Welcome to this week’s E News on the Citizens Advice Dorset website. Just a reminder that the Advice Dorset Partnership is a network of organisations providing advice and support to residents of Dorset and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole. It is managed by Citizens Advice and is open to any organisation which provides information, advice and support/guidance to local residents.
The Advice Dorset Partnership E news is published fortnightly on a Thursday, BUT if there is something urgent in-between we will send out a short supplementary edition.
Please can you now subscribe to the newsletter (it is still FREE but in future you will get an automatic notification when it is published) – and do encourage colleagues to subscribe too. The Subscribe option is at the bottom of this page! So far I can see that over 100 people have subscribed; if you haven’t done so already please do asap. From January 2024 you will not get the link sent by email.
If you would like to send anything out via the bulletin, and for all other enquiries about the Advice Dorset Partnership, contact Caroline Buxton at Citizens Advice Central Dorset: [email protected]
Jobs
Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck – Energy Adviser (part time): Citizens Advice EDP is looking for a part time Energy Adviser to join our Dorset and BCP Energy Unit which runs across the whole of Dorset (both Council areas). The post is for an initial 6 months and is mainly office based Wimborne/Wareham with home visit appointments. More details and application form are here, closing date 4 March.
Information
BENEFITS
Universal Credit – verifying ID: UC is no longer using the Govt Gateway / ‘verify’ system for this. Instead there are other options, on line, in person and documentary, as set out in this guide for claimants and people supporting them.
UC Migration – Transitional Protection: Transitional protection payments are an additional amount to make up the difference if someone’s Universal Credit entitlement is less than their previous tax credits or benefits. It is usually time-framed and the rules and calculations are complex. The DWP Guidance is here, a Citizens Advice overview here, and a more detailed CPAG article here.
DEBT
Bailiffs: Bailiffs are regulated by the Enforcement Conduct Board – follow this link to search for firms. Bailiffs accredited by the ECB must follow the National Standards for Taking Control of Goods. Citizens Advice has a useful template letter for making a complaint to Bailiffs – here. NB: The ECB is still in its setting up stage so you can’t complain directly to them yet. They are however accepting evidence from debt advice charities to help them develop their standards so it’s important to report any bailiff wrongdoing through your usual channels.
EMPLOYMENT
Changes to flexible working: On 6 April 2024, changes to the existing rules on statutory flexible working requests will come into effect, as set out in the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 and the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023. The request must be in writing and applies to employees only. Under the new rules, employees can make a request from day 1 of employment , the employer has 2 months to make a decision, and employees can make 2 requests in a 12 month period. Also the employee will no longer have to explain the effect they think the request will have on the employer, and how any such effect might be dealt with. An employer can’t refuse a request unless the employee has been consulted. ACAS has prepared a draft Code of Practice, here.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Nationwide Building Society safe spaces: Nationwide will offer safe places to those experiencing domestic abuse, within more than 400 branches across the UK. Safe Spaces was launched by abuse charity Hestia as a part of the ‘UK says no more’ campaign and provides designated locations in the UK which can be used by anyone experiencing domestic abuse. An individual can inform a member of Nationwide staff that they wish to use the Safe Space and they will be given a private room with the use of a phone to enable them to seek specialist help or contact friends and family. Read more here.
ENERGY
Govt Energy Saving Campaign: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has recently launched a new film as part of their ‘It all adds up’ campaign. The film features TV presenter and consumer champion Dom Littlewood working with a B&Q expert to help show the residents of Energy Street how they can reduce their energy bills by taking simple energy reduction actions around their households. Read more here.
IMMIGRATION
Moving to online-only immigration status: This year the Home Office will begin the process for all new applicants for all types of leave (except possibly as a visitor) having online status rather than a biometric residence permit (BRP). People with a biometric residence permit, all of which run out at the end of this year, will also be asked to create an online UKVI account from April onwards. This will be similar to the EU Settlement Scheme. Clients, particularly vulnerable ones, may ask for help creating an account or proving their status. Benefits, housing and employment advisers may see clients who don’t have a BRP to show their status. They may need to help them access their accounts to show the adviser or a third party.
EU Citizens and benefits: There has been a recent Supreme Court decision to refuse the DWP permission to appeal, in a landmark case (AT*) on EU citizens and benefits. CPAG writes: “an EU national with pre-settled status but no qualifying EU right to reside for the purposes of Universal Credit, is entitled to rely upon the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights even after the end of the Brexit “transition period” (i.e. after 31 December 2020). The Upper Tribunal agreed with CPAG that where a refusal of Universal Credit would mean such a person was exposed to an actual and current risk that they and their child could not live in the UK in dignified conditions, then the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (“SSWP”) should award Universal Credit.” The DWP should now process outstanding claims to decide whether this has led to undignified conditions in each case. *The relevant Court of Appeal case is: SSWP v AT (AIRE Centre and IMA Intervening) [2022] UKUT 330 (AAC); SSWP v AT [2023] EWCA Civ 1307. Read more on CPAG.
OTHER
Elections – Voter ID: Voters in England need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This applies to:
- UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions
- Local elections and by-elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
Those who don’t have accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for free voter ID for the elections on Thursday 2 May is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. Read more here.
National campaign against fraud: The Govt has launched an online advice hub offering concise and simple-to-follow advice about fraud, as part of its ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign. There will also be adverts in public settings to raise awareness of the campaign. The online hub has up-to-date information about reporting fraud.
LOCAL NEWS
Energy Unit Dorset & BCP: We offer energy advice for households across the Dorset and BCP Council areas who may be experiencing difficulties with their energy supplier or who are struggling to afford their energy costs, all whilst ensuring they receive available support. We continue to give advice on how to best use heating and hot water systems, or other fuels used to heat homes. We also advise on electrical items used by the household to minimise the cost as much as possible. Our caseworkers are frequently contacting suppliers on our clients behalf to resolve their issues, dealing with meter complaints, checking for back-billing issues and raising concerns with our local and national offices to any injustices our clients are experiencing. Our caseworkers work hard to get the energy issue resolved. We offer free CO monitors and raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning signs and symptoms.
You can refer yourself for support or a third party (with their consent). Email: [email protected].
Skills & Learning – Multiply Courses: These courses are aimed at people with lower numeracy confidence and skills. To take part in Multiply, you need to live locally – in other words, have a BCP or Dorset postcode – and be at least 19 when the course starts. Free courses are starting in February and March. Skills & Learning also offer government-funded Functional Skills and GCSE courses. Read more here.
Dorset Digital Champions: Digital Champions are volunteers who are good at explaining computers, without using jargon. They can offer digital support for a wide range of issues, including setting up and using devices including mobile phones, tablets and computers. Session are available in Dorset Libraries, read more here, or call their hotline – 01305 221048.
Events, training, etc
Free Energy Advice Training for Frontline Workers: Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is offering free Energy Advice Training to frontline workers supporting households across Dorset in or at risk of fuel poverty. The free training is available to both paid staff and volunteers who are working in the community with people who are facing difficulty heating their homes – helping to save money and keep vulnerable residents warm. The energy advice situation is changing regularly and updates are also available on financial support, including grants. Book va Eventbrite – the next evern is 21 February at 10am. If you have any questions contact: [email protected]
Research, reports, consultations
Citizens Advice – National Red Index: Citizens Advice has published new research estimating that millions of people will be in a negative budget by the time of the next General Election. The National Red Index, a groundbreaking report from our Living on Empty programme of work, sets out the scale of negative budgets across the UK for the first time and calls for urgent action to address living standards.. Read the report here.
A Foamidable Challenge — Spray Foam Insulation: Breaking Down the Risks: In recent years, spray foam insulation has become a popular choice for many homeowners as it is readily available and can be installed quickly. However, Citizens Advice has seen a rise in the number of complaints linked to spray foam insulation. Read more here.
Have your say – a new joint transport plan: Dorset Council and BCP Council are running a survey to gather feedback and experiences relating to transport in the county from 22 January to 3 March 2024. It is also important that the VCS has input into this plan sharing insight and knowledge from the communities we work with. Read more here.
How to be financially savvy: This Great Western Credit Union blog tackles the basics of strengthening your finances so that you can be more resilient through tough periods. Follow this link to find out more about GWCU services.
Funding News
The BCP Family Hub Community Grant scheme is open for all registered groups who work with young people and/or their families. Grants of between £500-£5000 are available to support new or existing projects in the BCP area. Does your project:
- Deliver outcomes for young people and/or their families?
- Help young people and/or their families to build relationships with a wide range of support services, local people, and their communities
More guidance in the document below; completed application forms to Jack Blankley via email.
BCP_Family_Hub_Community_Grant_Guidance_Final_version_002_Copy
Postcode Local Trust – West of England: The funding aims to support smaller charities and good causes in the west of England to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet.
The amount of grant depends on the type of not-for-profit legal structure:
• The following organisations can apply for grants of between £500 and £2,500 in funding: constituted voluntary organisations with no charity number, excepted and exempted charities, companies limited by guarantee with an asset lock and Parochial Church Councils.
• The following types of organisations can apply for grants of between £500 and £25,000 in funding: Community Interest Companies with an asset lock, Community Benefit Societies and charities registered with the Charity Commission.
The funding is for projects that have a clear alignment with one of the Trust’s 2024 themes, which include preventing or reducing the impact of poverty, and supporting marginalised groups and tackling inequality. The fund opens on 23 February and closes on 1 March. Read more here.
Sovereign Network Group – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Microgrants Programme: This programme aims to support equality, diversity, and inclusion across their communities by bringing people and partners together with a diversity of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. Grants from £500 up to £1000 are available to support community initiatives, activities and events, which have a clear EDI focus, as well as to enhance accessibility and empower people with any protected characteristic.
The format of activities can be wide ranging, and may include creative and educational workshops, campaigns, networking activities, events, research and/or other type of initiatives. To be eligible for a grant, your project must have a clear EDI focus and timescale. Priority will be given to applications that have a clear explanation of their EDI objectives, a viable project plan and timetable. You must also aim to engage with, and benefit, Sovereign Network Group customers and communities.
To make an application and for more information please contact SNG: [email protected] . Deadline for applications is 23 February 2024 at 12pm.
Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust: This fund has opened – but closes on 28 February – for its First Round of 2024. UK registered charities in the UK can apply during the month of February for a grant of £1,000. The Trust operates a three-year rotation system, with different fields of interests being funded each year.
During this round, the focus is on disability, specifically employment and training for people living with disabilities to ensure better access. Charities must have an operating income of between £100,000 and £1 million to apply. Read more here.