Surviving the Credit Crisis
The following websites offer independent financial advice:
General Advice
- DirectGov (official government website for information on money, tax and benefits)
- Now Let's Talk Money
- Citizen's Advice Bureau
Managing Your Debts
- National Debtline
- Consumer Credit Counselling
- The Insolvency Service (for information on bankruptcy)
- Citizen's Advice Bureau
- Kingston's CAB (KCABS)
Housing and Council Tax Benefits
These are means tested national welfare benefits to help those on a low income pay their rent and Council Tax. Visit the Benefits pages for further information or use the online Benefits Calculator to get an instant estimate of how much benefit you could get.
Council Tax
If you are experiencing financial difficulties paying your Council Tax it is important that you contact us immediately. Visit the following pages for further information or to see if you qualify for a reduction visit the How to Reduce your Council Tax page.
Energy Efficiency and Home Improvements
Coldbuster Grants can help those on a low income with energy efficiency measures and improved heating. The Houseproud scheme offers help to repair, improve or adapt your home. This is available to homeowners aged 60 or over or households with a disabled person of any age.
Additional Useful Links
- Department for Work and Pensions (for information about other benefits)
- Shelter (for housing advice on eviction, repossesion and homelessness)
- Age Concern
- The Pension Service
- Child Poverty Action Group