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Financial Help
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Grants
Grants for local community groups and charities are
available from the Houghton Regis Town Council. Please
see the
HRTC website for more information .
Central Bedfordshire Council grants are available from
the Council to - Talented Individuals, Voluntary and
Community Groups and Non Profit Making Organisations .
Please see
Central Bedfordshire Council website for more
information.
Help for those affected by the Credit Crunch.
 Download this
information
The LibDem Focus Team are greatly concerned by the effect
the current economic situation may have on residents in
Houghton Regis.
Key messages:
- Do something NOW — the problem will not go away
- Contact your mortgage lender for help
- Seek advice
- Keep a ' Spending Diary' (see below)
- Do a personal budget
- Tell your mortgage lender what you are doing
Things to avoid
- Loans to repay debts
- Handing back your keys
Spending Diaries
An eye-opener indeed! That seemingly inexpensive
60p daily snack to go with your coffee can add up to
£156 over a year! A daily sandwich at £1.50 is £390 a
year!
To create a diary, simply divide a sheet of paper
into columns. Label each column with headers covering
ALL your weekly outgoings. Note down every item you
buy and its cost. At the end of the month, total all
columns — you might be in for some surprises!
Especially if you then times your total by twelve to
arrive at your annual spend.
Recognising the need for FREE advice we urge
you to contact the following agencies if you are
experiencing financial difficulties.
Credit Unions
These are profit-sharing cooperatives offering
local residents an easy way to save and borrow money,
including very low cost loans and insurance. They
also help members to manage their finances.
Website: www.abcul.org
Find out more details from Bedfordshire County
Council's Customer Service Team on 01234 718000
Welfare Rights Service
- A team of Welfare Rights Officers who provide
advice, support and information on welfare right
issues for those who are already involved with Social
Services.
Website: www.welfarerights.net
National Debt Line
Provides a free, confidential and independent
phone service
Helpline: 0808 8084000 (free phone)
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Mortgage Code Compliance Board
For a copy of " You and your Mortgage"
Helpline: 901785 218200
Website: www.mortgagecode.org.uk
Business Debtline
Free, confidential and independent advice for
self-employed people and small business.
Tel: 0800 197 6026 (free phone)
Website: www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk
Advice UK
All members provide free confidential advice,
but not all provide money advice.
To find your nearest centre Telephone 0207
4074070
Website: www.adviceuk.org.uk/
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
CCCS offers a structured programme on how to
manage your money.
Tel: 0800 1381111 (free phone)
Website: www.cccs.co.uk/.
The Community Legal Service (CLS)
Aims to make it easier for the public to get
legal help and advice. Look on their website for
details of agencies in this area
Website:
www.communitylegaladvice.org
Credit Action
Provides information and guidance for people
with debt or money worries.
Tel: 0800 138111 (free phone)
Website: www.creditaction.org.uk
Jobcentre Plus Office
Your local office can advise you if you are
eligible for any benefits
Tel: 0800 0556688
Dunstable Branch telephone: 01582 685200
Money Made Clear (FSA)
Consumer Helpline: 0845 6061234
Consumer Website: http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Website: www.nacab.org.uk
Advisors from the Citizens Advice Bureau attend the
Houghton Regis Neighbourhood Centres on Friday' s
(fortnightly): 9.00 am — 12.00 pm
Call (01582) 867692 or 758023 to book your
appointment.
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