The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has today (10 April) published information explaining the process for challenging a Council Tax band and answering some common questions The VOA has also recently published a blog explaining how it values properties built after the Council Tax valuation date. The blog sets out what evidence the VOA uses when… read more
From Friday, 8 March, hard copies of 2024/25 Council Tax bills will start to be delivered to Swindon households. From that date, updated information will also be available on the Council’s website to help residents understand the composition of their bill and find out more about the council’s income and expenditure. We’re also encouraging residents… read more
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners across England could pocket an extra £299 if they claim Pension Credit. Those who successfully apply for Pension Credit by next Tuesday (5 March) could also secure a further £299 boost in the form of a Cost of Living payment thanks to backdating rules. Pension Credit, which averages over £3,900… read more
You can reach the organisers of Chiseldon’s food bank at chiseldonfoodbank@gmail.com in confidence if you need their assistance or want to help with provisions.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is today (26 January) encouraging people struggling with the cost of energy bills this winter to contact their council about the financial help available from DWP’s Household Support Fund. The fund can be used to make homes more energy efficient, as well as help households with bills. Councils… read more
The government is encouraging people on low incomes to check if they can benefit from a £150 rebate on their energy bills. The help is available to over three million households in Great Britain that are most at risk of fuel poverty, with many receiving the discount automatically. However, some customers in England and Wales… read more
On 20 January, the Department for Transport announced that passengers will have from 23 to 29 January to claim up to 50% off selected advance and off-peak rail tickets, through the Great British Rail Sale. Over a million discounted tickets will be available to destinations across England and Wales, as well as on cross-border trips… read more
Swindon Borough Council has put together a number of free energy-saving tips. You can see these on their newsletter, linked to below. Energy-saving tips to get ready for winter
If you received the first of three Government Cost of Living Payments back in April/May, look out for the next payment due between 31 October and 19 November. This is the second of three payments, totalling up to £900, for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits…. read more
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today (16 October) announced that more than three million households will be informed that they qualify for the Warm Home Discount. The automatic one-off £150 payment will help eligible, low-income customers in England, Scotland and Wales pay their energy bills over the winter. The government is today… read more