Dear HDC Resident,
Times are getting increasingly difficult for millions of families. In April they could get a whole lot worse. Heating, driving, and food will all cost more, National Insurance, Council Tax, etc will also increase. People will have less income coming in.
Some people, who have never had financial issues before may have had to change to a new job with reduced income but find themselves locked into expensive cars and houses they can no longer afford.
Your local Lib Dem team has put together a list of contacts that may be of some help. If you do not need this information you are lucky, please can you give the link to a family that does?
Below is a list that you might want to keep to hand.
If you need personal financial support: If you are concerned about personal debt, the following organisations can help, including negotiating with creditors on your behalf:
- Turn2 Us also has details about all the benefits available as well as other grants: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ It also has a free benefits calculator to help you work out what help you might be entitled to.
- Citizens Advice, including debt advice and mortgage advice: at www.citizensadviceruralcambs.org.uk,
- StepChange Debt Charity at https://www.stepchange.org
- The National Debt Line at nationaldebtline.org
- You may be entitled to housing benefits: the District Council can help with this: https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/benefits/
- You may be entitled to help with your Council Tax: the District Council can help with this: https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/benefits/
- Welcome to Huntingdon Area Money Advice https://www.huntsmoneyadvice.co.uk/
- Fuel Bank https://www.fuelbankfoundation.org/individuals/
If you need help with your energy bills: – heating, hot water, electricity and gas:
- You can get help if you’re struggling to afford your energy bills or top up your prepayment meter. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- For a limited time (maybe extended after March 31st 2022) Cambridgeshire County Council has a Household support Fund that can help towards heating and food vouchers. https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus/household-support-fund
- WaterSure is a scheme that helps some people with their water bills. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
If you are worried about being made homeless:
- You can also call/email your District Council for help and advice (see above).
- If you are in a housing association property, talk to them about what help they can provide.
If you are having problems obtaining enough food:
- The Food Bank might be able to help – you can find one near you on the Trussell Trust’s website: www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/
- Families that have children that are getting Free School Meals can have extra vouchers to cover the school holidays – talk to their school.
- Godmanchester foodbank https://godmanchester.foodbank.org.uk/
- Diamond Hampers https://diamondhampers.org/
If you or someone you know is at risk of domestic abuse:
- Then you can call Refuge 07787 255821, or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0802 000 247, or Men’s Advice 0808 801 0327 or LGBT Helpline 0800 999 5428. If it’s an emergency, then call 999. You can find more information on www.cambsdasv.org.uk
If you are worried about the well-being or safety of someone:
- Then you need to let someone know so they can help. Telephone: 0345 045 5203 (8-6pm Monday to Friday) or 01733 234 724
If you’ve been bereaved and need help and support then you can:
- Get practical advice here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/births-deaths-marriages/death and counselling support here: https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus-dealing-bereavement-and-grief, 0808 808 1677
If your mental health is suffering:
- You should contact your GP. If you are in crisis the 111, option 2 is available and Samaritan 116 123. Or for self-help try www.everymindmatters.co.uk This resource has been set up by Public Health England as an acknowledgement that the situation we are in is stressful for us all.
If you have a business or are self-employed and need help:
- Your District Council has information about rates relief and local financial aid:
- In addition, Money Saving Expert offers free independent advice and help. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-self-employed-and-employment-help/
- The Business Debt Line can be reached via: www.businessdebtline.org.
Finally, if you believe there are other problem areas or other sources of help, please let us know.
We work for you year-round and if you need us to help let us know.
The Lib Dem Team
