Shetland Islands Council
The move to monthly budgeting with Universal Credit and the cuts some residents will face in housing benefit as a result of the occupancy rules are not going to be easy for people financially.
But there are some things you should consider that could help you cope better with welfare reform:
Open a bank account if you don’t already have one. Most banks have basic bank accounts that will allow you to pay bills by direct debit or join a Credit Union.
Keep a note of what things cost, like your weekly food shopping, electricity bills and rent.
www.moneysavingexpert.com and the budget planning tool in particular (www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/Budget-planning), or www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk have lots of tools and advice for managing money.
Adult Learning deliver classes on budgeting and cooking on a budget (01595 743888).
If you are already finding it difficult to pay debts and they are mounting up, contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, tel: 01595 694696 or visit Market House, 14 Market Street during normal office hours, or email: sicab@shetland.org
Check you are receiving all your entitlements, contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, tel: 01595 694696 or visit Market House, 14 Market Street during normal office hours, or email: sicab@shetland.org
Make sure your home and lifestyle is as energy efficient as possible: Contact the One-Stop-Shop (01595 741368) for assistance.
Look at the pages on assistance for training and employment, to see if you can find work or change jobs.
Be able to access the internet and fill out online claims.
Support to develop skills is available through Adult Learning (01595 743888) and the College’s Learning Centres (01595 77124