News from Bida catches my eye as it was my nearest town for two years while on VSO in the late 70s.



The influence of the Emir was powerful: Bida is a walled town, and no alcohol was sold within the walls.

After a frustrating morning, including cancelling my direct debit with British Gas as I do not want them to use my cash without proper reason, I have made arrangements to switch gas supplier to ScottishPower.

• More streamlined automated call section than British Gas
• Much quicker to speak to an adviser - within a few rings, rather than the 15 minute wait for the British Gas adviser
• Cheaper - I knew this anyway and it had not been a major concern until combined with an unjustified hike in my payments.
• Willing to accept my estimate of cost, though of course this will be reviewed.
• Helpful and reassuring

I used uswitch to compare prices - its a useful service and I was tempted by other companies for their better customer rating, but held back because I already have ScottishPower for electricity and have been satisfied with their service. Southern Electric were high on the list but I don't like their pushy door-to-door sales tactics.

I'm tempted to change gas supplier as British Gas has increased my direct debit from £15 a month to £50 a month with minimal explanation. Perhaps another supplier would at least give me the courtesy of explaining how they arrive at the amount.

The letter says: ...we regularly review our customs' payment plans

I find this inadequate - what figures are used? I reviewed my own figures and the highest average is £54 a month last winter. Even with prices rising, it seems unlikely that I would use £50 a month on average over the next 6 months, and it would be hugely excessive over 12 months. Based on the last 12 months, the direct debit should be £35 a month plus the price rise - and the standard letter that has so little information should at least state the estimated average price rise for the next 12 months.

A wooden spoon to British Gas for customer service, for appearing to think that customers do not want proper explanations. Worse, perhaps they are still trying to use direct debits as a way to boost the cash supply.