Money Advice

Are you feeling the pinch from the recent increases in food, fuel or petrol? The credit crunch is affecting all of us: debt is a fact of life for many people but there are steps you can take to avoid getting in to debt and if you are already experiencing difficulties, there is help out there for you.

National Debtline offers free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems You can contact them on FREEPHONE 0808 808 4000, or go to their website for advice on budgeting and all aspects of dealing with debt.

Perth & Kinross Council Welfare Rights Team can help you make sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to and can also help you deal with tax credits and council tax arrears. Contact them at:
Housing & Social Work Services
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street, Perth
Telephone 01738 476955
Monday – Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm.

The Advocacy Service in Perth will take on any cases of debt you may have and speak on your behalf to creditors to negotiate affordable re-payments. Contact them at:
The Gateway
North Methven Street, Perth
Telephone 01738 562593
Monday – Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm

Perth Citizens Advice Bureau can provide advice on all aspects of debt and can help you with budgeting and dealing with legal action. Contact them at:
4-12 New Row, Perth
Telephone 01738 624301
Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm

Remember, your rent is the most important of any payments you may have. If you are struggling with your finances, the worst thing you can do is bury your head in the sand and hope the problem will go away - be assured it won't and in fact it will probably get worse.

We want to help you as much as possible to sustain your tenancy and avoid financial difficulties. Many people are confused by the benefit system and unsure where to get help. If you are having financial difficulties and may be unable to pay your rent, you should contact the Co-operative’s office straight away. Staff can help you fill in forms for Housing and Council Tax Benefit and can deal with applications on your behalf.

Energy Advice

The Co-operative has teamed up with SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) who provide free, confidential and impartial energy efficiency advice to all householders. They can help you get the lowest fuel prices and the best value from your electricity and gas suppliers. The Co-operative can refer you for a home visit which will allow them to make recommendations on how you could save money based on your individual circumstances.

Here’s a few tips for keeping warm for less this winter:

Find out which energy supplier can offer you the cheapest gas and electricity. Look on the Energy Watch Website or call 0845 9060708 for a comparison fact sheet.

Pay by the cheapest method, you don’t even have to change supplier to save money. Switch to direct debit and/or online account.

Check with your fuel supplier that you are on the cheapest tariff. If you are on a low income, make sure you ask about switching to a ‘social tariff’.

Speak to a member of staff at the Co-operative Office if you would like someone from the SCARF Team to visit you to help you work out the best supplier and tariff for you, or visit their website for more energy saving advice.

Here’s some more energy saving advice:

Don’t leave the fridge door open longer that your need to and make sure food is cooled before putting it into your fridge or freezer.

Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need, but make sure you cover the element of an electric kettle.

Always try to put a full load of washing into your washing machine or tumble dryer

Wash at lower temperatures - washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of a higher temperature can use around 40% less electricity.

Finally, switch off your appliances when not in use! Never leave them on Standby.