TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Cold Weather Payments
If you are on a low income you might be entitled to extra help during the cold weather. You might be able to get a cold weather payment for every week of very cold weather in your area. It does not matter what you spend the money on and you do not have to pay it back. This year the cold weather payment is £25 for each period of cold weather.
To get a cold weather payment you have to be receiving certain benefits. If you are and the weather is cold enough in your area you will automatically receive this payment. You do not have to apply to get it. If you think you should get a cold weather payment but you are not paid you should contact your pension office or Jobcentre Plus.
If you have access to the Internet you can find out if a cold weather payment is being paid in your area by logging on to the direct.gov.uk website and going to postcode search. Input your postcode and it will tell you if one (or more) is due in your area.
Work and the Snow Your Rights
If you had problems getting to work because of snow or freezing conditions you should know your rights. Your employer might have a bad weather policy. This should say what is expected from you and what you should do if the weather and public transport means that you cannot get to work. If you cannot get to work because of snow your employer can dock your pay. However, you should not be disciplined or dismissed if your absence was due to circumstances beyond your control. You may be able to negotiate with your employer to work at home, to make up the hours or take the time off as annual leave to avoid loosing pay.
School Closures due to Bad Weather
If your child’s school was closed unexpectedly due to the bad weather recently and you were unable to make alternative childcare arrangements you would have the right to unpaid time off from work to deal with the situation.
Boiler Scrappage Scheme
If your boiler is old and inefficient you might be able to get help with replacing it. The Government is offering £400 towards a new A-rated boiler or renewable heat technology. This will be paid to the first 125,000 households who are eligible and register for the scheme. Some companies are also offering discount if you get a voucher. To be eligible for the scheme your boiler must be G-rated or worse. Before you register you have to arrange an installer for your new boiler. The installer must visit and give you a quote. You can choose your own installer but they must be registered with Gas Safe or the Microgeneration Certificate Scheme for renewable heat units. More information and advice is available on their advice line on 0800 512 012 or www.energysavingstrust.org.uk. Vouchers will be issued from 18 January 2010.
Changes to VAT
VAT Added Tax (VAT) is the tax you pay when you buy goods and services in the European Union. The rate of VAT in the UK has just changed. From 1 January 2010 VAT is 17.5% on most goods and services that you buy. If you have a bill for work that started before 1
To get a cold weather payment you have to be receiving certain benefits. If you are and the weather is cold enough in your area you will automatically receive this payment. You do not have to apply to get it. If you think you should get a cold weather payment but you are not paid you should contact your pension office or Jobcentre Plus.
If you have access to the Internet you can find out if a cold weather payment is being paid in your area by logging on to the direct.gov.uk website and going to postcode search. Input your postcode and it will tell you if one (or more) is due in your area.
Work and the Snow Your Rights
If you had problems getting to work because of snow or freezing conditions you should know your rights. Your employer might have a bad weather policy. This should say what is expected from you and what you should do if the weather and public transport means that you cannot get to work. If you cannot get to work because of snow your employer can dock your pay. However, you should not be disciplined or dismissed if your absence was due to circumstances beyond your control. You may be able to negotiate with your employer to work at home, to make up the hours or take the time off as annual leave to avoid loosing pay.
School Closures due to Bad Weather
If your child’s school was closed unexpectedly due to the bad weather recently and you were unable to make alternative childcare arrangements you would have the right to unpaid time off from work to deal with the situation.
Boiler Scrappage Scheme
If your boiler is old and inefficient you might be able to get help with replacing it. The Government is offering £400 towards a new A-
Changes to VAT
VAT Added Tax (VAT) is the tax you pay when you buy goods and services in the European Union. The rate of VAT in the UK has just changed. From 1 January 2010 VAT is 17.5% on most goods and services that you buy. If you have a bill for work that started before 1