Money matters

Getting the right advice

If you find yourself struggling to pay your mortgage or other debts, getting the right advice and support as early as possible can make all the difference.

Householders or businesses who are having problems paying their Council Tax or Business Rates, can contact the Council’s Debt Liaison Officer for some debt counselling.

Calderdale Citizens Advice Bureau hold a range of drop-in sessions at their offices in Halifax, Elland and Todmorden and can offer appointments during the day and some early evenings. Appointments are also available with advisors who speak Urdu and Punjabi.

To speak to an advisor or book an appointment call 01422 842848 or visit Calderdale Citizens Advice Bureau|.

Six steps to staying in control

1. Don’t ignore your mail. Although letters regarding money and debts can be scary, ignoring them won’t make problems go away.
   
   
2. Seek independent advice. Your mortgage lender is not independent as they are protecting their investment. A specialist advisor will not only tell you your rights and options, but they will also support you through any processes you need to follow. Rushing in to take out more credit to pay off your existing debts isn’t the answer.
   
   
3. Keep everyone in the know. Keeping problems to yourself will mount up and cause more worry. Explain your money difficulties to the people you owe money to – they might not all be sympathetic, but it will show you’re making an effort to deal with things.
   
   
4. Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. Seek advice from the Council’s Benefits team.
   
   
5. Work out your household budget. Write down your income and your expenditure. Take your time to ensure you account for everything and then look at where you can make cut backs – even small reductions will mount up.
   
   
6. Keep track of your paperwork. Keep all your bills, letters and statements organised. Keep a note of any calls you make and people you speak to.

Claiming benefits

With around one in four households in Calderdale receiving benefits advice or help, the Council’s Benefits Assessment Team play an important role in making sure people get the financial help they are entitled to.

From council tax discounts and housing benefit, through to free school meals or advice on paying for residential care, the Benefits team use their expertise to make sure people understand and can claim all the benefits and help relevant to their circumstances.

You can contact the Benefits team for information and advice in many ways:

• Online:
• Benefits
• Email:
• benefits.unit@calderdale.gov.uk
  You will receive a reply within 48 hours.
• Telephone:
• 0845 245 8000
• Visit us:
• The Benefits Assessment Unit is situated close to the bus station in Halifax Town Centre and is open from 9am–5pm on Monday to Thursday and from 9am – 4.30pm on Friday. If you are unable to come during these hours then call us on 01422 393575 to arrange an out of hours appointment.
• Write to us:
• The Benefits Assessment Unit
  PO Box 660
  Halifax HX1 1ZT.

Home visits

This service is available to those people who would have difficulty attending our office or completing an application form. Contact the Visiting Team on 01422 393514 to arrange an appointment.

Over 60s entitlement

Are you 60 or over?

You may be entitled to more money than you think. Did you know that millions of pounds of benefit is left unclaimed by people aged 60 and over? You may be entitled to Pension Credit to top up your weekly income.

The Pension Service provides a private and confidential visiting service, and will help you to fill in application forms.

If you would like someone to come to see you at home to discuss your full benefit entitlement, please ring the Pension Centre on 0800 99 1234.

Affordable food

Affordable food doesn’t have to be poor quality. Linda Stead, food technology teacher at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe School, shares her expertise on eating well while watching the pennies . . .

• 'Buy one get one half price’ offers;
  Not always the best option – you might be tempted into spending more money on something you end up throwing away. Only buy things you know you’ll use, or things that can be frozen / stored for a long time.
• Meat dishes are good for freezing;
  Make a big batch of Bolognese or Chilli for example, and you can split it into portions and freeze to be reheated at a later date – healthy and practical!
• Ready meals may be the easy option, but they aren’t very healthy;
  They’re often small portions with high fat content and low nutritional value.
• Choose good quality produce from a local butcher or farm shop;
  Buying locally also means that you’re supporting your local economy.
• Cook cheaper cuts of meat for longer to make it tender;
  Cook with vegetables and stock for a healthy and cheap casserole.

Getting around

Concessionary travel

Metro spends over £36 million each year providing concessionary travel for blind, disabled, older and young people.

The English national concessionary pass entitles certain users to free, off-peak, local bus travel throughout England after 9.30am on Mondays to Fridays and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Further details about the Government’s national concessionary scheme can be found at Free bus travel and concessions|.

If you have an enquiry visit METRO| or contact Metroline on 0113 245 7676 or call in at one of the Bus Station travel centres.

Cash in on your empty car seats

Are you a driver with empty car seats to offer? Do you know someone who passes your door, who could easily offer you a lift to work? As a car sharer you could benefit from:

• reduced fuel costs;
• reduced wear and tear on your car; and
• cheaper car parking.

For further information or to find a match visit West Yorkshire Car Sharing| or Calderdale car share| or contact Kate Bisson on 01422 392049.

Reduce fuel consumption

Save money on fuel and vehicle maintenance and help the environment at the same time! Here are some top tips for more efficient and cheaper motoring:

• keep to the speed limit – driving at 70 mph uses up to 30% more fuel over the same distance than driving at 50 mph;
• use the correct gear – the wrong gear can mean you are using up to 25% more fuel for your journey;
• drive smoothly – harsh acceleration and braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%;
• tyre pressure – underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption and shorten the life of your tyres; and
• save fuel – turn off your engine whilst stuck in traffic jams.