Homeless charity’s 254% increase in demand for services
A homeless charity on the South Coast has seen demand for its services increase by 254%.
Warming up the Homeless has been operating since 2015.
Chief executive Trudy Hampton says the charity is seeing many more homeless families, children and adults in “dire situations” due to the cost of living crisis.
She adds: “It is heartbreaking what we see.”
Marks & Spencer Christmas ad turns up the glamour to win over budget-conscious shoppers
Marks & Spencer has kicked off the Christmas ads season showcasing glamour after focusing on charities for its clothing and home advert last year.
This year’s ad features celebrities such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Tan France destroying festive favourite past-times such as writing Christmas cards and wearing party hats.
The retailer says customers want to “just relax and switch off” over the festive season after a tough year – and just do what they want. The ad is soundtracked with a reworking of Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) by the singer-songwriter Ray BLK.
“There is a lot of pressure on people with [higher] interest rates and mortgages [payments] and everybody feels the pinch, but our customers absolutely love Christmas and they just want to protect it,” Anna Braithwaite, clothing and home marketing director at M&S, told the Guardian.
Free debt advice
If you’re in debt there are plenty of services you can take advantage of and they offer free advice on how to manage debt.
Most of them can offer you free guidance and help in person, over the telephone or online.
What to do if you don’t receive the cash
The cost of living payment is set to arrive in bank accounts from this week.
But, if you have not been paid by November 19, you’ll need to contact the DWP or HMRC.
Details of how to report a missing payment are included on the government’s website.
You will be able to report a missing payment from November 20 using this link secure.dwp.gov.uk/report-a-missing-cost-of-living-payment/welcome.
What temperature to run your washing machine at to save money
To save on your energy bills, experts suggest lowering the temperature at which you wash clothes.
You’ll still be getting fresh and clean clothes if you switch from a 40C wash to a 30C one and it could save you £12 a year on average, according to Energy Saving Trust.
If you use your washing machine a lot, you’ll save even more if you lower the temperature.
Uswitch energy expert Will Owen previously told The Sun: “Use a cold water or 30C cycle where possible. It’s only for particularly dirty clothes, bad stains or underwear that you are likely to need warmer temperatures.”
How much can you get in pension credit?
There are two parts to the benefit and pensioners can be eligible for one or both parts – here are the current rates for the tax year:
- Guarantee credit – tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. This is £201.05 a week if you’re single and £306.85 a week for married couples.
- Savings credit – provides extra money if you’ve saved money towards retirement. You can get an extra £15.94 a week for a single person or £17.84 a week for a married couple.
You may also get additional pension credit if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have to pay certain housing costs such as mortgage interest payments.
