Bath & North East Somerset Council - Money advice
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Money advice

Money Advice
 
Debt counselling

There are a number of organisations who can help you if you need advice about how to manage your debts. It is important that you try and address these issues as soon as you possibly can. This list is not exhaustive but it is hoped that it will give you some idea about who you could talk to. These include:

Ways to save money

Credit crunch course

    The Council’s Community Learning Service is running courses on ‘Budgeting for the Credit Crunch’. Call 01225 396450, 01225 396836 or visit Adult and Community Education.

    Save money by being green

    The Green Companion has numerous tips for saving money by being green, including growing your own fruit and veg, living without a car, buying local and ‘freecycling’, and cutting fuel bills by greening your home. It’s free from outlets across the district, and online at www.greenbath.org

    Discounted furniture and electrical goods

    The Genesis Furniture Project (01225 421111) and SOFA Project (0117 9543567, www.sofaproject.org.uk) are two charities offering high quality furniture and white goods to people on low-incomes.

    Credit unions

    Bath & North East Somerset Credit Union provides low-cost loans as well as savings facilities for local people: www.cooperatives-uk.coop/, 0117 986 5888.

    Love food hate waste

    The Council has signed up to the pioneering Love Food Hate Waste campaign which has tips to help you cut the amount you throw away and save money – in some cases up to £600 per year. www.lovefoodhatewaste.com 0808 1002040

    Waste collection discounts

    If you are on a low income, the Council can now offer half price bulky waste collection. For £12.50 we will come and collect up to three bulky items if you are unable to transport them to a recycling centre.

     

     
Credit tips

    To avoid getting into debt, planning and budgeting are essential. However, if you need to buy a large item sometimes buying on credit is the only alternative.

    The following guide from Consumer Direct will help you.

    • Try not to buy on impulse because you have seen a special offer or discount
    • Shop around for the best deal - can you buy it at a lower price, or get cheaper credit from another store, catalogue or lender?
    • Work out the real cost of buying on credit and check the annual percentage rate (APR) - what is the cash price and how much extra will it cost to pay by instalments?
    • Don’t take out a loan for longer than you need it - how quickly can you pay it off and what is the most you can afford to repay each month?
    • Check your budget so you know what you really can afford to repay - if something unexpected comes up, for example if the car needs repairing, or the children need new shoes, will you still be able to keep up the repayments?
    • Read the small print very carefully before signing.

     

     
Don't get ripped off
     Peace of mind when you need a trader

    The classic rogue trader turns up at your doorstep unannounced and offers to do work on your house straight away.  Sometimes they’ve got a little tarmac left over from the last job so they could cover your drive at a cut down price, sometimes they’ve noticed a problem with your roof you weren’t even aware of, and are offering to get up there and sort it out right now. 

    They don’t have any form of identity, they don’t have an address or paperwork. It sounds obvious that you should simply say ‘no thanks’ and close the door, but unfortunately it’s easy to be swayed by the promise of a bargain and a job done quickly.

    Rogue traders target the elderly and the poor – these are the people most likely to be at home in the day time, and least likely to know how to make a fuss.

    Luckily, there are plenty of reputable businesses in Bath and North East Somerset ready and willing to work for you.  All you have to do is find them. 

    • If you need work done, ask your friends, neighbours and workmates if they can recommend someone. 
    • Look for members of trade bodies such as Trust Mark and the Federation of Master Builders. 
    • And don’t forget Buy with Confidence, the approved trader scheme run by Trading Standards – each member has been vetted by Trading Standards.  You can get a list of members by asking at any Council Office, or at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk 
  • Say no the cowboys, and give the good guys a chance!
    • Useful contacts
Contact Details for this page:
Team:
Communications & Marketing
Address:
The Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW
Phone:
01225 477283
Fax:
01225 477499
Email:
communications_marketing@bathnes.gov.uk 
Minicom:
n/a
Author:
Communications and Marketing
 
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Other Websites
--Citizens Advice Bureau-- www.citizensadvice.org.uk
--National Debtline--www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
--Sofa Project--www.sofaproject.org.uk
--Bath & North East Somerset Credit Union--www.banescu.org.uk
--Buy With Confidence-- www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk  --Federation of Master Builders-- www.fmb.org.uk --Trust Mark--www.trustmark.org.uk

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