We are due to hold our first winter cost-of-living Day of Action in Stapleford tomorrow, 30th November. As previously reported we are holding monthly themed events aimed at helping people through the winter period that we known can place additional demands on household budgets. The first event (30th November) is focused on helping people living with poor health or disability. We hope to report on the event next month.
On 18th December we will be holding the second event in partnership with Green Doctor. The focus this time will be on energy and energy saving advice. For more details follow the link here.
Do contact us if you feel one of the events would be of help to you. You can book an appointment or come along to the open events such as the one being held tomorrow. We’re here to help.
Cheaper reliable broadband and mobile deals
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has launched a campaign to make people aware of cheaper social tariffs on broadband and mobile phones. These deals are available to people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. At Citizens Advice we include broadband and mobile costs when helping people to budget better but many people are still losing out and paying more for these services than they need to.
What a social tariff means
Social tariffs are discounted broadband and mobile deals for people on Universal Credit and other benefits. These tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, DSTI are encouraging more broadband and mobile companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.
A large number of broadband providers now offer discounted social tariff products, with some offering deals from as low as £15 per month. This could represent a saving of more than £180 per year, which is around 50% compared to the average cost of broadband.
Who can apply
If you receive government benefits, you could qualify for one of these discounted price plans.
Winter vaccinations
The NHS are reminding people who are eligible to get their winter flu and COVID vaccines. These will help you to stay well during the winter.
Who should have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines
You may be able get the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- have certain health conditions or a learning disability
- are pregnant
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are a carer
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- live in a care home
Most children can get the children’s flu vaccine. This includes children who were aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain health condition
For more information and details on how to get book your vaccine click here.
Labour Market Enforcement Strategy – new report
In 2017 Citizens Advice Broxtowe wrote a report Good Work in Broxtowe. This was then submitted to the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices and received a note of thanks from Matthew Taylor himself. We know from our work on Financial Resilience that good, fairly paid work is essential for lifting people out of poverty. We were therefore frustrated to read about the lack of progress regarding the creation of a single enforcement body recommended by the Taylor Report. In a recent internal newsfeed to local Citizens Advice services it was reported that:
“The current Director of Labour Market Enforcement, Margaret Beels, has recently issued a new strategy report making various recommendations largely consistent with the 2017 Good Work – The Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices. Beels expresses dissatisfaction with the Government’s lack of progress, particularly with the failure to create a single enforcement body.”
Royal Mail, new options for customers with accessibility needs
Royal Mail has introduced an option for households to register their accessibility needs for parcel deliveries or collections via Parcel Collect. For example, customers with a disability or other accessibility need can request that posties ‘knock louder’ or take more time when waiting for the customer to come to the door. This can be set-up on the Royal Mail app or via phone with Royal Mail’s customer service team. Customers can also set up a safe place delivery preference in the Royal Mail app for future parcel deliveries
We have included a link in the image to find out more and register your accessibility needs.
Royal Mail’s customer service team.
Community Round-up
