Author: Clerk

If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off. The following energy suppliers offer grants to their customers:   British Gas Energy Trust – apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/   Ovo Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/debt-and-energy-assistance   E.ON Next Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website https://www.eonenergy.com/more-for-your-home/energy-fund.html   EDF Energy Customer Support Fund – apply for a grant on the EDF Energy Customer Support Fund website https://www.edfenergy.com/for-home/help-centre/faq/extra-support-when-you-need-it?steps=23147#chapter-23146-6   Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ – apply for a grant on the Octopus website https://octopus.energy/blog/struggling-to-pay/   If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone – you don’t have to be a British Gas customer. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/     For older people (of/over state retirement age) don’t forget the Friends of the elderly charity grants   Friends of the Elderly provides small grants (normally up to £400) to older people who meet all of the following criteria:: Resident in England and Wales Of/over state pension age Who are living on low incomes and with little savings Who do not fit the criteria for other funders Their grant streams include: FINANCIAL SUPPORT grants are help with unexpected bills and large costs such as utility bills, funeral costs for loved ones, moving fees etc. https://www.fote.org.uk/our-charity-work/grants-2/

Please see the below from Norfolk County Council:

This survey is part of the Norfolk County Council EXPERIENCE project and is about Winter  tourism. It will be carried out every six months over a 3-year period, focussing on winter and summer tourism alternately, you may have seen the previous one issued in September about Summer tourism.

To take part please click on this link:

https://surreyfbel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3mAyHco7YbS9IKq

More information:

• The results will be used to tailor the activities of the project and to better understand the benefits and disadvantages of tourism for local people.
• Anyone who is over 18 and a resident in Norfolk can take part.
• There’s a prize draw for £40 of Jarrold vouchers for participants (excluding employees of Norfolk County Council and their families, and anyone involved in the prize draw).  
• The survey closes at midnight on Friday 1^st April.

Please see the below from Great Yarmouth Borough Council:

Thousands of residents in and around Great Yarmouth who are in line for the government’s £150 energy rebate are being urged to check how they will receive their cash payment.

People living in properties rated in Council Tax bands rated A-D are eligible for the one-off payment which the government has introduced to help people with rising energy costs.

Although it is called a rebate, the government has asked councils to pay the money direct into people’s bank accounts as a one-off payment, rather than take it off council tax bills.

This means people who already pay their council tax by direct debit will get the money automatically next month without needing to do anything, as Great Yarmouth Borough Council already holds bank details.

For anyone who pays by another method, the council will need to collect bank account details to be able to make the payment. Residents should wait to hear from the council during April to share these details – there is no need to contact the council in advance, just watch out for your application form in the post.

The Council has issued the following top tips for council tax payers:

• Check if you are eligible for the payment: to qualify for the rebate you must be in a property rated in council tax bands A to D, and not be a second home or empty property. If you are unsure of your council tax band, check online at www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands or check your printed council tax bill
• Make sure you pay your council tax by direct debit: if you don’t already, it’s not too late – sign up online at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/directdebitform by March 31
• If you don’t want to pay by Direct Debit, don’t worry: the council will contact you during April to get your bank details to make sure you don’t miss out. You do not need to contact the council but do look out for the application form.
• It doesn’t matter if you get a council tax discount: people who receive a single person’s discount or other council tax support will still get the full £150 payment
• Remember to keep paying your council tax: the £150 is being paid straight to your bank account,  so you will still need to pay your council tax as normal. You will receive a bill for the new financial year from April in the next few weeks.
• The money is yours to keep: unlike the £200 energy rebate being paid via electricity and gas bills in the autumn, this is a one-off payment that won’t affect your future bills
• If you live in a higher band property, you still might be able to get help: the Government is providing some money to help people in higher-rated homes. The details of who will be able to receive this are being worked out and will be published soon.

Relaxed, informal and free sessions

Conversation, Easy Crafts, Refreshments and a Slipper Swap for unpaid carers of people living with dementia and those cared for.

Exchange your old slippers for a free new pair

The last Wednesday of every month in Gorleston Library 10:00 – 12:00

• 30th March – Reflective portraits and poems
• 27th April – Mindful painting, flower pots & mini canvas
• 25th May – Decorative Rocks
• 29th June – Celebrating the Jubilee with crafts and afternoon tea

For more information monument@norfolk.gov.uk / 01603 223146

Drop-ins welcome space permitting or you can book. Stay as long as you like.

Relaxed, informal and free sessions:

Conversation, crafts and refreshments for unpaid family carers of people living with Dementia and those cared for.

Join us at the Steam Café Gorleston High Street.

Enjoy a range of easy craft activities, refreshments and chat in a friendly environment.

The 3rd Monday of every month in Steam Café Gorleston 10:00 – 12:00

• 21st March—Reflective Portraits and Poems
• April is closed for Bank Holiday
• 16th May – Mindful Painting – Pots, Canvas and Rocks to decorate your garden
• 20th June – Celebrating the Jubilee with crafts and refreshments

For more information: monument@norfolk.gov.uk
or call: 01603 223146 /07785 655872
Drop-ins welcome space permitting or you can book. Stay as long as you like.