SIR, — It is predicted that the cost of gas and electricity will rise by 40 percent by the end of the year. This comes on top of the hike in mortgage interest rates, and rising petrol and food costs.
While this is depressing news for everyone, people whose finances are already stretched to the limit face real financial difficulties.
If you think you are going to find it hard to make ends meet, now is the time to take advice, rather than wait f
or the bills to mount up.
If you are on a low income it is important to make sure you are claiming all the welfare benefits and tax credits you are entitled, as well as making sure your debts are managed – ensuring priority debts are met first.
The Legal Services Commission provides a free, confidential telephone helpline called Community Legal Advice (0845 345 4 345), which provides quality-assured legal advice about welfare benefits and tax credits, debt, housing, employment and education. It is funded by legal aid, and aimed at people on low incomes or benefits.
The helpline is open from 9am-6.30pm Monday to Friday, and advice is also available in many languages.
So if you're on a low income and worried about your finances, call Community Legal Advice today.
PETER NELSON
Legal Services Commission
Regional Director for the North
The full article contains 230 words and appears in Morpeth Herald newspaper.
