Dumfries & Galloway

Housing Support e newsletter

January 2015 Everything you need to keep the roof over your head Free Bank Accounts

Poverty & Corruption

Barclays Cash Card or Co-op Cash Minder are two of the simplest bank accounts to open which do not charge an operating fee. There are others and as Universal Credit is introduced from April 2015 not having a bank account is no longer an option for those on UC. Remember, it is not necessary to have a Barclays or Co-op bank on your doorstep. Cash is universally available and online accounts are simple to run.

Corruption in Greece is due to weak law enforcement, a lack of audits, absence of codes of conduct, non-transparency of government activities, inefficient bureaucracy, government impunity broad discretionary powers and lack of public awareness. (Wikipedia source)

For people who think they have been denied bank accounts in the past due to poor credit history this is now the time to open one. In fact most banks offer a ‘basic’ account service which are not well publicized. They do not exclude people with a history of CCJ’s or bankrupty. Setting one up requires proof of address and suitable ID determined by the bank. No credit check is conducted. They provide basic account facilities allowing you to pay direct debits, draw cash and pay in and prevent you overdrawing, which means you can no longer run up unseen debt and incur bank charges. An important note to bear in mind concerns unpaid direct debit charges. These apply where due to lack of funds a direct debit goes unpaid. These charges are in the region of £8 each but should be avoidable with budgeting skills and a bit of planning.

Budgeting Skills With bank accounts in mind we offer a budgeting skills pack to show people how to successfully manage their money and bank account. Our system comes complete with paperwork and is simple and easy to follow. We help you set up and run your budget at the speed you want to learn and develop this essential skill. We are happy to meet and assess each individual situation. This includes working with anyone in debt to develop a plan to deal with this.

Step Change Step Change is a debt charity with 20 years experience helping people deal with debt problems. Previously known as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service they have a really helpful, easily accessible website and staff can be contacted for free advice and support on 0800 138 1111. The website includes a 20 minute debt remedy tool allowing anyone to anonymously work through the steps to understanding the best approach they should take to dealing with their own debt. For example a Debt Relief Order (DRO) may result in debt being written off for people on benefits with total debt less than £15,000. A charge of £90 is payable to establish a DRO.

The child poverty rate in Greece has risen from 23% to 40.5% Child poverty increased in 23 countries in the developed world since the start of the global recession in 2008, potentially trapping a generation in a life of material deprivation. A Unicef report says the number of children entering poverty during the recession is 2.6 million greater than the number lifted out of it. Greece and Iceland have the biggest increases in child poverty since 2008, followed by Latvia, Croatia and Ireland. The proportion of children living in poverty in the UK increased from 24% to 25.6%.

Drop In Stranraer 10-12 on Tuesdays, Burns House, 32 Harbour St. DG9 7RA Tel: 01776 700666

Drop In Newton Stewart Wednesday 9a Albert Street, DG8 6EF Tel 07734475919 or 01776 700 666