Help during the Credit Crunch

There are a wide range of benefits available to those on a low income, including Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Make sure you claim all the benefits you may be entitled to.

We can offer help with things like free school meals and school uniform grants, and don’t forget there is the Education Maintenance Allowance that might help young people stay in education after the school leaving age.

Staff can offer advice on ways to pay your bill. If you are experiencing difficulties with payment, contact them to let them know.

Conwy Council’s Business Support Team and its partners offer a range of services to help businesses who might be struggling to cope with the current economic downturn.

One of the greatest threats from the credit crunch is that residents may become homeless as a result of not being able to pay the mortgage or rental payments on their homes. Our ‘Housing Options and Support Team’ offer free and confidential advice.

Staff can help you to contact council departments and a host of other organisations. You can use P.C.’s free of charge which could help you to update your CV, set up your own email address, or apply for jobs online. Local and national newspapers are available to search for jobs or accommodation, or you could borrow a bestseller for free.

Conwy Council’s NNDR team can offer advice on paying your bill and on reductions that might be available. Full details can be found on our website’s NNDR pages or call 01492 576609 / e-mail: nndr.enquiries@conwy.gov.uk

There are ways you can reduce wasted energy in your home and save money on your energy bills. http://www.conwy.gov.uk/section.asp?cat=4834

You should contact the North Wales Energy Advice Centre for information about grants that are available to help householders improve the energy efficiency of their home. Telephone 0800 954 0658 for North Wales or visit the web page http://www.nweeac.org.uk/

Social Tariffs is a term used for special rates offered by utility companies to vulnerable households who are having difficulty paying for their gas or electricity. Different utility companies have different criteria, but in general, most consider social tariffs for the elderly, those on low income or benefits, and households who are 'fuel poor'. For more information contact your own utility company, or the North Wales Energy Advice Centre on 0800 954 0658.

If you are responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work but earn low wages, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. Call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or follow this link.