News

Date: 18th January 2023

Time: 12-1pm

Venue: Online event – register for free on Eventbrite

Our monthly briefings give a unique insight into the realities of what people are experiencing on a daily basis through examining our real-time data dashboard. 

We will be joined by Professor Sir John Curtice,  Britain’s foremost pollster, Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University in Glasgow and Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Social Research and the ESRC’s ‘The UK in a Changing Europe’ initiative.

Professor Curtice will be discussing how the cost-of-living crisis and household budgets are influencing public opinion ahead of the upcoming elections, and the opportunities and barriers this presents for politicians when writing their election manifestos. 

Register now

Our Chief Executive, Dame Clare Moriarty and Chief Data Analyst, Tom MacInnes will explore our unique data from the time of the 2019 election up to the present day; what are the key shifts we can see in our data? And what does this tell us about the lives of the people we help and their key issues ahead of the election? 

In addition, we’ll review our 2023 predictions and use our data to make new ones for the coming year. We’ll emphasise the key issues politicians should be considering when making election promises later this year.

The event is online and you can register here for free.

I’ve built up a bit of debt and I am panicking. Even though I cut back, Christmas was
expensive, my rent has gone up and my paycheque just doesn’t stretch as far as it
used to. I’m doing everything I can but it’s not enough – what can I do?

First of all, it’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and, crucially,
there’s support available.

It might feel overwhelming when you see all of your debts written down – but try not to worry,
the important thing is that you’re sorting them out.

If you’re behind on household bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills
and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences. You should
speak to the person or company you owe money to, to see if there are any manageable
steps you can take to start reducing your debt.

Once you’ve got these debts under control, you should look at any other debts like credit
card or store card debts, payday loans or missed Buy Now Pay Later payments.

While you’re looking at the money going out, do remember to consider money that could be
coming in. It’s always worth checking if there are any benefits that you’re eligible for,
including support with your energy costs and living costs. There’s a benefits calculator,
advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your
income, on the Citizens Advice website.

There’s also emergency support that you may be able to access, such as a food bank or fuel
vouchers. You could also contact your local council to see if they can offer support.

We know that times are incredibly tough but please remember, you don’t have to face this
alone, do contact Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward.

Date: 14 December2023

Time: 14:00-15:00

Theme: When advice is not enough – the rising problem of negative budgets

Venue: Online event – register for free on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/citizens-advice-december-cost-of-living-briefing-tickets-676047043907?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our monthly briefings give a unique insight into the reality of what the people we help are experiencing on a daily basis, through examining our real-time data dashboard. 

This month we will be joined by guest speaker Martin Lewis, Founder and Chair, of Money Saving Expert and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. Martin will share his extensive experience of advising the nation on financial management, and when advice is not enough, campaigning on the most pressing issues and advocating for political change.

Register now

Martin will be joined by Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Dame Clare Moriarty and Chief Data Analyst, Tom MacInnes who will examine our most up-to-date data and reflect on the recent Autumn Statement, the rise of negative budgets and the impact of high energy costs on the people we help.
The event is online and you can register here for free.

Following the Supreme Court decision in McLaughlin v SSWP [2018] UKSC 48 and the High Court decision in Jackson & Orrs v SSWP [2020] EWHC 183, the Government has altered the law to allow bereaved cohabiting parents to claim bereavement benefits.

The deadline to claim this backdated entitlement ends on 9 February 2024. 

What does this mean?

The changes to the eligibility criteria mean that cohabiting parents and carers whose partner dies from 9 February 2023 will be able to make a claim for Bereavement Support Payment if they meet the other eligibility criteria. We expect around 1,800 more families to be able to make a claim each year.

Around 21,000 families will also be able to make retrospective claims. Because the eligibility criteria were found to be unlawful on 30 August 2018, the Government will also make retrospective payments back to that point to those who had missed out because they were not married or in a civil partnership. Some of these families will have been bereaved as long ago as 2001.

What you should know about making a retrospective claim

You will have until 9 February 2024 to put in a retrospective claim and get the full amount you are entitled to. Make sure you have the advice and information you need about how a retrospective payment might affect previous and future tax, tax credits and benefits before you put in a claim.

Find out more from The Childhood Bereavement Network website.

Our Adviceline will operate at reduced capacity on Wednesday, 8th November, from 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm.

We apologise that during this time may take longer than usual to speak to an adviser.

Our self-help and information are available 24/7 online⤵️ www.citizensadvice.org.uk