Navigating Christmas with Rent Arrears: A Guide to Financial Resilience
The festive season is meant to be a time of joy, but for those facing rent arrears, it can bring added stress and anxiety. However, there are steps you can take to navigate this challenging situation and ensure that the festive season remains a time of warmth and togetherness. In this article, we'll explore practical tips and resources to help you manage rent arrears during Christmas. Communication is Key Initiate open communication with your landlord to discuss your financial situation. Some landlords may be willing to negotiate a temporary rent reduction or agree to a realistic repayment plan. Communication
Advice Column: Winter Fuel Bills
I am a single parent with two kids and I’m really worried about how I’ll afford to pay my energy bills when I have to start putting the heating and lights on more now winter is here. At the moment I just about have enough money to cover my bills but there is nothing left over. The thought of getting into debt keeps me awake at night but the idea of my children being cold and possibly unwell as a result is just unbearable. What can I do? You are not alone - a record number of people came
Citizens Advice Impact Report 2022-2023
people had one-to-one advice saved for government and public services issues dealt with More people than ever need our help. Last week we published our latest Impact Report, which shows we gave 2.66 million people one-to-one advice in the 2022 to 2023 financial year. This peaked in March 2023 when we helped over 268,000 people — as high as any month in the previous 10 years. It hasn’t been easy. The start of 2023 was the bleakest start to a year we’ve ever experienced. We’ve adapted our services to keep helping as many people as possible — seeing
Navigating Rental Arrears: A Winter Guide for Landlords
As winter settles in, landlords face unique challenges in ensuring a smooth and stress-free tenancy for both themselves and their tenants. Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale understands the importance of maintaining positive landlord-tenant relationships, especially when dealing with rental arrears. Here's a comprehensive guide to help landlords navigate these challenges during the winter months. Open Communication: The key to resolving rental arrears often begins with open communication. Reach out to your tenants early if you notice any signs of financial strain. Understanding their situation can pave the way for finding mutually beneficial solutions. Flexible Payment Plans: Consider offering flexible payment
Ofgem Visit to Citizens Advice Cardiff and Vale
Ofgem chief executive meets Welsh charities supporting people in the cost of living crisis Ofgem’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Brearley, visited South Wales on Wednesday 11 October to meet organisations supporting people who are struggling amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. During the latest in a series of fact finding visits around the UK to find out how people concerned about rising energy bills were being supported, the energy regulator’s CEO joined the team at Citizens Advice Cardiff & Vale. Mr Brearley spent time speaking to advisors to understand the challenges service
Advice Column: Halloween Costumes
Halloween is coming up and my children are keen to dress up for trick-or-treat. I’ve read about accidents involving costumes catching fire and I’m worried about buying an outfit that could be highly flammable. I don’t want to spoil their fun but I do want to make sure everyone is safe. How can I check if the costumes would be safe for my children to wear? It’s not easy being the ‘safety police’ when everyone just wants to have fun - especially when that fun includes extravagant costumes. Children should always be kept away from naked
Renting Safely: Avoiding Scams
Renting a new home is an exciting chapter in your life, but it can also be a time when you need to be cautious and informed. Rental scams have become more prevalent, and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive unsuspecting renters. At Citizens Advice, we want to ensure you have the knowledge and tools to rent safely and avoid scams. In this article, we'll share a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate the rental market securely. Start with Thorough Research Before you even start looking for rental properties, invest time in researching the local rental market. Get
Handle Debt & Navigate Financial Challenges as a Student in the Private Rented Sector
Handle Debt & Navigate Financial Challenges as a Student in the Private Rented Sector: Renting a property as a student often entails financial responsibilities that can understandably lead to challenges and concerns about debt. In this article, we'll delve into a range of essential tips to students manage their finances and debt concerns while renting in the private sector. Prioritise Affordability The first step in avoiding financial concerns and debt is to prioritize affordability when selecting a rental property. Ensure that your monthly rent, along with other essential expenses like utilities and groceries, fits comfortably within your budget. Don't
30 Years of Citizens Advice at Broad Street
We were delighted to welcome the Patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, HRH The Princess Royal, who visited our offices in Barry on 19 July 2023 to celebrate the thirtieth year of advice service delivery from our Broad Street office. The Princess Royal recalled her visit in 1993 when she opened the office, and the changes that the service had undergone since. She noted the importance of the organisation's core mission to deliver advice to help improve the lives of the people of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as our work with clients
Navigating Rent Increases: How to Handle The Ever-Changing Rental Market
Rent increases are a common occurrence in the private rented sector, and as a tenant, it's essential to be prepared and know how to navigate them effectively. In this article, we will explore various strategies and tips to help you handle rent increases and ensure a smoother transition in the ever-changing rental market. Understand the Local Rental Market: One of the first steps in navigating rent increases is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the local rental market. Research current rental prices in your area to determine if the proposed increase is reasonable. Consider factors such as location, amenities,
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