Money advice

Cost of living support

The Cost of Living crisis means that most people are experiencing some difficulty and worry when it comes to paying bills and buying essential items.

If you are worried about how you are going to pay the rent, heat your home or have any financial concerns, we can help ease the pressures of the Cost of Living through the support we offer

Support we offer

Money issues can affect anyone, whether you are in employment or receive any form of benefits, but our team is here to help. We could advise you on what changes can be made so you have more money coming in and less money going out, along with other financial support.

• budgeting
• debt and prioritising payments
• increasing income
• insolvency
• money management
• negotiating with creditors
• rent and council tax

How we can help

We will listen to you and give you advice tailored to your individual situation. We will not tell you what to do, but we will explain all your different options. This will hopefully help you make an informed decision on what path you would like to take.

• Income maximisation - check benefit entitlement and provide application support. Assess current working hours and see how they could be increased, this includes 'better off calculations' to highlight the difference this could make financially.
• Redundancy or loss of job - identify the best time to make any benefit claims. Check for any funding or charitable grants that could be accessed. Refer you to our Employment Support team who can provide support to get back into employment.
• Deductions from benefits - provide help and advice on reducing or delaying deductions based on individual circumstances.
• Enforcement agent or bailiff action - provide advice on individual situations with urgent telephone support if required. This could include advice to try and prevent further action and costs, and explain what enforcement agents can and cannot do.
• Rent - budgeting, prioritise payments, and work together to plan a realistic and manageable budget. Please speak with your Income Officer first.
• Council Tax - council tax reduction applications, accessing discounts, and negotiate affordable repayment plans.
• Water - water support tariffs and schemes designed to reduce ongoing bills and help clear water arrears.
• Gas and electricity - negotiate affordable repayment plans with suppliers and look at eligibility to access Energy Trust Funds. If you don't have money to top up your energy meters or for food, the Local Welfare Provision team can help you.
• Court fines - arrange affordable repayment plans and other available options.
• County Court judgements - support with completing court forms, explain the process, and make affordable payment arrangements.
• Non-priority debts - for example: loans, credit cards, debt from a previous energy supplier, phone, catalogue, doorstep and payday loans, etc - look at your options for dealing with these, this could include contacting creditors to set up reduced payment plans to prevent further recovery action and costs. The support provided will depend on individual circumstances.
• Bankruptcy or debt relief orders - provide advice on eligibility and suitability, explaining the implications so you can decide if this is the right option for you.
• Charitable funds - support with applications for funds you could be entitled to. This could be to reduce or clear certain debts or to access essential household items not available through statutory funds.

External organisations offering free debt and money advice

• Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre (KCALC) - offer telephone and digital help and advice on a range of subjects including benefits, debt, employment, and housing. Telephone: Phone 0808 278 7896 (9am to 1pm Monday to Friday)
• Citizens Advice Consumer Service - free support on all energy issues, from help with energy debt to understanding your bill and getting a better energy deal. Telephone: Phone 0808 223 1133 consumer helpline.
• Money Helper offer guidance on benefits, money troubles, pensions, and savings. Telephone: Phone 0800 138 7777 (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday).
• Step Change Debt Charity help to manage your money better, debt advice and help with creditors. Telephone: Phone 0800 138 1111
• National Debt Line offer free impartial debt advice. Telephone: Phone 0808 808 4000 (9am to 8pm Monday to Friday & 9:30am to 1pm on Saturday). If you don't want to call, you can get tailored debt advice about dealing with your debts from My Money Steps which is available 24/7.
• Age UK information and advice for people in later life, from support with benefits checks and household bills to keeping well and housing options. Telephone: Phone 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm every day, including bank holidays)
• Turn2Us offer a wide range of support from help with energy bills, money, and other bills. Access to a free benefit calculator and help with finding out what benefits, grants or other schemes may be available. Telephone: Phone 0808 802 2000 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday).

Contact the Money Advice team

You can contact one of our friendly advisors to discuss any money worries you may have. Often just discussing them with someone can help.

Call our Money Advice Team on 01484 414975 (Monday - Thursday 9am to 5pm, and Friday 9am to 4:30pm)

Contact Money Advice.