Useful Links

There are many organisations, websites, telephone numbers and leaflets that offer detailed advice. The following information gives you an idea what help is available and points you in the right direction to find out more.

The information and advice in this section is correct at the time of going live. Information may change over time, so we recommend that you use the websites listed below to check the latest facts and figures.

• Find your local HomeBuy Agent
• Homes and Communities Agency Publications
• http://www.communities.gov.uk - The central Government department responsible for Housing.
• http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk - The website for The Homes and Communities agency, the national housing and regeneration agency, who fund HomeBuy products.
• http://www.tenantservicesauthority.org - The regulator for affordable housing.
• http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/home.html - The consumer website of the Financial Services Authority, the financial services regulator. For impartional information on financial products.
• http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/index.htm - Information on low cost home ownership products available across the country.
• www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Greenerlivingaquickguide/DG_064391 - Advice on what you can recycle and how to live a greener lifestyle.
• http://www.greenhomeslondon.co.uk - For advice on how to make your home more energy efficient.
• http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk - Provide impartial information and advice and have a network of advice centres in the UK specifically designed to help people take action to reduce CO2 emissions.
• http://www.freecycle.org/ - Find free stuff, donate don't dump!
• http://accessible-property.org.uk - The register for accessible housing UK-wide

Useful money saving websites

• Money Supermarket allows you to compare products and services to find the best deal.
• Lastminute.com is a one-stop shop for the best deals on flights, hotels, holiday packages, restaurants or days out.
• VoucherCodes.com, VoucherCodes.co.uk and My Voucher Codes offer big discounts on goods and services with online voucher codes and promotional coupons.
• Money Saving Expert offers advice on getting the most from banks, tips to reduce bills, advice on reclaiming money, and shopping savings.
• Gumtree is devoted to classified advertisements for great deals on everything from cars and property to furniture and computer equipment.
• Advice Guide the online Citizens Advice service that provides help and advice on all matters relating to benefits, housing, employment and tax issues.
• Uswitch Is the price you are paying for goods and services really the best available? If it isn't uswitch.com will help you find the deal that is right for you and help you to switch.
• ebay this famous online auction website is still a fantastic place to pick up incredible bargains and have them delivered straight to your door.
  

Managing your bills

• You can check the best deals from different energy suppliers at the Energy Shop website
• You can also get tips and advice on how to save energy from the Energy saving Trust website.
• Cut down on your food bills by eating food that is currently in season. Visit the Eat the Seasons website to find out what food is currently in season.

Bank accounts and credit unions

• To find out where your nearest Credit Union is based, contact the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd (ABCUL) - Visit the ABCUL website

Dealing with debt

• Community Advice Service Ltd offers a free, independent housing, debt and welfare benefits advice - Visit CASL website
• The National Debtline can give you advice on managing your debt. - Visit the National Debtline website.
• The Consumer Credit Counselling Service is another organisation offering advice and help with managing your debt. - Visit the Consumer Credit Counselling Service website for more information.
• You can also visit Community Money Advice to find your local advice centre.
• http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Keepingyourhomeevictionsandhomelessness/Mortgagesandrepossessions
  - For information on the mortgage rescue scheme.
• http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/ - For Free, Confidential and independant advice on how to deal with debt problems
• http://www.shelter.org.uk/ - The Housing and Homelessness Charity
• Debt Advice Trust - advice on dealing with debt. Visit the Debt Advice Trust website.
  

Loans and Credit

• Websites like MoneySupermarket compare hundreds of loans to help you choose the most suitable one for you. -  Visit the Money Supermarket website
• You should only ever deal with lenders based in Britain who are properly regulated. - Check the Financial services Authority website for more information.

Get a copy of your "credit rating files" to flag up any debt problems from companies like:

• Experian  - www.experian.co.uk
• Equifax - www.equifax.co.uk
• Callcredit - www.callcredit.co.uk
  

Getting into work

• Websites like CV Tips and CV Masterclass offer more advice on putting together the perfect CV.
• If you are currently looking for employment you can find career help and advice on the Directgov website. You can also browse some of the most recent jobs advertised on the site.

Access to Benefits

• You will need to contact your local council to get detailed advice on any benefits you may be entitled to. To find your local council's website you can visit DirectGov
• Working tax credit - extra money for people in work. Visit the Working tax credits pages on the HMRC website for more information.
• Support for people who need help to work - To see if you qualify please visit Directgov and see the section on benefits.
• Support for people under 65 with a disability - To find out the current rates and get a claim form visit Directgov's section for disabled people

Pensioner's benefits

• For more information about the different benefits available for pensioners please visit the department for work and pensions website.
• Veterans' benefits and pensions - anyone who has served in the UK armed forces including widows, widowers and their dependants may be entitled to help with pensions. Visit the Veterans UK website for more information.
• Age Concern and Help the aged is now known as Age UK. They have a section on their site that deal with money matters for older people. You can have a look at the AgeUK site here.