Debt collections for utilities and bills
Ofgem announces that outstanding debt on energy bills can now be chased by energy companies. Council tax debt is still on hold in Cornwall, for the moment.
More funding opportunities (June 24)
New funding – for COVID-19-related welfare support (with short deadlines), and others around welfare, support for vulnerable groups, and heritage preservation. Plus Future for Nature competition.
Temporary accommodation for Cornish care workers
Two weeks after going live, the emergency accommodation portal for Care Workers, www.cornwallhugs.org, has received offers of property up and down the county with well over 100 units registered so far.
Digital inclusion
Digital inclusion – information for those trying to help people without the means, skills or equipment to access the internet.
Financial Advice for people facing difficulties
A comprehensive resource for those working with people who are facing financial difficulties – debt, business support, working, benefits, budgeting and emergency grants.
COVID 19 update – Friday 20 March
Covid 19 update – support for renters, and with energy bills, for vulnerable children as schools close, free mobile access to NHS info, and a National Emergencies Trust appeal has launched.
Cornwall Council approves budget proposals
Cornwall Council has approved a budget that will improve social care provision, as well as climate change plans, rural transport, and waste, and introduce a Real Living Wage for Council staff.
Community Comes Together to Solve Housing Crisis
Treverbyn Hall is calling on members of the local community to have their say around creating a pair of local-use flats plus a community space. Find out more, and have your say.
News around housing and homelessness
News around housing and homelessness – Council budgets stretched around temporary accommodation, Bedroom Tax ruled illegal for some, and Pet Bans to be removed for tenants.
Winter Fuel Payments
The Winter Fuel Payment information – eligibility and how to claim, plus Cold Weather Payments, and the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Big-name charity changes
Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation merging, and Royal British Legion cutting services.
Waste and recycling news roundup
A few news items around waste, recycling and climate change, to start the New Year. Cornwall’s waste contract awarded Cornwall Council’s Cabinet recently agreed to offer a new waste collection (rubbish and recycling) and street cleansing contract to Biffa,...Social Investment funding expanded to charities
Access, the Foundation for Social Investment, is rolling out its funding programme to charities and social enterprises working in mental health & equality, homelessness and youth.
Helplines
Helplines – for domestic abuse, the Samaritans, for child sexual abuse, online grief counselling, and to notify if you’re concerned about a rough sleeper.
Open consultations & research
Here are 4 very niche consultations open at the moment – suicide prevention in middle aged men, illegal encampments, heat network metering & billing, and child friendly food packaging.
Amber Accommodation for teens and young adults
Amber offers residential supported accommodation for young people 16-30, to help them develop their life skills, employability and wellbeing. In Devon.
Inquiry into the private rented sector
Cornwall Council is holding a Private Rented Sector Inquiry, inviting residents and organisations to share their views around raising the standards within the private rented sector.
Fuel Poverty Awareness Day 2019
Today is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. Get involved on social media, and make yourself aware of the issues. #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay #WarmSafeHomes
Homelessness news roundup
News updates around Homelessness, particularly in Cornwall – the Nos Da Kernow service, a new accommodation unit in St Austell, and Rough Sleepers Outreach Team.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning – keeping safe this winter
Be aware of Carbon Monoxide, the silent killer. Check you have a CO alarm, and recognise the symptoms.