Bracknell Labour Serving you here
USEFUL Information from Councillor Mary Temperton:
Many Houses on Great Hollands have now had external insulation added to reduce their heat loss. External wall insulation costs have increased due to material costs and new quality standards, but theCouncil is hoping for future grant funding from the government to help residents if their income (less housing costs, mortgage and utility costs) is less than £30,000. These residents will be contacted by letter as soon as there are more details regarding funding opportunities.
Bracknell Forest are working with ‘Instagroup’ locally (01189 793056) to help with both cavity wall and loft insulation. They will respond and ask the resident questions to determine details.
Help is available for anyone with long term health conditions as heart, stroke, cancer etc., towards costs of works including replacement boilers.
Alternatively, details of the schemes and support currently available, can be found on Bracknell Forest Council website.
I realise that many of you will now be facing increased challenges, trying to stretch your money to cover increased National insurance Tax, increased fuel costs, increased food costs, rents, and council Tax. As your Councilors, we are here to support and signpost to whatever help is available. I have included some useful contact links.
Local Welfare Scheme – support for those in crisis, could be a referral to the local foodbank, help with the cost of a new white appliance or a one off payment to top up gas / electricity https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/benefits/bracknell-forest-council-local-welfare-scheme
Discretionary Housing Payments – support for those who may be facing hardship in meeting the difference between the rent they are charged and the support they receive to meet it (may be due to the spare room subsidy, or the benefit cap for example)
Council tax support –For those on a low household income and low savings or capital, then help with Council tax via our Local Council tax support scheme https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/benefits/citizen-access-benefits
Help with Energy costs – If you have an energy debt, there may be able to get help from a charitable scheme or organisation to assist.
British Gas offers grants that are open to anyone – you don’t have to be a customer: British Gas Energy Trust
There are also companies who offer grants specifically for their customers– npower Energy Fund; Scottish Power Hardship Fund; Ovo Debt and energy assistance; E.on Energy Fund ; EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
Are you eligible for the Warm Home Discount scheme https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme – could be worth £140 off your bills?
Advice is provided by other organisations such as
National Energy Action – Member of the Public Home Page – NEA
Money Saving Expert–https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/
Turn2us–https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau–https://www.citizensadvicebracknell.org.uk/
Other advice and info
Councillor’s surgery
Mary has her Councillor’s Surgery in the Look in Cafe, Great Hollands Shops, every Wednesday from 12.00 noon until 1.00 pm.
Please come and have a cuppa and a chat. Kathryn joins when she can, but Kathryn works full time.
Mary
Labour Councillor Great Hollands North
If you have any questions, you can email your councillors at GreatHollands@BracknellLabour.org.uk