Making the most of your money

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Go to www.stockporthomesenergy.org.uk or call free on 0800 410 1245 to fi nd out how much you could save.

Stockport Homes Energy is an easy way to compare prices and switch suppliers.

Save moneyon your gas andelectricity billswith Stockport Homes Energy

17. Making Most Money

A guide tomaking the mostof your money

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£17. Making the most of your money

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Making the most of your money£

Moving into your own home can be an exciting time, but also an expensive one.

IntroductionWould you like to be better at making the most of your money?Are you having problems managing your money?Do you want advice on how to better manage your debts?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, this section of the handbook can help you by:

• giving you some basic information and advice to help you deal with your money; and

• providing details of agencies in Stockport who can help you with your finances.

Even if you do feel you can manage your money, this section of the handbook has useful tips on how to save money and spend wisely.

If you have money worries it is important to deal with them as soon as possible. They will not go away and the longer you leave them the worse the situation will become. There is always someone who can help you.

The cost of running your homeMoving into your own home can be an exciting time – but also an expensive one.

If you have managed household bills before, you will know about the costs involved in running a home. However, if you are managing a household budget for the first time, you will need to think carefully about how much money you will need to set up your home and pay your regular bills. There are many ways of reducing the amount you pay.

How much money do you have coming in (income)?

Firstly, you need to know how much money you have coming in. This could include:

• Wages (including student loans);

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Pay your rent in advance weekly or monthly, this will avoid getting into debt (or rent arrears).

• Benefits and Tax Credits; and• Pension(s).

Now have a look at how much you need to spend each week or each month and check that you have enough money coming in to pay for your rent, bills (energy and water), food, travel, debt and savings. See below for more information.

What should I budget for (expenditure)?

There are several things you need to budget for, including:

Rent - Pay your rent in advance weekly or monthly, this will avoid getting into debt (or rent arrears). If you are a Stockport Homes customer your rent now includes water charges which will not be covered by Housing Benefit. Go to page 111 for more information about paying your rent.

Energy - You need to pay for heat and light in your home. Go to page 180 for more information about saving money on your energy bills.

Food - On average you should allow £30 a week per person for food and other small household items (for example, cleaning products).

Debts and savings - If you have borrowed money, you need to pay it back regularly. It’s also important to plan and save for events like birthdays, Christmas and emergencies. By putting small amounts aside regularly you will be able to cope with these events without getting into debt. Why not open a savings account with Stockport Credit Union? (see page 175 for details).

Travel - If you have a car, you need to pay for insurance, tax, fuel and maintenance. If you use public transport and are 60 or over you will be entitled to free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. You may also get free bus travel if you are ‘registered as disabled’. Please phone Greater Manchester Public Transport on 0161 244 1050 for details.

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Council tax - This pays for local council services like policing and rubbish collection. If you receive Housing Benefit you could get Council Tax Benefit. Also, if you live alone, are on a low wage or are disabled, you may qualify for a reduction in your council tax bill. Please call 0161 217 6015 for more information.

What else should I budget for?

School meals - If your children have school meals, you will need to budget £10 a week for each child. Your child may receive free meals if you get Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or a high rate of Child Tax Credit. Please call 0161 217 6015 for more information on free school meals and clothing grants.

Clothes - For families you should allow £30-£50 a month for each child, especially young children. As a guide, allow £20-£25 a month for each adult.

Where can I get help on budgeting?

The Citizens Advice Bureau can give you advice on budgeting and debt, as well as many other subjects. There are three offices in Stockport: Central Stockport, Marple and Cheadle. For more information, please visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website www.citizensadvicebureau.org.uk or call 0844 826 9800 for advice and local opening times.

Benefits

Many people do not claim the benefits they are entitled to.

Even a small amount of extra money can make a big difference, so it pays to spend time finding out about what you can claim.

Where do I start?

You may be entitled to benefits if you or someone in your household is:• over pension age;• unemployed;

Stockport Homes runs a ‘Making the Most of Your Money’ Skills for Life training course (free for all customers).

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• off work due to illness or incapacity;• pregnant;• a parent or new parent;• sick or disabled;• working but on a low wage;• widowed;• recently bereaved;• caring for someone who is sick or disabled; or• a student.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

You may be able to get help with your rent (Housing Benefit) and council tax (Council Tax Benefit) even if you are working for an employer or are self-employed.

Stockport Council has a benefits calculator to help you find out if you are entitled to Housing Benefit and / or Council Tax Benefit. Visit http://interactive.stockport.gov.uk/hbcalculator/ to try it out or call Stockport Council Housing Benefit and Council Tax Team on 0161 217 6015 or email [email protected]

If you are eligible for Housing Benefit and / or Council Tax Benefit, you could also get free school meals for your child / children and a clothing grant towards uniforms for secondary pupils. You will need to fill in an application for free school meals and a clothing grant form. Call the Free School Meals and Clothing Grants Team on 0161 217 6015 or email [email protected]

Understanding benefits

There are different types of benefit for different circumstances. Some can only be claimed if you have paid enough National Insurance, while others are paid depending on your circumstances or the amount of money you already have. If your income is below a certain level you may be able to claim Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

You become liable to pay your rent from the date your tenancy agreement begins. If you have made a claim for Housing Benefit the earliest date your claim can start is the Monday after you move into the property. So, if you delay moving in, you could find yourself in rent arrears as your Housing Benefit will not begin until you move in.

Many people do not claim the benefits they are entitled to.



If you lose your job it is important to start claiming benefits straight away to ensure your rent and council tax is covered. There are some exceptions to this rule – for more information see ‘Advice and support’ below.

Some benefits can be claimed no matter how much money you have, for example, Child Benefit and Disability Living Allowance.

Tax and Pension Credits can be claimed depending on your income and situation. For example, if you work and have children you may be able to claim specific Tax Credits. Older people may be able to claim Pension Credit depending on their income and savings.

Advice and support

There are several agencies that can provide you with advice and support with your benefits, including:

Council Advice and Information Officers

The Council Advice and Information Officers can give you advice on benefits and tax credits as well as council services, consumer problems, money matters, health issues and housing problems. You can see them by calling into one of the Stockport Direct Local Centres. There are local centres all over Stockport.

To find your nearest Stockport Direct Centre, please see the list below. Please go Stockport Council’s Stockport Direct page www.stockport.gov.uk/stockportdirect or call 0161 217 6009 for the opening hours.

AdswoodNearest Advice Service is in Bridgehall (see below for details).

Bramhall Advice ServiceBramhall Library, 70 Bramhall Lane South SK7 2DU

Bredbury Advice ServiceBredbury Library, George Lane SK6 1DJ

Bridgehall Advice ServiceBridgehall Community Centre, Siddington Avenue SK3 8NR

Some benefits can be claimed no matter how much money you have.



Brinnington Advice ServiceFirst House, 367 Brinnington Road SK5 8EN

Cheadle Advice ServiceCheadle Library, Ashfield Road, Cheadle SK8 1BB

Cheadle Hulme Advice Service6 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme SK8 5AE

Hazel Grove Advice ServiceHazel Grove Library, Beech Avenue, Hazel Grove SK7 4QP

Heald Green Advice ServiceHeald Green Library, Finney Lane, Heald Green SK8 3JB

Marple Advice ServiceMarple Library, Memorial Park, Marple SK6 6BA

Offerton Advice ServiceDialstone Library, Lisburne Lane, Offerton SK2 7LL

Reddish Advice ServiceStockport Direct, Houldsworth Centre, 2 Gorton Rd, Reddish SK5 7AF

Home visits can be arranged for people who are housebound.

Welfare Rights Service

The Welfare Rights Service advises people on problems with social security benefits and tax credits, including representation at appeal tribunals. Welfare Rights Officers can be seen by appointment at:

• Fred Perry House, Edward Street;• Stepping Hill Hospital; and • Local Centres in Reddish and Brinnington.

Home visits can be arranged for people who are housebound. Please call Stockport Council Welfare Rights (to make an appointment or request a home visit) on 0161 474 3093.Stockport Council Debtline 0161 474 3116 (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons only).

The Council Advice and Information Officers can give you advice on benefits and tax credits as well as council services, consumer problems, money matters, health issues, and housing problems.



The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

The Citizens Advice Bureau can give you advice on benefits and tax credits as well as many other subjects. There are three offices in Stockport: Central Stockport, Marple and Cheadle. For more information, please visit Stockport Citizens Advice Bureau’s website www.stockportcab.org.uk Alternatively, you can call them on 0844 826 9800 for advice (the phone line is open 2pm Monday – Friday) and local opening times.

Debt Outreach Worker

Stockport Homes employs a Debt Outreach Worker exclusively for Stockport Council tenants. You can call the Debt Outreach Worker on 0161 218 1304 or email [email protected] if you need advice on debts or benefits you may be entitiled to.

Signpost Stockport for Carers

A carer is defined as ‘somebody who looks after a relative, partner or friend who is ill, disabled or confused’.

Signpost Stockport for Carers is an independent charity which provides free, confidential information to all unpaid carers in Stockport. You can visit the Signpost Stockport for Carers website www.signpostforcarers.org.uk for more information on local and national services.

They can also be contacted at: Signpost Stockport for CarersThe Heatons Centre,Thornfield Road,Heaton Moor,Stockport SK4 3LDTel: 0161 442 0442 Email: [email protected]

A carer is defined as ‘somebody who looks after a relative, partner of friend who is ill, disabled or confused’.



Borrowing moneyThere are lots of ways to borrow money. Some of these will cost you a lot more than others. It is very important to only borrow what you can afford to pay back. We all need to access some extra cash from time-to-time, but for some, access to affordable credit can be very difficult and many people turn to doorstop lenders for help.

Doorstep lenders (sometimes known as ‘home credit’)

Money lent to you by ‘doorstep lenders’ (such as salespeople who come and knock on your door) can be expensive. If you do consider taking out a loan from a doorstep lender you should:

• ask to see their lender’s licence or other authorisation. If they don’t have one, they are operating illegally, so don’t use them;

• be clear about the amount you are borrowing, how much you must repay and for how long you will be making repayments;

• ask how much in total the loan is going to cost you; and• make sure you understand what will happen if you can’t keep

up the repayments.

If you borrow £100 over one year from a doorstop lender you may have to pay back £171.

The repayment on the same loan from a credit union would be just £107, that’s a saving of £64!

There are also other companies which will lend you money, but charge you a lot for doing so, or let you pay for things like a new television or fridge by weekly instalments. These are high cost credit providers. Sometimes you may not know how much you are paying back, often it is a lot more than you think.

Loan sharks

Loan sharks are unlicensed lenders. They operate illegally and will lend you money when nobody else will, but:• their rates will be very high and you may find it difficult to

keep up the repayments;• you may be forced to get a second loan to pay off the first,

causing your debts to get out of control; and• they may use violence or intimidation to collect debts.

It is very important to only borrow what you can afford to pay back.



For confidential help and advice, please contact the Illegal Money Lending Team on 0300 555 2222.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The key thing to look for when borrowing is the APR, which tells you the full cost of a loan, taking into account the length of the loan, interest rate, any payment protection insurance (that the lender chooses to make compulsory) and other costs. Lenders must tell you the APR before you sign an agreement. It will vary from lender to lender. Generally, the lower the APR, the better the deal for you.

Based on a 52 week loan, the table below shows an example of how borrowing money from different lenders at different APRs can affect the interest you have to pay back.

Credit unions

Credit unions are owned and managed by their members. They offer savings and affordable loans, especially when compared to doorstep lenders. Your money has the same protection as money in the bank.

Generally, the lower the APR, the better the deal for you.

Illegal lender

High cost credit providers

Doorstep lender

Credit union

Amount of loan

£300

£300

£300

£300

Typical APR

1000%

246.50%

177%

12.68%

Weekly repayable amount

£57.50

£17

£9.00

£6.15

Totalpayable

£3000.32

£884

£495.00

£318.64

Total interest payable

£2700.32

£584

£195.00

£18.64



Stockport Credit Union

Web: http://home.btconnect.com/stockportcu/Tel: 0161 430 5808 Email: [email protected]

Stockport Credit Union was formed in December 2005 and offers a savings account to adults living or working in Stockport and their children can join too. Regular adult savers can also access low cost loans with a monthly interest rate of just 1%, this works out at 12.68% APR. If you borrow £1,000 it will cost you less than £60 in interest to repay the loan within a year, based on regular weekly or monthly payments. There are no arrangement fees and no penalty fee if you decide to repay your loan early.

How do I join?

1. Complete an application form.2. Go to a collection point.3. Take with you your form, £1.20 joining fee and at least £1 to

open the account.

Child members (aged 0 – 16 years old) do not have to pay a joining fee and can open their account with 10p. However, a child member needs to open their account with an adult member.

How do I pay money in?

There are collection points all over Stockport, visit http://home.btconnect.com/stockportcu/collecpoints.html or call Stockport Credit Union on 0161 430 5808 for more information.

You can also set up a standing order to pay money directly from your bank to your Stockport Credit Union account or even pay directly from your wage.

Useful contact details - debt advice

Citizens Advice BureauTel: 0844 826 9800 Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Consumer Credit Counselling ServiceTel: 0800 138 1111 Web: www.cccs.co.uk

Credit unions are owned and managed by their members. They offer savings and affordable loans, especially when compared to doorstep lenders.



Managing money problems

Most people will borrow money at some time in their lives. This debt only becomes a problem when you cannot pay it back.

People get into debt for all sorts of reasons, for example, losing a job, taking on a caring role, becoming pregnant, separating from a partner or becoming ill or disabled.

If you have borrowed more money than you can repay, or you have built up rent or fuel bills that you cannot afford to pay back, then you must take steps to sort things out.

It can be tempting to bury your head in the sand, but the longer you leave it, the worse it will get. Help and support is available and you will be able to take control of your finances again and look positively towards the future.

Which debts should I pay back first?

It is important to understand the difference between ‘priority’ and ‘non-priority’ debts. Your biggest debt will not necessarily be the most important one to pay back first.

I can’t afford to pay my rent, what should I do?

If you are having problems paying your rent, you must contact Stockport Homes’ Customer Finance Team straight away for help and advice on 0161 474 2677 if you live in the east area or 0161 474 2668 if you live in the west area. If you stop paying your rent you could lose your home. Keeping a roof over your head is far more important than paying off loans.

Which debts should I prioritise?

The following tables show the debts which are most important and which you should deal with first. It also states what may happen if you do not deal with them.

If you have borrowed more money than you can repay, or you have built up rent or fuel bills that you cannot afford to pay back, then you must take steps to sort things out.



Important debts include:

Less important debts include:

Debt Possible action against you

Rent / water charges Support to ensure payment / notice of possible court action / court action / eviction from your home.

Gas / electricity Supply cut off / pre-payment meter fitted.

Council tax Seizure of personal goods / deduction from income or benefits.

TV licence Imprisonment.

Magistrates’ court fines Court fine / seizure of personal goods / imprisonment.

Maintenance Seizure of personal goods / deduction from income or benefits / imprisonment.

Child support payments Deduction from income or benefits / imprisonment.

Income tax, National Insurance, VAT arrears

Seizure of goods / deduction from income or benefits / imprisonment / take away driving licence. Seizure of personal goods / bankruptcy.

Debt Possible action against you

Unsecured loans (including doorstep lenders)

County court claim / disconnection.

Telephone arrears County court claim.

Store cards Court fine / seizure of personal goods / imprisonment.

Credit cards Seizure of personal goods / deduction from income or benefits / imprisonment.

Former tenant arrears County court claim.

Hire purchase arrears Repossession of goods (this could become a priority debt if it affects your ability to work).



County Court Judgment (CCJs)

Someone you owe money to (a ‘creditor’) can take a county court action against you to claim the money. If you pay the amount outstanding in full, including the court costs, you can avoid a judgment. If you don’t pay it, and you do not dispute the debt, you should send back the court reply with an offer of payment. It is a good idea to seek advice at this stage – see the ‘who can help me’ section.

If the creditor accepts your offer the court will issue a CCJ and it is important that you then keep up the payments. If the creditor does not accept your offer, a payment rate will be set by the court which you can appeal against if you think it’s too high.

County Court Judgment (CCJ) records

Unless you pay the full amount of the judgment within one month, your CCJ will be recorded on the Register of County Court Judgments and on your credit file for six years.

Organisations such as banks, building societies and loan companies use your credit file to help decide whether to give you credit or loans, like a mortgage.

Who can help me?

Stockport Debt Advice Service offers free independent advice, support and assistance with debt problems to Stockport residents. It is run by experienced debt advisers employed by Stockport Council with some funding from the Legal Services Commission.

Their team of specialist debt advisors can offer expert information, advice, negotiation, advocacy and professional representation on debt problems as well as giving advice on welfare benefits.

They can advise on:• budgeting and maximising income;• basic bank accounts;• credit debts;• rent and council tax arrears;• fuel and water bills;• bankruptcy;• repossessions – including representation at court;• Charging Orders – including representation at court;

Stockport Debt Advice Service offers free independent advice, support and assistance with debt problems to Stockport residents.



• Administration Orders – including representation at court;• bailiff’s action; and• individual voluntary arrangements.

To contact the Debt Advice Service, please phone0161 474 3091 (weekdays 9.00am to 5.00pm, 4.30pm on Fridays). You will be asked for some brief details and may be referred for an appointment. You can also [email protected]

The service is based at Fred Perry House, Edward Street, Stockport. The Council’s Debt Advice Service works closely with other local debt advice organisations offering specialist debt advice for Stockport residents.

It is important that you get advice about debts quickly, and so we strongly recommend that you seek help from the Debt Advice Service or one of the organisations listed below.

National Debtline

Phone 0808 808 4000 (free from a landline) weekdays between 9.00am and 9.00pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 1.00pm. This free, independent charity can advise you about all personal debts. You can get more information online at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Other organisations who may be able to help you include:• Stockport Citizens Advice Bureau: telephone 0844 826 9800

or go to www.stockportcab.org.uk for the opening hours and addresses.

• Stockport Direct Local Centres: ring 0161 217 6009, email [email protected] or go to

www.stockport.gov.uk/stockportdirect for the opening hours and addresses.

• Housing Options: if you are homeless or need advice and help about housing issues telephone 0161 474 4237 or go to

www.stockporthomes.org under ‘Our Sevices / Housing Options’.

It is important that you get advice about debts quickly.



Saving money on your energy bills

Gas and electricity

There are two main ways in which you could reduce you energy bills: 1. Comparing gas and electricity to find the best deal.2. Making your home more energy efficient.

Water

You can save money by getting a water meter installed into your home or by changing your water charging methods. Stockport Homes customers saved £37,000 during 2010 – 2011 on their water bills. Call the Water Metering Project Officer on 0161 218 1669 for more information or to book a home visit to check whether or not you would be better off on an alternative charging method.

Compare gas and electricity

Comparing gas and electricity prices on a regular basis is one way of paying as little as possible for gas and electricity. You could save up to £300 per year by comparing and switching suppliers.

You can compare and switch energy suppliers by visiting www.stockporthomesenergy.org.uk or calling 0800 410 1245 (freephone, Monday – Thursday 9.00am – 6.00pm, Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm, and Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm).

Please see the Stockport Homes leaflet ‘Looking to save money on your energy bills?’ for a step-by-step guide of how to switch and save using www.stockporthomesenergy.org.uk

Remember the golden rules of using comparison services

1. Compare your actual usage over a long period of time, such as a year, to give a more accurate comparison result.

2. Opt for dual fuel – get your gas and electricity from the same supplier.

You could save up to £300 per year by comparing and switching suppliers. You can compare and switch energy suppliers by visitingwww.stockport homesenergy.org.uk or calling 0800 410 1245.



3. Pay by direct debit – most suppliers offers discounts to those using this method of payment.

This way you can be sure that you are getting the best deal.

Social tariffs

All energy suppliers have to offer their most vulnerable customers cheaper tariffs. These are called social tariffs and offer cheaper energy deals and extra free services to certain customers. You may qualify for a social tariff if you are over 60, on means tested benefits or on a low income.

For more information on the eligibility criteria and how you could switch to this type of tariff visit http://bit.ly/socialtariffs

Remember: social tariffs may not be covered by searches on a comparison services website.

Energy efficiency

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household could save around £250 through energy efficiency measures.

Below are some energy saving tips that can help reduce your consumption and save money:

Adjust your heating Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C. This could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent.

Lights Use low-energy light bulbs – they can last 15 times longer than standard bulbs.

TVSwitch off what you’re not using – be it your TV, radio, computer or room lights.

WashingWash your clothes at 30 degrees instead of a higher temperature and you could use around 40 per cent less electricity.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average household could save around £250 through energy efficiency measures.



Water Have a shower instead of a bath, it’s faster and cheaper.

The following websites can also give you ideas on how to make your home more energy efficient:

http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/energy-help-andadvice/households/reducing-bills

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

www.stockport.gov.uk/killthechill

Supermarkets

Supermarkets reduce prices on products nearing their best before date. This usually happens at the end of the day. The times are listed below.

Asda 5.00pm - 9.00pmSainsbury’s 5.00pm - 9.00pmCo-op 5.00pm - 7.00pmMorrisons 5.00pm - 7.00pmTesco 4.00pm - 8.00pm

Rent

Paying your rent is a top priority

When you sign your tenancy agreement for your home, you make a legally binding agreement with us to pay your rent. Your rent includes water charges which will not be covered by Housing Benefit. Your rent money is used to:• carry out repairs to your home;• carry out improvements to your home;• keep the estate tidy; and• other estate management services.

You can choose to pay your rent in various ways. Every rent week starts on a Monday. You can pay your rent weekly, fortnightly or monthly, but it should be paid in advance.

Your rent includes water charges which will not be covered by Housing Benefit.



So, for example, if you pay monthly you should pay February’s rent at the end of January.

Anyone can fall behind with their payments at some time, only a small change in your circumstances can make a difference. If this happens, you must talk to us so that we can sort out the problem together. The problems will not go away, and the longer you leave them, the worse they will become. We will take action if you don’t pay your rent or you don’t try to work with us to solve your money problems.

If you owe a significant number of weeks rent, we will generally take court action against you. At this stage you are in serious danger of losing your home.

After we have served you with a notice, you will receive a summons to appear in court for possession of your home and it is likely that you will have to pay all legal expenses we incur in taking you to court.

Even at this stage you still have time to make reasonable arrangements with us to pay your arrears. If you do, we will ask for the possession order to be suspended. The court will then make an order for you to pay an agreed amount on top of your weekly rent / water charges.

As long as you maintain your court order arrangement and your arrears do not increase, we will not enforce the possession order to repossess your home.

You can make payments to us as follows:

By direct debitYou can pay your rent and water charges by direct debit weekly or monthly (on 1st, 8th, 15th or 22nd) and receive an annual discount for doing so. Simply ring the Customer Finance Team on 0161 474 2668 (west) or 0161 474 2677 (east).

By telephoneYou can pay using a debit or credit card by telephoning0161 474 2677 (east) or 0161 474 2668 (west) during office hours or 0161 474 4050 during evenings and weekends. This service is available 24 hours a day.

You can pay your rent and water charges by direct debit weekly or monthly (on 1st, 8th, 15th or 22nd) and receive an annual discount for doing so.



On the internetYou can pay with a debit card or credit card at: www.stockport.gov.uk/payments

At a Post Office or Paypoint /Payzone outlet

You can pay at any Post Office or any retail outlet displaying the Paypoint / Payzone logo using a swipe card. Post Offices are open on Saturday mornings and many Paypoint / Payzone outlets are open seven days a week and late nights.

To request a free payment swipe card, please telephone our Customer Finance Team on 0161 474 2677 (east) or0161 474 2668 (west).

Basic bank accounts

Why do I need a bank account?

There are lots of good reasons to have a bank account, including:• you can have benefits paid straight into your bank account;• you can pay bills, for example, your rent, by direct debit;• helping to give you a good credit record and you may be able

to benefit from other banking services; and• cashing cheques can be difficult and cost you money if you

don’t have a bank account to pay your cheque into.

What is a basic bank account?

The Government says that banks have to make basic bank accounts available to everyone, even people with a poor credit record.

How do I open a basic bank account?

You will need to:• visit the bank you would like to use and ask to open a basic

bank account; and• show them at least two proofs of your identity and where you

live, for example a passport, driving licence, utility bill or letter from a Government department or local council confirming

Most basic bank accounts will offer a cash card so you can take out money free of charge at a cash machine or post office.

6. Data



your right to state benefits, for example, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit.

What can I use my basic bank account for?

You will be able to:• pay money into your account;• pay cheques into your account;• have benefits paid directly into your account; and• set up regular direct debits to pay bills.

Also, most basic bank accounts will offer a cash card so you can take out money free of charge at a cash machine or post office.

Will I have a cheque book and debit card?

Probably not, most basic bank accounts do not offer a cheque book or debit card.

Can I be overdrawn?

Most basic bank accounts will not allow you to have an overdraft. If you do not have enough money in your account to cover any payments going out (for example, direct debits) you may be charged. It is really important to make sure you have enough money in your account to pay your bills.

How will I know how much is in my account?

You will receive regular statements from the bank and you will probably be able to check your balance at a Post Office, online or cash machine at any time.

You will receive regular statements from the bank and you will probably be able to check your balance at a Post Office, online or cash machine at any time.



Home insuranceYou’re responsible for insuring the contents of your home from fire, theft and flood damage.

Stockport Homes offer affordable home contents insurance. There is no excess to pay on your policy if you ever need to make a claim, and future premiums will not increase as a result. For peace of mind at an affordable price, pick up an application pack from your area housing office or ask for one to be sent to you.

Cost of home insurance

Please see the table below for a guide to the cost of home insurance. Please note: the premiums shown in the table are payable over 48 weeks. There are other home insurance providers such as Age UK.

For peace of mind at an affordable price, pick up an application pack from your area housing office or ask for one to be sent to you.

Sum insured

Weekly cost(standard cover)

£6,000* £1.17

£7,000* £1.36

£8,000* £1.56

£9,000 £1.75

£10,000 £1.95

£11,000 £2.14

£12,000 £2.34

£13,000 £2.53

£14,000 £2.73

£15,000 £2.92

Sum insured


£16,000 £3.12

£17,000 £3.31

£18,000 £3.51

£19,000 £3.70

£20,000 £3.90

£21,000 £4.09

£22,000 £4.29

£23,000 £4.48

£24,000 £4.68

£25,000 £4.87

Sum insured


£26,000 £5.06

£27,000 £5.26

£28,000 £5.45

£29,000 £5.65

£30,000 £5.84

£31,000 £6.04

£32,000 £6.23

£33,000 £6.43

£34,000 £6.62

£35,000 £6.82

All risksPersonal belongings £0.80 per £1,000 per weekWheelchairs / hearing aids £0.97 per £1,000 per weekPedal cycles £0.28 per £100 per week

* Only available to people over 60 years old.

Documents

Making the most of your money