Money

We want to ensure that all Kirklees residents are aware of the financial help available to them. The Government has recenlty announced a number of changes to the Welfare Benefit System. Some of the changes came into effect from April 2011 with others being proposed over the next 3 years. The changes to the Welfare Benefits System are complex. To find out more about the changes visit:

• Directgov
• Department for Work and Pensions

The following organisations can offer help and advice on managing your money matters and benefit support:

Benefit Advice

Kirklees Benefit Advice Service (KBAS)

KBAS offers free benefit and tax credit advice to anyone living in Kirklees. They can provide a full benefit check, advocacy, support and assitance with all benefit issues.

• Telephone: 01484 223950, 01924 326010, 01484 416960
• Email: benefit.adviceservice@kirklees.gov.uk (external site)

Benefit and Debt Advice

Kirklees Citizens Advice (KCA)

KCA provides free information and support on debt, consumer, employment and benefit issues. They have walk-in centres in Huddersfield and Dewsbury, and have outreach services in various locations across North and South Kirklees.

Huddersfield and Dewsbury centres are open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30 - 3pm

Telephone: 0844 848 7970 for online advice 01484 451381/512346 for outreach appointments

Self help website: www.adviceguide.org.uk (external site)

• Kirklees Citizens Advice
• 2nd Floor Standard House
• Half Moon Street
• Huddersfield
• HD1 2JF
• Telephone - 01484 451381

• Units 5, 6 and 7
• Empire House
• Wakefield Old Road
• Dewsbury
• WF12 8DJ
• Telephone - 01924 487860

Further information can be found by:

• Telephone: 0844 848 7970
• Website: www.kirkleescitizensadvice.org.uk

Castle and Minster Credit Union Ltd

Castle and Minster Credit Union Ltd is a financial cooperative helping people who live or work in Kirklees to save regularly. They try to encourage members to save money on a regular basis. Regular savers may then access loans at fair and reasonable rates if they wish.

• Telephone: 01484 226666
• Website: Castle and Minster (external site)

Please also see details on a new savings account - Save Energy and Save

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)

The CCCS is a registered charity offering free, confidential advice and support to anyone who is worried about debt.

• Telephone: 0800 138 1111 to speak to a debt counsellor
• Website: The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (external site)

Finance Services Authority (FSA)

FSA are the UK's financial watchdog set up by the government to regulate financial services and protect your rights. FSA provide clear, impartial information about everyday money issues, such as buying a car, having a baby to saving for your retirement.

• Telephone: 0845 606 1234
• Website: Money made clear (external site)

National Debtline

National debtline offers free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with your debt problems.

• Telephone: 0808 808 4000 to speak to an advisor
• Website: National Debtline (external site) for an information pack

Pensions - Department for Work and Pensions

The Pension service supports pensioners or people close to retirement about their state pensions and pension credit entitlements. If you wish, they can visit you in your home for a personal consultation.

• Telephone: 0845 606 0265
• Website: The Pension Service (external site)

Revenue and Benefits Service

The Revenue and Benefits Service offers advice and assistance regarding housing and council tax benefits, including information about payments.

• Telephone: 01484 414950
• Email: revenues.benefits@kirklees.gov.uk
• Website: Claiming council tax and housing benefit

Save Energy and Save

Castle and Minster are working together with several organisations in Yorkshire to support householders to cut costs and start saving. By opening a new savings account householders could benefit from a number of money saving incentives listed below:

• a discount Metrocard
• installation of a FREE water meter to stay in control of how much water you use
• Low cost quality furniture with a £"£ 50 discount voucher
• Low cost computers starting from £"£ 95 with free training
• Lower energy bills through free cavitiy wall and loft insulation, low cost efficient boilers and help with finding the most effective tariff and advice on how to use less energy as well as understanding energy bills
• Low cost electricals such as washers, fridges and cookers

• Telephone: 01484 22666
• Website: Castle and Minster (external site)