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Autumn 2021: Energy costs and Universal Credit changes
With an expected increase in energy costs, withdrawal of the weekly £20 Universal Credit allowance introduced during the pandemic and the end of furlough, it may be a worrying time for some of you this autumn and winter.
We may be able to advise on grants and support available to help ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to or put you in touch with other organisations who can you help you further.
For more information, please see below and if you’re still in need of assistance:
For helpful information and details of where to advice on energy bills and consumption, see:
Money advice and help
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Universal Credit
If you are unable to apply for Housing Benefit you may be eligible for Universal Credit.
Find out if you are entitled by using this online benefits calculator
Find out more information about welfare benefits and apply for Universal Credit at GOV.UK
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Housing benefit
If you are on a low income you may qualify for Housing Benefit to help cover your rent. This is paid through your local authority. Please contact them for help.
West Oxfordshire District Council
01993 861000Cheltenham Borough Council
01242 262626Cotswold District Council
01285 623000Gloucester City Council
01452 396396Stroud District Council
01453 766 321Swindon Borough Council
0345 302 2316Tewksbury Borough Council
01684 295 010
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Foodbank
Illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job can happen to any of us.
The Foodbank network provides the best possible emergency food to people locked in poverty. There are over 1,200 food bank centres across the UK and the services provided may vary from area to area.
Please note, anyone who uses the scheme needs to have a valid Foodbank voucher.
For more information see: www.trusselltrust.org/get-help
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Citizens Advice
We work in partnership with Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire and all Cottsway customers, regardless of where you live, can contact this branch for help and advice.
- Visit: Citizen's Advice
- Email: [email protected]
- Call: 07765 253837 or freephone 0808 2787908
Citizens Advice offers free, independent and confidential advice on:
- Managing debt
- Managing your money and budgeting
- Welfare benefits and whether you qualify
- Applying for benefits
- Completing benefit applications
- Challenging a decision on benefits
- Understanding changes to benefits and how they affect you
- Dealing with change caused my moving in and out of work
- Increasing your working hours
We recommend you take out contents insurance to protect your items and give you peace of mind.
