Guarantor loans fill gap between banks and payday lenders
By Kenneth Long

There is something amiss when a declined bank applicant goes straight to a high street lender. Many of these customers with shaky credit could still borrow money at a somewhat reasonable rate, but only if…

In categories: EnglandNorthern IrelandScotlandWales
Blaenau Gwent food banks fight extreme poverty
By Kenneth Long

Multiple charities have accepted the challenge to create a network of food aid throughout Blaenau Gwent. The borough has become a land long forgotten by industry. The families that remain have found themselves battling extreme poverty, unable to…

In categories: Blaenau Gwent
Caerphilly bond guarantee scheme assists new tenancies
By Kenneth Long

The introduction of a bond scheme by Caerphilly County Borough Council was innovative at the time of its creation in 2003. It was hailed as a way to help lower income residents and those receiving…

In categories: Caerphilly
Bridgend food banks
By Kenneth Long

Bridgend volunteers and community groups support donation drives aimed to feed neighbours in need. Food banks stockpile these donated items in order to distribute them to local residents that have experienced a recent hardship. Volunteers…

In categories: Bridgend
Help with heating costs
By Jon McNamara

An effort is made to provide assistance for heating costs to individuals on a low income and to keep families warm during the winter. There are services provided by councils, charities, and the government, and…

In categories: EnglandNorthern IrelandScotlandWales
Bridgend Bond Board deposit guarantee scheme
By Kenneth Long

Tenants who are permanent residents of Bridgend are protected from homelessness by a scheme that can replace the traditional cash rent deposit. Guarantees are made by the Bridgend Bond Board to assist people who are…

In categories: Bridgend
Payment plans for energy bills
By Jon McNamara

Households in arrears on their utility bills need to seek help to stop a disconnection. They can contact their energy provider to enter in to a short term payment arrangement, or they can agree to a…

In categories: EnglandScotlandWales
Conwy and Denbighshire Bond Scheme fulfills rent deposit
By Kenneth Long

The councils of Conwy and Denbighshire have partnered to help their citizens gain access to affordable rental housing. They lend their support to the charity Nacro which administers the Conwy and Denbighshire Bond Scheme. The…

In categories: ConwyDenbighshire
Cardiff Food Banks
By Kenneth Long

Food donation is quickly becoming a main staple of social aid services in the Welsh capital. These Cardiff food banks have had to make adjustments to schedules, add community partners and increase the number of…

In categories: Cardiff
ECO free boiler replacement scheme may end soon
By Kenneth Long

Citizens who are struggling to repay high heating bills may be eligible for some serious relief. The Free Boiler Replacement Scheme is an energy efficiency programme which is formally known as Energy Companies Obligation (ECO). It…

In categories: EnglandScotlandWales