Universal Credit Update – Self-Employed
A recent change to Universal Credit for self-employed claimants could mean their payments will reduce. Our Money Advice Officer explains what’s changing and what you can do about it. What’s the issue? In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government changed the law from 30 March 2020 to give Universal Credit Work Coaches extra powers […]
Over 75 TV Licence Deadline
The deadline is fast approaching for over 75’s to either purchase a TV licence or apply for an exemption under new rules which removed the blanket exemption for this group. An additional 1-year grace period was allowed during the coronavirus pandemic, but this comes to an end on 31 July 2021. Recently published figures demonstrate that […]
Debt Relief Order Changes Approved
The Insolvency Service has been conducting a review of the criteria for who is eligible for a Debt Relief Order (DRO). The results of this review have now been released and a number of changes are set to be made from the end of June 2021. A DRO is a way of dealing with your […]
EU Settlement Scheme Deadline Approaching
Now the UK is no longer part of the European Union, anyone who has moved to the UK from an EU country needs to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, which allows eligible people to live and work in the UK whilst keeping access to certain state benefits, pensions and free NHS treatment. The deadline […]
New scheme launched to allow ‘Breathing Space’ for people in problem debt
4th May 2021 marks the introduction of a new scheme known as Breathing Space which aims to help people who are struggling to cope with problem debt by allowing them protection from their creditors so they can get advice or mental health treatment. There are two types of breathing space: a standard breathing space and […]
Universal Credit & Double Wage Payments – A Glimmer of Hope
This time last year our Money Advice Officer wrote an article about steps you can take to prevent your Universal Credit being reduced if you are paid early at Christmas time. A recent Court of Appeal case has led to a change in the law giving new powers to the DWP to reallocate wages to […]
A message from our chief executive, David Cummins
2020 presented challenges to us and our customers in ways that we have never experienced before. As I reflect on this year, I would like to thank our customers, staff and volunteers across Warrington Housing Association, LifeTime and WhiA for their incredible efforts to demonstrate compassion, kindness and community spirit at a time when it […]
Important Coronavirus Update for Warrington Residents
New restrictions have been introduced in Warrington in response to a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the borough. Please check out the Warrington Borough Council new restrictions FAQ https://www.warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus-restrictions-warrington The Restrictions From Tuesday 22 September 2020, the new regulations in Warrington mean: · No mixing of separate households in one house […]
CMA issues guidance to childcare providers
The Competition & Markets Authority has issued an open letter and detailed guidance to childcare providers regarding unfair practices during the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance highlights a number of areas where some childcare providers have not acted in accordance with consumer rights legislation and urges the sector to review the agreements they have with their […]
Universal Credit driving financial insecurity, report claims
A recently published report has exposed the financial insecurity being driven by the Universal Credit system. Falling Behind: The impact of Universal Credit on rent arrears for council tenants in London illustrates serious flaws in the system which lead to rising levels of debt amongst claimants coupled with an inability pay these debts down in […]
