Cost-of-living event highlights importance of seeking help

The message was clear at a recent cost-of-living event in Orkney – if you are worried about debt, if you are struggling to cope, or if you need some financial advice do not face it alone.

Practical support and advice was offered to Council and Orkney Housing Association Ltd (OHAL) tenants on how to manage soaring bills during the “Navigating the Cost-of-Living Crisis” event last week (16 Nov) at the Picky Centre.

Organisers Claire Pritchard, the Council’s Tenant Participation Officer, and Suzy Boardman, OHAL Communications & Engagement Officer, hailed the event a success with feedback from those who attended indicating they had found the information “useful”.

Claire said: “It was rated highly by those who attended. Suzy and I are keen to promote tenant engagement and to reach out with support during this difficult time.

“Events such as these are of real benefit to our tenants and residents, they provide a means of encouraging dialogue, sharing information, and building a sense of community. Everyone has something to learn by attending. If enough interest is gathered, then there is the potential to open these events up to the wider community.”

Suzy stressed how vital it is for folk to get in touch as soon as they find themselves struggling financially or facing any such difficulties.

“It’s important to seek help as early as possible, burying your head in the sand will only lead to the problems escalating. Reaching out for help is the first step. There’s no judgement, only support to be offered,” Suzy added.

Barbara Brown, from the Citizens Advice Bureau, was one of two guest speakers at the event. She gave advice on budgeting, income maximisation and support with debts. Barbara also drew on information from the CAB’s recent cost-of-living initiative which includes a series of online self-help tools to assist people with money matters such as benefits and debt.

Income maximisation:

• full benefits check available in your local CAB, or by visiting https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
• check if you are eligible for Council Tax discount - www.checkmycounciltax.scot

Reduce your expenditure:

• if you are a homeowner, speak to your mortgage advisor, interest only mortgages can be cheaper than capital repayment;
• shop round for cheaper deals on the likes of phone, broadband and insurance;
• paying overdraft fees?  It may be cheaper to open a new bank account with a different bank and treat your overdrawn account as a debt.

Budgeting tips:

• speak to your bank about a dedicated bills account – money can be transferred the day you are paid.  Anything left in your account is yours to spend;
• no spending days – try to have days you do not take money or card with you when you leave the house;
• spread Council Tax payments over 12 months rather than ten;
• budgeting calculator to help you manage your budget. This tool is available on the CAB website - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget/

When it comes to debt, Barbara’s advice is:

• ‘priority debts’ such as rent, Council Tax, utilities, and child maintenance, etc should take precedence over the likes of credit card bills;
• don’t ignore debt. Keep all correspondence, make an appointment at your local bureau to discuss means of assistance and take your letters with you.

These CAB websites may also be helpful www.moneymap.scot – this is designed to help people to boost their income and cut down on living costs; https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/ - which contains advice and guidance on managing money and issues with debt. If you are unable to access the internet, please visit your local bureau in person or give Orkney CAB a call on 01856 875 266.

Megan McWilliams from Social Security Scotland attended the event to share the work they do and the benefits available for those eligible: from assisting carers and young carers to adults and children with disabilities, to new mums, with funeral costs and winter heating among many.

A new benefit available is the Scottish Child Payments to low-income families. This benefit consists of a weekly payment of £25 towards each child looked after below the age of 16. This does not affect entitlement to any other UK or Scottish benefits.

For further information, please visit – www.socialsecurity.gov.scot or call on 0800 182 2222