Universal Credit Reductions.
I’ve had my Universal Credit payments reduced for missing an appointment. I don’t think this is fair as I had a good reason for not being able to attend. Now I am struggling... View Article
News and Advice
Advice on Debt.
I recently became a carer for my partner, who I live with, and can no longer work. We’ve started falling behind on our bills and I’m worried our debts are only going to... View Article
Problem Neighbours?
A family has moved in to the house next door and is being a nuisance, yelling late at night over a loud television and leaving bin bags strewn over the front of the... View Article
School Clothing Vouchers and Free School Meals!
Cumbria County Council is urging parents of children beginning or returning to school in September to apply for school clothing vouchers and free school meals. Please Click on the Link below for more... View Article
Advice on free school meals
Were you aware that if you receive Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or Child Tax Credit (some exceptions) then you can apply for free school meals for your children in KS2 or above?... View Article
Advice on credit card debt
Over the past year, I have been getting into debt as my wages don’t keep pace with inflation. Every time I reach my credit card limit, the company increases it automatically. At first... View Article
Advice on auto-enrolment pension
I’ve just started a new job with an auto-enrolment pension. Do I have to join the scheme? I’m worried about meeting my living costs if I do. Even if retirement is a... View Article
Advice on travel insurance
I’m planning a long holiday and have been struggling to find travel insurance for a reasonable price. I’ve found a good deal from a Facebook advert but my friend thinks it might be... View Article
Have you been affected by scams or fraud?
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Advice on problems with mail order deliveries
Have you had problems with on-line parcel delivery? Citizens Advice research has found that two in three online shoppers have had parcels delivered late, damaged, left in non-secure places like rubbish bins, or... View Article
Applying for an “advance payment” of Universal Credit
I am about to apply for Universal Credit for the first time, but have been told that there is a six week wait before the first payment. I’m worried that I won’t be... View Article
Can I claim sick pay?
I took 7 days off work for flu and my employer won’t give me sick pay. I work on a flexible shift contract and when I called in sick they just took me... View Article
South Lakes volunteers crack the Eggheads to win TV quiz show
Last night BBC 2 viewers watched a team of volunteers from Citizens Advice South Lakes triumph over quiz supremos the Eggheads. The team – Sue Thompson, Steve Troake, Christina Greenwood, Dan Hudson and Gareth... View Article
South Lakes Citizens Advice take on the Eggheads!
So here we were, the six of us, sitting in the Green Room of BBC Scotland recording studios being briefed on our imminent encounter with the infamous Eggheads. How had it come to... View Article
Grange-over-Sands office
Service at our office in Hampsfell Road, Grange-over-Sands has now closed. Please contact us on 03444 111444 for any new enquiries, appointments or for telephone advice. For debt and on-going enquiries, telephone 015394 46464.... View Article
Problems with a mobile phone contract?
I recently signed a two year phone contract with a new network provider but the reception in my home is terrible. Can I cancel the contract? Poor signal doesn’t give you a right... View Article
Avoiding debt if you’re out of work
“I was made redundant last month and I’ve already started to fall behind on my bills. I’m looking for work, but is there anything I can do so I don’t end up... View Article
Don’t be stuck with electrical goods that don’t work!
This time of year, many people buy electrical goods. But what do you do if they go wrong? South Lakes Citizens Advice is reminding people to go back to retailers if they... View Article
“I’m worried by how much money I spend on gas. My home is cold and draughty. How can I cut my bills?”
The good news is that there are a few different ways you can use less energy, and also pay less for what you use. Start by checking how much you’re paying per... View Article
Poor credit checks causing problems for payday loan borrowers
Some payday lenders are still failing to carry out basic checks to make sure borrowers can afford to pay back their loans, putting them at risk of serious debt problems. Citizens Advice has... View Article
Holiday problems on the rise!
Flights that don’t exist, hotels next to rubbish dumps and cancelled transfers leaving people stranded are just some of the problems making holidays a misery. Too often people don’t get what they have... View Article
Don`t miss out on school clothing vouchers
Parents of children beginning or returning to school in September are being urged to apply for school clothing vouchers and free school meals. Since 2014, all children in reception and years 1 and... View Article
Too good to be true? – be aware of scams
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is just that. Citizens Advice estimates that UK consumers lose £5 billion every year to scammers – criminals who play on people’s dreams,... View Article
Stan’s Long Run
They say it’s always the quiet ones and true to form, our very own volunteer, Stan Stanning, is attempting something quite remarkable in order to raise funds for South Lakes Citizens Advice. He... View Article