H&F Cost of Living Booklet 2023

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Cost-of-living help Help with money worries If you’re struggling with money, you can get free advice from the following organisations Crosslight Provides free debt advice, budgeting support and money management classes. 020 7052 0318 or email: info@crosslightadvice.org Citizens Advice Hammersmith & Fulham Free debt advice. Debt line 020 3137 6295 Nucleus Legal Advice Centre Free legal help for money, welfare, housing and job issues. 020 7373 4005 nucleus.org.uk StepChange Offers debt support and works with you through budget challenges and debt solutions. 0800 138 1111 stepchange.org.uk Money Helper A national organisation that provides free advice on debts and benefits. moneyhelper.org.uk CAP London Fulham Reach Debt Centre Free professional advice. 0800 328 006 capuk.org/i-want-help National Debtline A national organisation that provides free, impartial debt advice, factsheets and an online budgeting tool. Freephone 0808 808 4000 nationaldebtline.org Tax Aid Free, independent tax advice for people on low incomes when things go wrong. 0345 120 3779 taxaid.org.uk Crisis Prevention Fund for 2023/24 You may be able to claim up to £900 from H&F’s Crisis Prevention Fund for day-to-day essential costs. The Fund is for one-off awards to help households that are in crisis. lbhf.gov.uk/crisis-fund 8
Cost-of-living help Resolving debt problems Struggling with credit, in debt, or worried about bailiffs? You are not alone. Help is available. Here are some of the ways you can resolve debt problems Debt Respite Scheme (or ‘Breathing Space’) Under this scheme, residents will be given legal protection from their creditors for 60 days, with most interest and penalty charges frozen, and bailiffs paused. During this time, you can focus on getting advice and support to manage your debts. Pro-rata payments If you are struggling with your debts, including credit cards, store cards and payday loans, you can get advice on agreeing a repayment plan with your creditors. This includes asking for lower monthly payments based on your disposable income. Debt relief orders A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a solution to deal with personal debts that you cannot pay. You apply through an approved debt adviser and must meet certain eligibility criteria. A Debt Relief Order normally lasts 12 months. If approved, you stop making payments towards the debts and interest listed in the Order. Visit our “Help with money worries” webpage for help with debt and to access free debt advice. If you are a council tenant, you can call 020 8753 5566 for support if you need help, or email welfare.benefit@lbhf.gov.uk. Bankruptcy – get advice If the amount you owe is more than the value of your belongings and you cannot pay your debts, you can apply for bankruptcy. This is a serious decision that will affect things like your credit rating, pensions and life insurance. It could also severely affect your ability to run a business or borrow money in the future. Please seek independent advice. There is also helpful information on the Citizens Advice website on benefits, debt, housing and more: citizensadvice.org.uk. Or check out page 8 of this booklet for organisations providing free debt support and advice. 9
Page 1 and 2: Winter 2023-24 Help with the cost-o
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H&F Cost of Living Booklet 2023

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