Dear resident,
At a time when many people locally are feeling
the pinch as a result of high fuel and food prices, I know that
family budgets are a key concern. But when people are facing money
worries they often don't know where to turn. We need to make it
much easier for people to get access to information, help and
advice.
We could all do with some high quality impartial
advice on money, especially at those key points in our lives, such
as moving into higher or further education, having a baby, or
planning for retirement.
So I am delighted that the North West has been
chosen as one of the regions for a money guidance pilot which
will deliver free advice on money matters including budgeting,
money management and personalised support to people looking to make
their money go further.
Below is a list of sources of advice for
people on money, debt, housing and utility bills, which I hope you
will find helpful.
Anyone wanting any other information should
contact me by emailing simon4rochdale@hotmail.com
or by phoning 01706 750135.
Simon Danczuk
Sources of help for those looking to make their
money go further:
Help reducing energy bills:
Energy Saving Trust
For free, independent and local energy saving advice, including how
to access deals on discounted or free insulation, call
0800 512 012
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Energy Watch
For advice on how to reduce your bill by switching supplier or
getting the best deal contact
08459 06 07 08
www.energywatch.org.uk
Warm Front
Government grants to help make homes warmer, healthier and more
energy-efficient
0800 316 2805
http://www.warmfront.co.uk/
Housing specific advice:
Shelter
For help with housing queries or if you are at risk of losing your
home call:
0808 800 4444
www.shelter.org.uk
Advice on managing debt
problems:
Advice UK
020 7407 4070
www.adviceuk.org.uk
All members provide free and confidential advice, but not all
provide money advice.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
www.adviceguide.org.uk
Look in the Phone Book or on the CAB website for the telephone
number of your local bureau.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
0800 138 1111
www.ccss.co.uk
Offers a structured programme of advice on how to manage your
money.
National Debtline
0808 808 4000
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Provides a free, confidential and independent telephone advice
service.
Business Debtline
0800 197 6026
www.bdl.org.uk
Free, confidential and independent advice for self-employed people
and small businesses.
Payplan
0800 917 7823
www.payplan.com
Free confidential advice on debt problems.
Other helpful contacts
The Community Legal Service
www.clsdirect.org.uk
Aims to make it easier for the public to get legal help and advice
– look on its website for details of agencies in your area.
Jobcentre Plus Office
Your local office can tell you if you are eligible for any state
benefits – look in your Phone Book for details.
The Pension Service
0845 60 60 265
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Directgov
For information about tax and benefits
Tax credits helpline – 0845 300 3900
www.directgov.gov.uk
Money
