Issue 30 - Eastlands Homes

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Money Matters Saving Gateway – what it is and who qualifies From July 2010, there will be a new government supported cash saving scheme called the 'Saving Gateway'. It's for people of working age who are on lower incomes, and aims to help kick-start a saving habit. The government will add 50 pence for each £1 saved into Saving Gateway accounts. How will the accounts work If you are eligible for a Saving Gateway account you will automatically be sent a letter of invitation, an information booklet and a list of providers by HM Revenue & Customs. You will then be able to approach an approved Saving Gateway provider of your choice. This will be sent if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit. More information about the Savings Gateway Account is available from the Financial Inclusion Officer at your local housing office. 12 Basic bank account A bank account is now essential to everyday life; yet one in 12 households – 2.8 million adults - in the UK still don't have one. Opening a bank account offers many advantages. • Have your wages, benefits, State pension or tax credits paid directly into your account; • Pay in cheques for free (but remember you will have to wait a few days before the money is available for you to spend); • Take money out at cash machines with a cash card (this is usually free, but some cash machines make a charge); • Withdraw money at the Post Office ® and • Pay your bills by direct debit – meaning you could pay less for some things – especially gas, electricity or telephone. Some banks will also let you pay by standing order. Credit Union Current accounts Manchester Credit Union offer savings and loan facilities as well as basic bank accounts. • The current accounts are ideal if you need a bank account that is easy to manage, and won’t hit you with huge hidden charges. There is a £1.00 weekly charge for holding the account. • It may be that you’ve been unable to open an account due to poor credit, or low income. • You need to be member of Manchester Credit Union with a minimum of £5.00 in your savings account to open an account. If you would like further information or help to set up an account please contact the Financial Inclusion Officer at your local housing office. Spending too much on your bills Money can be saved on utility bills by switching provider according to individual needs. Considering dual fuel is more likely to save money for both gas and electric. If you think you are paying too much on your utility bills you can check various competitive rates on different online websites. Eastlands Homes do not recommend any particular company but some of the useful ones can be found online are: Money savings expert - 0845 345 5708 Moneysupermarket.com - 0845 345 1296 Uswitch.com - 0800 404 7961 Comparethemarket.com Gocompare.com The online service is very simple to use. It can be searched by using your post code. The search will identify the energy supplier’s appropriate tariffs for the householders need. If you have no access to internet you can ring them directly for a quote and they will find the appropriate tariff for your need.
The Green Section Tips and ideas on how to save money and the environment Save money on Gas and Electric Some energy savings tips: 1. Switch Off Appliances: (at the plug) that are not in use and save approx £30 a year. Remember not to leave appliances on standby or on charge unnecessarily. 2. Energy Saving Light Bulbs: will last up to ten times longer than an ordinary standard light bulb. One Energy Saving light bulb could save you up to £3 a year, and up to £6 for brighter bulbs. 3. Use Lids on Saucepans: food will not only cook quicker but will save money on your cooking fuel. 4. Only Boil the Amount of Water That You Need when making a cup of tea. 5. Turn Your Thermostat Down by 1°C could reduce your fuel bill by 10%. 6. When Using Your Washing Machine, always wash with a full load or if available use a half load programme for smaller loads. Wash your clothes at 30°C. Hang out your clothes to dry in warm weather. 7. Close the Curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows. Insulate hot pipes to keep hot water hot. Saving energy means spending less towards bills and saves money for others house hold expenses. Equality and Diversity Why we’ve asked for your information You may have recently received a phone call asking you to provide us with information about your age, religion, employment status etc. This information allows us to adapt our services to better meet your needs. All of the answers will be kept confidential Thank you to everyone who has provided us with this information. PRIDE 2010 ‘Through the Decades!’ Friday 27 – Monday 30 August Joint preparations are already underway for this years PRIDE event and will be working with Northwards Housing again this year. If you would like to help us plan our float, give Ashleigh Hogan a call on 0161 274 2149. Eastlands Homes, supporting International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (17 May) Mobile hearing loops All our receptions are kitted out with hearing loops to help people with hearing impairments. We are currently looking at other options for customers with a hearing impairment to make sure you can hear us when we visit you in your home. We will update you in the next issue of Streets Ahead. 13
Page 1 and 2: Summer issue 2010 no 30 StreetsAhea
Page 3 and 4: Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2010 - m
Page 5 and 6: Scheme Antony Oduntan last 2 - 3 ye
Page 7 and 8: Help Stop Tenancy Cheats Do you kno
Page 9 and 10: Walkabouts The Estate Walkabouts wi
Page 11: Repairs Service Type Our Target 09/
Page 15 and 16: Customer Involvement Youth Conferen

Issue 30 - Eastlands Homes

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