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Saving Money As we are fast approaching the winter months and at a time when fuel bills are rising LHT are raising awareness of fuel poverty and providing help and advice to our tenants. As part of this campaign we have highlighted some information that may be useful: EPP has provided free impartial and expert advice for over 19 years and operates a free advice line available to residents. Their trained energy advisors offer advice on price comparisons as well as information on grants and discounts available to residents to help make their homes more energy efficient. For more information call 0800 043 0151 (Mobiles with free call time can use 0151 637 3670) They also have a website full of useful information and advice www.epplus.org.uk BRITISH GAS ENERGY TRUST The British Gas Energy Trust contributes to the relief of poverty, with a particular focus on fuel poverty, helping those who are struggling to pay for their consumption of gas and electricity get back on their feet and remain debt free going forward. You do not necessarily need to be a British Gas customer to apply. You can make an online application or the form can be printed out and posted, it can take up to 6 weeks for applications to be processed. Further information can be found on their website www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk or by Telephone on 01733 421 060. REAPPLY FOR WARM HOME DISCOUNT For winter 2015 to 2016, you could get £140 off your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money isn’t paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, usually between September and March. You may have applied for this previously, however there is no automatic entitlement to this so you will need to reapply. There are also certain criteria you must meet, for example if you are currently in receipt of pension premium, Child or Working Tax Credit or Disability Living Allowance. To apply for this please contact your electricity supplier. UNITED UTILITIES The United Utilities Trust Fund is an independent grant making trust established in early 2005. As a registered charity; the Trust is helping people out of poverty and debt and policy and grant making is overseen by independent Trustees who ensure that the money goes where it is most needed. People unable to meet the cost of water charges and who live in the United Utilities area can apply for help. In certain cases, the Trust can also consider giving some help to meet other essential bills, household needs or priority debts. If you wish to apply for a grant then please visit their website - www.uutf.org.uk If you would like more information please call: 0845 179 1791. If you require additional help, you can contact your Income Management Officer on 0300 555 0131. WIN £25 gift voucher If you found this useful then why not try our fuel poverty word search on the back page. 6 www.facebook.com/Liverpool Housing Trust ‘Like’ us for latest news, information and happenings.
Issue 19 | Autumn 2015 Credit Unions Update LHT has deposited £25,000 with both Central Liverpool Credit Union and Halton Credit Union. This cash will mean more tenants can use the credit unions, rather than resorting to pay-day loans, expensive doorstep lenders, or illegal loan sharks. The interest payable on a credit union loan of £500 over a year is in the region of £50, compared with about £410 on a typical doorstep loan for the same amount, this means people are paying more than they need to and that money is lost to the community. Mum-of-five Tracy Jones, aged 47, believes the investment from LHT will make a huge difference to struggling families who feel they have no choice but to borrow from expensive doorstep lenders. Tracy, from Windmill Hill in Runcorn and a member of Halton Credit Union for 10 years, said: “I joined to get me away from a really expensive company that came knocking door to door. I’d been borrowing from them a lot and the interest was ridiculous. “With the credit union, the payments were much lower and they were always there to help if I was struggling to manage. Now I borrow and save with them. “This investment from LHT is unreal and will help lots of people to borrow safely.” Eileen Halligan, Chief Executive at Central Liverpool Credit Union, said: “We’re delighted to have LHT as a corporate member and look forward to working with them to provide a comprehensive, supportive and much-needed financial service to their tenants and staff. Central Liverpool and Wirral Credit Union comes to the Beechwood and Ballantyne estate Tenants from the Beechwood and Ballantyne estate on the Wirral have recently transferred to LHT. At a recent open day Central Liverpool and Wirral Credit Union staff came along to talk to residents about the benefits of Tracy Jones, Halton Credit Union member “It is a service that we can say with confidence the tenants will benefit from.” Christine Heesom, General Manager at Halton Credit Union, added: “We are really pleased to welcome LHT on board as a corporate member and the £25,000 they are investing will be a useful and welcome resource that enables us to provide many people with affordable loans.” becoming a member of a Credit Union. Central Liverpool Credit Union have recently extended their common bond area to Wirral and are delighted that they can offer a service to Beechwood and Ballantyne residents. LHT making a difference • Almost 500 tenants referred to RAISE for specialist benefit advice in the first 6 months of 2015/16! • Since April 2015 our Welfare Reform Advisors have carried out over 400 visits providing an expert, friendly, face to face service in your home . . . plus another 500 phone calls!! • Over 20 tenants referred to RAISE every week for expert money guidance! • Tenants and their families are over a quarter of a million pounds better off in 2015/16 as a result of the work of our Welfare Reform Advisors! Over £6,500 of additional benefits generated every day as a result of RAISE referrals! Follow us on Twitter @LHThousing Website: www.lht.co.uk Tel: 0300 555 0131 7
Page 1 and 2: Advice from the LHT Income Manageme
Page 3 and 4: Dawns’ Money Saving Tips Issue 19
Page 5: Issue 19 | Autumn 2015 £250 cash c

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