286 July 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

14
The Advertizer
Bishopton council housing
project comes with job prospects
Pre-paid Funeral plans - are
they too costly?
An increasing number of older people are buying pre-paid funeral plans
and with average funeral costs of £4078* over 200,000 plans were sold last
year - but do they offer good value?
The Government has launched an investigation into this unregulated sector
to see how these plans are sold and whether consumers are getting a good
deal. Concerns about pressure selling and unethical sales tactics have
been uncovered in the media.
So, what should you look out for?
Beware cold callers – don’t take calls from providers selling plans over
the phone
Don’t be pressured to sign up – always ask for the plan details so you
and your family can consider the terms of the plan before you decide
Read the small print – make sure you carefully consider the terms of the
plan contract to be sure it is fair and gives you the cover you want.
Beware exclusions – Make sure you know what is covered and what is
not. Don’t assume everything will be paid for; always check.
Consider alternatives – consider a conventional life assurance policy as
an alternative – it may be cheaper. You could also save up for your funeral
costs if you are in good health.
Don’t be dazzled by free gifts – a free pen should not be the reason to buy
a plan, it should be based on providing what you need at a fair price.
Compare plans – do your homework to compare the different plan options
available. Many plans are costly, so it pays to shop around.
Discuss with your family – if you are older and vulnerable, make sure a
family member is involved in any decision to buy a funeral plan.
* Sun Life Cost of Dying Report 2017
This information is not fi nancial advice. If you require advice you should
consult a professional adviser. The first meeting is normally free and there
is no obligation.
Call us for a FREE fi nancial review on 01505 59 50 60 or email: info@
affl uentfp.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the Affl uent offi ce opposite Amaretto
restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affl uentfp.co.uk
A new £10million contract to deliver 80 homes for rent in Bishopton will
bring an additional range of community benefits including new job and
apprenticeship opportunities.
Renfrewshire Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services
Policy Board approved awarding of the Council housing contract to Lovell
Partnerships Ltd. The new homes will be available to rent from Renfrewshire
Council at Dargavel Village by 2019.
The contract includes agreement to create four jobs for people new to
the construction industry and two apprenticeships as well as a series of
work experience placements, school visits and careers events. On top of
this, staff will be supported to complete qualifications through the benefi ts,
developed in consultation with Renfrewshire’s Community Benefi t Forum.
“This is another important step towards our local target to build 1000 new
affordable homes in the five years to 2021, and in doing so create positive
thriving communities and encourage people to come and live and work in
Renfrewshire.”
“The contract includes job opportunities and qualifications targeted towards
people with no prior experience to give them the chance to develop their
skills and make that important first step towards their chosen career. It will
also showcase the varied roles to inspire local school pupils and college
students,” said Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Renfrewshire’s Finance,
Resources and Customer Services Policy Board.
The 80 homes are funded through Council investment and the Scottish
Government’s Affordable Housing Grant, providing a mix of fl ats, semidetached
and mid-terraced houses.
They are being built on two locations on land allocated at no cost by BAE
Systems, who are leading the regeneration of the former Royal Ordnance
Factory site into Dargavel Village, with 950 homes already occupied.
The regeneration project also includes a new M8 motorway junction to
enhance Bishopton’s connectivity to the wider region, with the fi rst phase
completed on schedule last year and expected to open in early 2020.
Find out more about the new housing at: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/
dargavel.
Want to start a business but not sure where to turn or how to do it?
Business Gateway Renfrewshire can
give you practical help, advice and
support for new and growing businesses
in Scotland.
Contact us on 0141 530 2406 or
on Facebook www.facebook.com/
bgrenfrewshire/, or visit the website at www.yourbusinessgateway.co.uk
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