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. There will be a gap until the next full edition due to annual leave, but a short update will come out on Friday 16 June.
As usual feel free to forward this email to colleagues and they can get in touch with us if they wish to go on the list. If you would like to send anything out via the bulletin, and for all other enquiries about the Advice Dorset Partnership, contact Caroline Buxton on her Citizens Advice Central Dorset email: mailto:caroline.buxton
Jobs
Citizens Advice BCP: Two roles:
Volunteer Co-ordinator: 15 hours/week. This pivotal role will be responsible for the selection, training and deployment of our volunteers across all service areas. A key focus will be building, maintaining and improving communication flow for volunteers within CABCP and facilitating an effective training pathway for volunteers. Closing date 26 May. More information in the pack :
Volunteer-Coordinator-Job-Pack
Debt Compliance Officer:22.5 hours/week. The Debt Compliance Officer will be responsible for the day to day compliance provision of a high quality specialist debt advice and casework. They will ensure
organisational requirements are being met in casework and advice and to safeguard the effective delivery of advice by specialist advisers, both face-to-face and via digital channels. Closing date: 31 May. More information in the pack:
Debt-Compliance-Officer-Job-Pack
Home-Start West Dorset is a family support charity working across West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland. We help parents to build better lives for their children. Our staff and volunteers provide support and friendship to approximately 100 families every year. We requires an ADMINISTRATOR, 26 hours per week to be worked over a minimum of four days. Salary: £20,491 pro rata £14,400.
Based in Dorchester, the Administrator role is a key position providing a friendly, professional and efficient
service to a small staff team to ensure the smooth running of the office. More information: 01305 265072
or email [email protected] Closing date 9 June. Read more:
Admin-Job-Description-Person-Spec-May-23
Application-form-May-23
Guidance-for-applicants-completing-the-application-form-May-23
Information updates
COST OF LIVING
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment: Winter fuel rates are being set this year to represent a pensioner Cost of Living Payment. Amending regulations come into force on 18 September, setting payments to £500 for a household with someone of State Pension age and £600 for a household with someone aged 80 or over.
Disability Cost of Living Payment: The claimant must have the relevant disability benefit payable in respect of 1 April 2023 to qualify, with the government aiming to make payments between 20 June and 4 July 2023. Read the Govt press release here.
Broadband Social tariffs: A reminder that broadband and phone providers offer cheaper packages, called social tariffs, to people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. There is an updated list of available tariffs on the Ofcom website. The average household could save £200 by switching to a social tariff.
£2 bus fares extended: The £2 cap to bus fares outside London has been extended to October 2023. The cap will then be increased to £2.50 until 30 November 2024. Read more here.
BENEFITS
Making Voluntary National Insurance contributions: Gaps in your National Insurance Contributions record can mean you receive less state pension in the future, or entitlement to some other benefits may be affected. Gaps can be filled by paying Class 3 Voluntary Contributions, but usually you can only go back 6 years. However there is a temporary extension until July: If you are a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953, you have until 31 July 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between tax years April 2006 and April 2016. It is worth checking your record first to see if this will help. Read more here.
Severe Disability Premium (SDP) element and couples: Eligibility for the higher rate of the SDP element of Universal Credit (UC) is changing. New regulations mean that from 29 June 2023, a couple can only be entitled to the higher SDP element when no-one receives Carers Allowance or gets the carer element of UC for either of them in their first assessment period. This Medium article reviews the changes to the SDP which began in 2021, and includes this upcoming change.
Sure Start Maternity Grant: On 8 June, regulations come in to allow more time to claim, and an exemption to the first child only rule, for those given leave to enter or remain in the UK from Afghanistan and Ukraine. There will also be new ways to verify claims for all. Read more here.
Personal Independence Payment [PIP] – videos: An updated suite of four Personal Independence Payment (PIP) information videos is available on the DWP YouTube channel. They explain what PIP is, who it is for, how to claim and the assessment process. There is also an overview on how the assessment activities are scored, and how PIP is awarded.
HOUSING
Homelessness – suitability of temporary accommodation: Regulations – here – come in on 31 May 2023 which will amend the suitability rules for the provision of homelessness accommodation in England:
- The definition of ‘B&B accommodation’ in the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003 is extended to include accommodation in which no cooking facilities are provided, for example hotels. As a reminder, B&B accommodation is generally regarded as unsuitable for applicants with family commitments, save that, if no other accommodation is available, it may be used for a period of up to 6 weeks
- Temporary rules provide that where a person makes a homelessness application within 2 years of having arrived in the UK, B&B accommodation may be suitable for that person without limitation of time. Further, when deciding where to place such an applicant, councils might not have to consider the distance from their previous home and the disruption this might cause, and must take into account only the significance of any disruption that would be caused to any relevant caring responsibilities.
Renters’ Reform Bill published: The bill was first announced in 2019 and a key element is ending the so called ‘no fault’ (Section 21) notice / possession process. In summary the reforms include:
- Abolishing section 21 Housing Act 1988, and the use of fixed terms: the default private rental sector tenancy will be “assured periodic”.
- Tenants will be required to serve 2 months notice to end their tenancy.
- Tenants will be entitled to a written statement of the terms of their tenancy.
- The bill amends and expands the grounds for possession available to landlords under section 8.
- Rent increases can only take effect once a year and by service of a valid 2-month notice under section 13. Tenants can therefore now appeal any increase to the First Tier Tribunal.
Read the bill here and Govt guidance on the bill here. Also, reports on this are on the BBC website.
EMPLOYMENT
EU Laws: You will have heard in the news about the ‘Retained EU Law’ Bill and the Govt’s decision to extend the December 2023 sunset clause which would have potentially led to the overnight revocation of some 4,000 EU laws that are embedded in UK Law. However the Govt has instead released a list of EU Law that it intends to revoke by the end of 2023. The following employment rights are at the top of the list:
- Working Time Regulations: removing retained EU case law that requires employers to maintain working hours records for almost all members of the workforce, permitting rolled-up holiday pay, reducing the burden and complexity of calculating leave entitlement and holiday pay, by merging the current two separate leave entitlements (WTR 13 +13A) into one pot of statutory annual leave
- Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) – rules on consultation.
A consultation seeking views on reforms to the working time regulations, holiday pay, and TUPE is open until 7 July 2023
UTILITIES
Ofgem action on overcharging: Ofgem has found that Good Energy and Ovo Energy did not apply price protections which were put in place at the height of the energy crisis. As a result, about 18,000 customers were charged above maximum rates allowed. These customers will be automatically refunded – they don’t need to do anything. Both companies will also pay money to Ofgem’s voluntary redress scheme, which provides funds to support energy customers in vulnerable circumstance. Read more here.
CONSUMER
Holidays: Citizens Advice has produced a short blog on 8 things to check when booking a holiday this year – here.
IMMIGRATON
Refugees from Sudan: Several updates below – read the Govt press release here.
Benefits: New regulations, in force from 15 May 2023, provide exemption from residence tests for people who were residing in Sudan before 15 April 2023 and left Sudan in connection with the violence which rapidly escalated on 15 April 2023 in Khartoum and across Sudan
For those already in the Sudan when the violence started and who are unable to return, the DWP says: “If currently in receipt of a benefit and unable to return to the UK, they should contact their Work Coach, the relevant disability benefit helpline, or the relevant Local Authority for Housing Benefit if it is safe to do so. DWP will look to take a flexible and understanding approach where individuals are currently unable to return to the UK from Sudan.”
Housing – Exemption from habitual residence test and eligibility for housing/homelessness support. Regulations have come into force to allow entitlement, and without being subject to a habitual residence test, for people who:
- were living in Sudan before 15 April 2023
- left Sudan because of the violence there
- have leave to enter or remain in the UK without a no public funds condition, or a right of abode (e.g. British)
- are not subject to a sponsorship undertaking (i.e. in the adult dependent relative category and subject to the normal exceptions)
Extension of the Ukraine Extension Scheme: This was limited to those who’d been granted leave on or before 16 May 2023. The government has said that ‘subject to the Parliamentary process, the Immigration Rules are expected to change in July 2023 to extend the eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme to include those who were granted permission after 16 May and by 16 November 2023, with all applications to be made before 16 May 2024.’
Local updates
RNIB – Pre-Employment Service: This service provides support to individuals experiencing difficulties with their sight (not just registered blind) getting into work. There is a wide array of support available which can be accessed through their helpline – 0303 123 99 99. If you’d like to know more contact the new Employment Adviser for Dorset, Kerry Chotty ([email protected]).
Energy Efficiency: Ridgewater Energy are delivering:
- Healthy Homes Dorset: loft and cavity wall insulation – more info and eligibility criteria here.
- LEAP: There is still some limited funding for appliances through LEAP, and Ridgewater can offer a free energy and money saving home visits. Appliances can be broken or over 9 years old to qualify.
Eligibility includes: Low income (under £31,000) or in receipt of a qualifying benefit or allowance. No first time appliances, must be replacements and must be free standing and not built into kitchen/utility units. A referral to LEAP needs to be via Ridgewater – follow this link.
Events / training
Scams awareness week: The first of 2 scams awareness weeks starts on Monday 22 May – focusing on home improvements, see below for a link to a Citizens Advice blog. Also – listen to Rachel from Weymouth Citizens Advice on Keep106 radio here.
Volunteers Week 1 – 7 June: General information is here. Locally:
- Dorset Fayre – Friday 9th June, from 2pm-6pm, at Wimborne Community Centre, King Street, Wimborne, BH21 1EA. This is a partnership event between Dorset Community Action and Dorset Volunteer Centre. You can reserve a stall here.
- BCP events: Wednesday 7 June from 10am to 1pm at The Spire, Poole, BH15 1DF; Friday 9 June from 10am to 1pm at Bournemouth Library, BH2 5RQ; Wednesday 14 June from 10am to 12.30pm at Druitt Hall, Christchurch BH23 1AJ
Carer’s Week 5 – 11 June: Carer’s Week is a time when charities, organisations and communities come together to show support for the millions of unpaid carers in the UK. Carer Support Dorset are hosting a range of events for unpaid carers throughout Carer’s Week – cream teas, events for young carers, and a roadshow at Dorset Museum on 7th June – find out more here. Another useful source of information is Carers UK.
Citizens Advice – next Cost of Living Briefing: Monday 5 June, 12-1. Foodbanks and the rapidly escalating numbers of people who depend on them to survive is the focus of our June cost-of-living briefing. We’ll be joined by Emma Revie, Chief Executive at The Trussell Trust and Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive at Mind alongside Dame Claire Moriarty, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice to explain how the crisis is escalating and what collective support is needed to help people overcome what often becomes a downward spiral of debt and anxiety. Our data will be presented by Tom MacInnes, Chief Data Analyst. Book via eventbrite.
Business Admin course [Skills & Learning]: This new course (free if unemployed) is for people who are looking for a career change into Admin/Reception/Customer Service/front of house. Business Admin – Introduction is running from 8th June via Teams, 9:30am – 12:30pm every Thursday for 7 weeks. You can book a place on the course by phoning (01202) 123 444 and quoting course code AA2190C or apply online.
Multiply [Skills & Learning]: Multiply offers adults free maths courses with opportunities to gain qualifications, and build confidence in using numbers at work or in everyday life. You can take take part in Multiply if you’re aged 19+ and don’t currently have maths GCSE at grade C (or equivalent). There are courses for beginners and those who want to build on existing maths knowledge. There are also more advanced courses including GCSE and Level 2 Functional Skills. All courses will also include online tutorials and content, so you can learn at a pace to suit you along with support from Skills & Learning tutors. Multiply can also offer bespoke provision for employers, community groups and service users.
More information here. Contact : 01202 123444 / [email protected]
Research, reports, surveys etc
Ofgem consults on consumer standards: Ofgem is consulting on proposals to improve standards for consumers. This includes proposals to make it easier for customers in vulnerable situations to contact their supplier, and to require suppliers to provide tailored support for customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Respond by 31 May – read more here.
Tips to avoid home improvement scams: Scammers are waiting to try and take advantage of people looking to do home improvements. Whether it’s rogue traders, ‘too good to be true’ deals or phishing emails offering fake government rebates — stay safe with five top tips from Citizens Advice – here.
Unable to afford broadband access as cost-of-living crisis bites: New research by Citizens Advice has found that one million people disconnected their broadband in the last year because they couldn’t afford it. People on Universal Credit were more than six times more likely to have disconnected compared to people not claiming Universal Credit. Despite people on Universal Credit being eligible for discounted broadband social tariffs, our research shows there are still big gaps around awareness and access. See the item on the BBC website here.
Policy in Practice – ‘Missing Out’: New analysis by Policy in Practice finds that the total amount of unclaimed income-related benefits and social tariffs is now £18.7 billion a year. We estimate that £7.5 billion of Universal Credit is unclaimed by 1.2 million eligible households and £2.9 billion of Council Tax Support is unclaimed by over 2.7 million eligible households each year. Read more here.
Funding news
Barrow Cadbury Trust – Connect Fund: The Connect Fund aims to strengthen the social investment market in England to better meet the needs of charities and social enterprises. Organisations can apply for support in the following areas:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – continued support for EDI infrastructure operating in the social investment market, direct support to implement procedural and system changes and diversifying the advisor market. Deadline 30 June.
- Peer Networks to Support Market Building – creating a supportive network that allows enterprises to discuss and seek help with idea development or business planning.
- Challenge Funds – specific rounds of funding for projects that provide solutions to a single important challenge or gap within the infrastructure of the social investment market. Deadline 31 July.
Applicants should first submit an Expression of Interest form which is available on the Connect Fund website. Those that meet the criteria will be contacted by the Connect Fund team to discuss their proposal further and invited to submit a full application.
Co-op Local Fund reopens for 2023 applications: Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations can now apply for grants from the Co-op Local Community Fund, which allows Co-op members to support the projects they care most about. The grants will be awarded for projects around Co-op food stores and funeral homes that:
- Bring people together to access food.
- Help to improve people’s mental wellbeing.
- Create opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference.
- Help people to save and restore nature or tackle climate change.
Funding is determined by Co-op community members who vote on the project they wish to support in their local community. In most areas, this is between £1,000 and £3,000 on average. Successful groups will receive a minimum of £1,000 to support their projects.
Deadline 7 June; read more here.