Helping individuals and families across the Falkirk area get the most from their money is the aim of Fairer Money Week starting next week (Monday 12 November).
Five days of activities are planned at various locations that will help get families and individuals what they may be entitled to financially as well as directing them to other local support.
Staff will be on hand to offer free and confidential one to one support and advice on a wide range of issues including reducing energy costs; welfare and benefits entitlements; debt advice; affordable credit; savings and; directing visitors to other agencies that can help.
There will also be an opportunity to try out Falkirk Council’s Benefits Calculator – a free online service that can give you an estimate of what money you may be entitled to.
Locations
Monday 12th – Howgate Centre, Falkirk 9:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 13th – Falkirk Community Hospital, Falkirk Outpatients 9:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 14th – Tesco, Falkirk Retail Park 9.30am – 4.30pm
Thursday 15th – Asda, Falkirk 9:30am – 4:30pm
Friday 16th – Forth Valley Hospital, Larbert– Atrium 9:30am – 4:30pm
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “Last year’s event proved to be a success with dozens of families and individuals now better off financially after having spoken to trained advisers.
“The Fairer Money Week is designed to bring people in to speak with trained advisers who can point them in the right direction and show them how they can boost their income especially in the run up to Christmas. They can also receive free advice on making savings with their energy bills as well as whole range of advice and support.
“The advice is free and confidential however if you cannot make it to the sessions you can use our online Benefits Calculator to find out how much you may be entitled to.”
Estimates compiled by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that around £428m worth of unclaimed working tax credits or child tax credits, £190m in carers allowance, £210m of pension credit and £251m of housing benefit remains unclaimed in Scotland.