confirmed delivery date didn't work for Wilf, but its solution of a refund plus a £50 voucher to spend in store did. Wickes commented: "We're sorry to hear about the delay [Mr York] has experienced as we always aim to deliver a high standard of customer service and satisfaction. Due to the cooker hood being a display model, there can be a delay to the customer receiving the item due to the changeover of stock that is required within stores. However, in this instance we understand that the delay was longer than anticipated." [Name has been changed]

Adult disability payment clears the way for road tax benefits

Don't miss out on the reduction in road tax or even an exemption if you are part of couple where your partner is receiving an adult disability payment (ADP). Crusader has received several inquiries about this including from Doreen Brown who is the registered keeper of a car and whose partially sighted husband Jim receives the maximum ADP and who she takes to hospital and other medical care appointments. Two excellent organisations that can advise are charity Turn2Us (www.turn2us.org.uk) and Disability Rights UK (www.disabilityrightsuk.org). For starters those getting ADP's enhanced rate of mobility component can get an exemption and those on the standard rate get a 50% tax reduction. Visit https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/financial-help-disabled/vehicles-and-transport. Disability Rights UK also has a fact sheet on the Motability Scheme (https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/motability-scheme).

[names have been changed]