Credit crunch - help for residents

Redundancy

The Directgov website contains information on

Looking for work

Your local Jobcentre Plus will be able to provide you with support, advice and help

Benefits and discounts

Are you paying too much council tax? There are discounts and exemptions available to help council tax payers. Do you have less than £16,000 in savings? Are you on a low income or DWP benefits? You could be entitled to rent and/or council tax benefit.

Mortgages and rent

If you are having difficulty with your payments you should contact your mortgage provider as soon as possible.

Support for Mortgage Interest - the government has changed the rules for those on certain state benefits to shorten the waiting time before those of working age can get help with mortgage interest.
Paying your mortgage if you're out of work - Citizen's Advice
Rent arrears - information and advice from Directgov
Difficulties paying your council rent - contacts at this council
Are you worried about your mortgage (395kb, PDF) - advice leaflet from the National Homelessness Advice Service (NHAS)

Debt

Visit the following sites for information, help and advice

Ways to save money

Energy efficiency grant - could you get up to £2,700 towards new efficient central heating?
Grants and offers for home insulation
Save money by being energy efficient - ideas, offers and grants form the energy saving trust.
Love food hate waste website - information on how to cut your food bills. Each month the average family throws away £50 worth of uneaten food.
Budgeting and your finances - variety of resources from Directgov

Skills and training

Warwickshire County Council Adult and Community Learning Service is offering essential skills courses in IT, literacy and numeracy which can play a vital part in getting back to work or in re-training. Courses are in the local community, running currently, and new ones can be set up to meet demand. Classes are FREE, informal, run throughout the day and can give you a qualification that employers recognise.

For details ring Sam 01926 731234 or email : sammoore@warwickshire.gov.uk.