Consumer champion Carole Malone is back with a digest of all the latest happenings in the world of Consumer, fighting rip-off merchants and seeking out the best deals.

This week she's looking at the facts behind the headlines with the energy crisis and how big firms have been treating their customers.

She'll also be looking at the best deals for Mother's Day flowers and warning you about the premium rate telephone number scam.

Mothers' Day bouquets, whatever your budget!

Morrisons, £2 Super Mum Bouquet
Aimed at the pocket school market, these flowers cost just £2 from High Street supermarket Morrisons if you're really watching the pounds and the pennies.

Aldi - Premium Mother’s Day Bouquet - £20 each
From well known discounting chain, Aldi, these are for those who want to look like they've splashed out. They don't deliver though. Is the low price tag obvious or do they compete with the big boys?!

Sainsbury’s, Fairtrade Lily Bouquet, £40
Comes with card handmade in a Nairobi women's refuge.

Wiggly Posy, From £25, wigglywigglers.co.uk
Each Posy is accompanied by its own 'vase' - a decorated glass jam jars.

Especially For You Set, £52.99, arenaflowers.com
Comes with luxury bouquet and Abahna Bath Foam and Soap in gift bag.

If you're buying online, you can get further discounts by checking out the codes on those discount websites that can give you extra money off. For example, vouchercodes.co.uk can get you 7% off at Interflora or 12% off at eflorist.

TIPS ON MAKING YOUR FLOWERS LAST LONGER

  • Your  flowers will stay fresh longer if you add a penny (the copper in the penny acts as a fungicide to prevent fungus growth) and a cube of sugar to the vase of water.
  • HAIRSPRAY! Just as it preserves your hairstyle, a spritz of hair spray can preserve your cut flowers. Stand a foot away from the bouquet and give them a quick spray, just on the undersides of the leaves and petals.
  • VODKA! The secret to keeping cut flowers looking good as long as possible is to minimize the growth of bacteria in the water and to provide nourishment to replace what the flower would have had, had it not been cut. Add a few drops of vodka (or any clear spirit) to the vase water for antibacterial action along with 1 teaspoon sugar. Change the water every other day, refreshing the vodka and sugar each time.