Granton Information Centre

Cost of living crisis: Help is available for those who need it, says FCA

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reminded borrowers they can get help from their lenders if they are struggling to keep up with payments, as it found the number of people struggling to meet bills and credit repayments has risen by 3.1m since May 2022 (10.9m, compared to 7.8m in May 2022).

The number of adults who missed bills or loan payments in at least three of the last six months has also gone up by 1.4 million, from 4.2 million to 5.6 million over the same period.

The FCA has repeatedly reminded firms of the importance of supporting their customers and working with them to solve problems with payment, including by writing to industry bosses to make sure they are aware of the regulator’s expectations.

Where firms haven’t supported their customers properly, the FCA has told them to make changes. It reminded 3,500 lenders of how they should be supporting borrowers in financial difficulty and told 32 lenders to make changes to the way they treat customers. This work has led to £29 million in compensation being secured for over 80,000 customers.

As part of its Financial Lives survey, the FCA found that the cost of living is having an impact on people’s mental wellbeing. Around half of UK adults, or 28.4 million people, in January 2023 felt more anxious or stressed due to the rising cost of living than six months earlier.

Sheldon Mills, Executive Director of Consumers and Competition said: ‘Our research highlights the real impact the rising cost of living is having on people’s ability to keep up with their bills, although we are pleased to see that people have been accessing help and advice.

‘If you’re concerned about your finances, you do not need to worry alone. We’ve told lenders that they should provide support tailored to your needs. And, if you find yourself in debt or want to know more about how to manage your finances, free expert advice is available.

‘We will continue to act quickly to make sure financial firms help their customers who are facing financial difficulty or are worried they might be soon.’

The support needed to deal with the rising cost of living goes beyond what is provided by the financial services sector. As a result, the FCA continues to work with other regulators and debt organisations to drive better coordination and help make sure customers are treated fairly and supported if they get into financial difficulty.

The FCA will also be introducing the Consumer Duty in the summer. The Duty will be the driving force behind its consumer protection work, as it will require firms to act to deliver good outcomes for consumers and make sure that they are properly supported while using a financial product or service.

Research: Financial Lives January 2023: Consumer experience of the rising cost of living – the burden of bills and ways to get support

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO COPE WITH DEBT?

Local advice is available at Granton Information Centre. Telephone 0131 551 2459, 0131 552 0458 or email appointments@gic.org.uk

We’re help to help!

Tommy Sheppard MP invites public to event to help with cost of living

Tommy Sheppard, MP for Edinburgh East, is hosting a free advice event with key local and national organisations to help constituents through the current cost of living crisis.

It will take place on Friday 31 March at The Ripple Project, 198 Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh EH7 6DZ, and will run on a drop-in basis from 11am to 1pm.

Representatives from Citizens Advice Edinburgh, Social Security Scotland, Home Energy Scotland, Age Scotland and the Edinburgh Food Project will be on hand to offer practical support and expertise on a range of issues including money and debt advice, welfare and benefits, energy costs, and personal finances.

Granton Information Centre also provides a weekly advice service for local people at The Ripple Project.

The advice event follows a similar one hosted by the SNP MP in October last year, which saw over eighty people attend from across the Craigmillar area.

It also comes as polling carried out by Survation in partnership with campaign group 38Degrees revealed the stark impact of rising costs imposed on households in recent months, with findings showing in Edinburgh East:

• 21% of people have missed rent payments in the last six months

• 32% of people haven’t been able to afford to turn the heating on

• 21% of people fear they may have to use a foodbank

Commenting, Tommy Sheppard MP said: “With each passing day, we see new figures which highlight how devastating this crisis is for households. I’m determined to do everything I can to support those who are struggling, and ensure they have the information they need to tackle the rising cost of living.

“From practical ways to save money on your energy bills to signposting you towards extra money you may be eligible for, the organisations invited have been chosen to cover a range of problems that ordinary families are facing right now.

“We shouldn’t need to have events like this, because our Government in Westminster ought to be doing something about it. Instead, at a time when households desperately need help, they are withdrawing vital support and imposing real-term cuts to incomes.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever that people know that help and support is available – I’d encourage anyone struggling with the cost of living to attend this free advice event.”

Jamie Gray, Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland, added: “We’re looking forward to meeting and supporting lots of people at this cost of living event.

“With more people now worrying about their energy bills, our advisors will be there to give advice on ways you can reduce your energy use and save money on your bills. They will also be able to look at whether you would be eligible for any grants or funding that can help make your home more energy efficient which will lower your energy bills.

“If you aren’t able to make it along to the event, we can still support you. Just give us a call on 0808 808 2282 or email us via our website at homeenergyscotland.org/contact.”

CAN’T ATTEND FRIDAY’S EVENT?

GRANTON Information Centre holds weekly outreach surgeries every Thursday at the Ripple Project for people with an EH6/7/8 postcode.

To make an appointment to see Shannon at the The Ripple Project (Restalrig and Lochend Community Hub) please contact GIC on 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 or email appointments@gic.org.uk .

GIC advice and information session at Royston Wardieburn tomorrow

GRANTON Information Centre welfare rights advisers Elvira and Pui-Kei will be delivering an advice and information session tomorrow at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Come along if you have any questions about debt/benefits or housing!

Scots urged to make sure they are not missing out on benefits

Money may be available to help get through the cost of living crisis

People are being encouraged to check they are not missing out on money and to find out if they could be eligible for any of the 12 benefits administered by Social Security Scotland. Seven of these are only available in Scotland.

The benefits which have been introduced over the past four years are available to people on low incomes responsible for children under 16, for people who need help paying for a funeral, disabled people, carers, young people entering the workplace and to help heat their homes.

Four of these payments are made automatically to people who get other qualifying benefits. To make sure people are maximising their income they should check what DWP benefits they could be eligible for too.

Payments made automatically include Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Child Winter Heating Payment as well as Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Best Start Grant School Age Payment for those in receipt of Scottish Child Payment.

In addition, the new Winter Heating Payment will be paid automatically to an expected 400,000 people across Scotland when it is introduced in February.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “January is traditionally a month where people find it harder financially than the rest of the year. This pressure can be more acute for people on low incomes or who face additional costs due to a disability or ill-health condition. The cost of living crisis also means that people are facing difficult financial decisions day in and day out.

“We are committed to making sure that people are getting all of the money that they are entitled to. That is why we are making payments automatically where we can. Where people need to apply, we are working hard to promote these payments and make the process of accessing them as straightforward as possible.

“Social Security Scotland works with partners and through advertising to promote our benefits and our next campaign will start this month to encourage parents and carers to apply for Scottish Child Payment.

“People can apply for all our benefits online, by phone, through the post or in person – whatever works best for them. We’ve designed the way we promote and deliver these benefits with the people who they are for to make sure that what we do works for them.

“We want people to talk with others they know about the support that is available. These payments are a shared investment in building a fairer society and no one should think twice about accessing what they are entitled to. Please look into what is available and apply if you think you could be eligible.”

Eligible families, and carers can find out more and apply for social security payments at scot/benefits or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222
The Scottish Government’s Cost Of Living website provides information and support for people who need urgent help with money, food or fuel scot/costoflivingsupport

Money worries? Local help available

WORRIED about your energy bills?

Find out about help you can get to heat your home more efficiently and reduce your heating bills at: http://homeenergyscotland.org

You can find local support and advice at:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/costofliving

Advice on welfare rights, housing, rent arrears, debt and money.

Call 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458

Email info@gic.org.uk

One in five Scots have NO savings

· Overall, nearly a third of adults in Scotland have less than £100 put away.

· Almost half of people who use credit are anxious about how much they owe.

· Over a third are anxious about the number of credit products they have.

· Free help is available, but six in seven people still struggle to talk about money.

Almost a million people across Scotland have no savings and another 450,000 have less than £100, according to new research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).

The survey of 301 adults, carried out for Talk Money Week (November 7-11), shows that one in five (20%) have nothing put away and another one in ten (10%) have £100 or less.

This leaves almost a third of adults living without a financial safety net to cope with the rising cost of living or unexpected bills, meaning some may have to use credit.

MaPS says although credit is an important tool when used and managed well, it’s crucial that people understand what they can afford and have a plan to pay it off.

However, the figures also reveal that many people are already finding this difficult. Among the 82% of Scotland residents who use credit, two in five (43%) are now anxious about how much they owe. Two in five (40%) are worried about the number of different products they have.

As cost of living pressures start to hit home, MaPS says it’s more important than ever to talk about money before problems set in. However, the survey also reveals that 85% of people still avoid discussing their finances.

Asked why, the most common responses were ‘not wanting to be judged’ (24%), ‘shame or embarrassment’ (20%) and ‘fear of burdening others’ (17%).

During Talk Money Week, MaPS is encouraging everyone to open up about money, plan for their financial future and take free debt advice as soon as they need it.

The organisation says its MoneyHelper service can be people’s first port of call, offering free guidance on topics like everyday money, savings and where to find free debt advice.

It also provides a range of information on dealing with money issues, including step-by-step guides on how to talk to your creditors or discuss money with family and friends.

Allison Barnes, Scotland Manager at the Money and Pensions Service, said: “Over a million people across Scotland find it a challenge to save and this leaves them vulnerable when sudden expenditure items arise. When you add in the anxiety that they feel with their credit commitments, the weight of that worry can quickly become overwhelming.

“This Talk Money Week, we want everyone to start the conversation with family or friends and share the burden of any money worries. By dealing with the problem head on, people can discover just how helpful free debt advice can be and see the importance of talking to their creditors early. They can also begin to find a way forward, no matter how difficult their situation might feel.

“Free help and guidance on how to do all of this is available via our MoneyHelper service and I’d urge everyone who needs it to get in touch today.”

TMW-2022-ParticipationPack-final Download

About Talk Money Week

The week is an opportunity for everyone to get involved with events and activities across the UK which help people have more open conversations about their money – from pocket money to pensions – and continue these conversations year-round.

This year’s Talk Money Week will focus on the theme of ‘credit’ – to help demystify some of the jargon, build people’s understanding of credit products, and what their options are, including other forms of support that might be suitable. However, we encourage people to use the week as an opportunity to talk about any aspect of money.

More information is available at https://maps.org.uk/talk-money-week/.

A transparent approach to benefit take-up progress in Scotland

New annual publication provides estimates of benefit take-up rates

A new annual publication with estimated take-up rates of Scottish social security benefits has been published for the first time.

The report will help track progress against the Scottish Government’s Benefit Take-up Strategy which is a requirement of the 2018 Social Security (Scotland) Act.

The Scottish Government is committed to delivering a transparent social security system and reporting annually on progress will support that aim. This first publication covers estimates from introduction of the benefits up to the end of March in the 2021-2022 financial year and will sit alongside existing performance reporting on Social Security Scotland.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “We are committed to making sure everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to and our benefit take-up strategy outlines how we are doing this.

“We actively work to encourage take-up of Scottish social security benefits by promoting our 12 benefits, collaborating with various organisations and removing barriers to access.

“This new publication of estimated take-up rates provides us with valuable insights, and will help us to identify where we can do more. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures we are making progress in breaking down the barriers to access, and in reducing stigma that may have previously led to people not accessing the benefits they are entitled to.

“For example, we have been working with supermarket retailers to promote Best Start Foods, we have shared over 42,000 leaflets about our five family payments and Child Disability Payment in NHS Scotland’s baby boxes, and we have included information on Scottish social security benefits in welcome packs supporting refugees.

“Our efforts to maximise incomes and support benefit take-up are even more important during the current cost of living crisis. Our new cost of living website is a trusted ‘one stop shop’ for advice and information about financial support available in Scotland, including all our Scottish benefits.

“I would encourage everyone to use and share this website, to make sure people are accessing the financial support they are entitled to.”

take-up-rates-scottish-benefits-october-2022 Download

View and download Take-Up Rates of Scottish Benefits: October 2022.

Income Maximisation: Are you getting all you are entitled to?

Benefits and grants may help you increase your income. Check if you’re eligible for payments like:

Scottish Child Payment

Carers Allowance Supplement

Disability payments

Pension Credit Full list and benefits calculators at http://bit.ly/BenefitsAndIncome

Granton Information Centre can make sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. To make an appointment telephone 0131 551 2459 or 552 0458, or email: appointments@gic.org.uk

Families urged to talk about social security payments

Support highlighted during Challenge Poverty Week

Families and friends have a crucial role to play in ensuring Scotland’s social security payments reach those who need them most.

On a visit to a Citizens Advice Bureau, as part of Challenge Poverty Week, Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said talking about benefits would help drive take-up and reduce stigma about accessing benefits. The Scottish Government urges people to make sure they get the benefits they are entitled to.

These payments provide support to people on low incomes, people with disabilities, carers, and young people entering the workplace.

During the visit to the Citizens Advice Bureau in Muirhouse, Mr Macpherson met staff and volunteers who provide information and advice about available financial assistance and wider support.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “We are urging as many people as possible to talk to family, friends and other people they know to encourage them to apply for benefits they may be entitled to. We want people to get any support that they are eligible for.

“We know that word of mouth helps to raise awareness of Social Security Scotland’s payments, and those provided by the UK Government which may be needed to access Scottish benefits. We also want anyone who thinks they might be eligible for payments to check what’s available to them.

“While several of our payments are designed for people on low incomes there are also others which provide support to disabled people, young people starting their careers after a period of unemployment, and carers including young carers.

“Social security is a shared investment in people and supports building a fairer, more equal society. The current cost of living crisis shows that any of us could need this support at some point in our lives. That is why it is right that we invest in social security together.

“The Scottish Government is grateful for the impactful role that Citizens Advice advisers play in promoting and supporting access to social security.”

The Scottish Government’s new website provides information on the wide range of advice and financial support available.

Find out more at http://gov.scot/costoflivingsupport…

Citizens Advice Edinburgh Chief Executive Benjamin Napier said: “The Citizens Advice network in Scotland encourages everyone to check that they are receiving the income they are entitled to.

“Every year, millions of pounds of welfare entitlement go unclaimed. At a time of increasing costs and pressures on household budgets, we strongly encourage people to get in touch with their local Citizens Advice Bureau or use our online tools like www.moneymap.scot to see if they could be receiving more money.

“Last year the CAB network across Scotland helped over 174,000 people and 2.4 million people checked our online advice pages.

“Advice from CABs is free, impartial and confidential. We never charge people for advice and are for everyone regardless of background or circumstance. Social Security Scotland have 12 new benefits and we want to make sure everyone knows their rights of access them.”

#ChallengePovertyWeek

GRANTON Information Centre remains committed to tackling the injustice of poverty in Edinburgh. We do this by:

* Ensure that our service users are getting all the financial assistance they are entitled to by carrying out ‘benefit checks’ and ‘income maximisation’ appointments

* Assisting our clients to make benefits claims and apply for grants on their behalf

* Assisting our service users to challenge decisions if their benefit has been stopped/ sanctioned/ reduced/ refused or overpaid

* Discuss various options with our clients who are struggling to cope with debt, including liaising with lenders and arranging bankruptcies

* Organising food and clothing bank referrals.

We are here to help! Contact us: appointments@gic.org.uk / 0131 551 2459 / 0131 552 0458

#ChallengePovertyWeek

Job opportunity at Granton Information Centre

We are currently looking for a Welfare Rights Adviser to join our organisation.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about helping people and understands the importance of individuals having access to free and impartial advice, advocacy and representation on matters relating to benefits, welfare rights and debt issues.

Although experience in a similar role is preferred, full training will be provided and we are looking to hear from anyone who has useful transferable skills and an interest to work in this field (including graduates).

Apply at https://goodmoves.com/…/a4s3z000…/Welfare-Rights-Adviser