Real Help Now
To help people cope during the recession, the Government has provided a range of online information. The advice is aimed at helping individuals and businesses to understand the options available to them. If you've been made redundant or you are having difficulty making ends meet, there are ways in which you might be able to get some help and support.
We have provided links below to some of the information provided by the government.
REDUNDANCY
During this economic slowdown, many employers need to reduce their workforce to cut costs, and some businesses may close down. There are procedures they must follow before dismissing you. If you lose your job, there’s a lot of information and support to help you back to work.
Redundany Advice Contacts List - There are many organisations which provide redundancy advice to employers and employees.
KEEPING YOUR HOME
The financial downturn has increased the number of people at risk of eviction or repossession – but this is still a last resort. The sooner you take action to deal with any arrears, the more likely it is that you can stay in your own home.
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BUDGETING
In these tougher times, it’s worth making every penny count. You can find advice on everything from keeping track of what you spend your money on, and comparing the best interest rates, to saving on your fuel bills or switching to a cheaper supplier.
DEBT & BORROWING MONEY
If you’re thinking of buying on credit or taking out a loan, make sure you compare the options and work out whether you'll be able to afford the repayments. If you’ve already borrowed money and you’re struggling to pay it back, there’s lots of advice to help you get out of debt.
HELP IS AVAILABLE TO YOU LOCALLY
Benefits
Winchester City Council provides Housing and Council Tax benefits to those who qualify. For more information and to see if you are eligible for help, please visit the Benefits webpage or call 01962 848 539. If you cannot get to City Offices in Winchester you can also drop into one of your Local Offices.
The Alresford local office has benefit advise available alternate weeks Mondays 10am until 1pm. Appointments can be made to guarantee the availability of an advisor, call 01962 840 222.
The Bishops Waltham local office has benefit advice available alternate weeks Wednesday 10am until 1pm. Appointments can be made to guarantee the availability of an advisor, call 01962 840 222.
The Direct Gov website also offers comprehensive help and advice on their Beginners guide to Benefits. They also have an Online Benefits adviser which is an online questionnaire to help work out what help you and your family might be entitled to.
Housing
If you are finding it difficult to pay your mortgage or rent, or are facing repossession, the City Council might be able to help you.
Homelessness
The council provides a Housing Advice service for people who are homeless or theatened with homelessness. You can call 01962 840 222 to speak to an advisor, or alternatively make an appointment to see an Officer face-to-face by calling the same number.
Council Housing
If you are having housing issues and wish to apply for a Council house contact the Council for an application form on 01962 840 222.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
The Citizens Advice Bureau, or CAB for short, is a registered charity designed to help people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free advice. The City Council works very closely with them and they have a number of offices across the Winchester District.
Winchester CAB
The Winchester Centre
68 St Georges Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8AH
Telephone: 01962 848000
Alresford CAB
Alresford GP Surgery
Alresford
Hampshire
SO24 9LJ
Romsey & District CAB
5 Abbey Walk
Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 8JQ
Telephone: 01794 516378
Bishops Waltham CAB
Well House
2 Brook Street
Bishops Waltham
Hampshire
SO32 1AX
Telephone: 01489 896376
Job Centres
Jobcentre Plus is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and offers support to people of working age from welfare into work, and helps employers to fill their vacancies.
Telephone - 0854 6060 234
Textphone - 0845 6055 255
Email Jobcentre Plus
Winchester Jobcentre Plus
City Gate
1-8 City Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8GA
Telephone: 01962 745200
Fareham Jobcentre Plus
Crown Buildings
Civic Way
Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 7HR
Telephone: 01329 24 3700
Financial Advice
The Citizens Advice Bureau’s website at www.adviceguide.org.uk offers information and guidance on a whole range of topics including benefits and debt.
For impartial advice from the Financial Services Authority, visit www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk. They offer a range of information and tools to help you work out what’s right for you.