In recent years, Scotland has witnessed a troubling trend: the increase of in-work poverty. Despite being employed, many individuals and families across the country are struggling to make ends meet due to low wages, precarious employment, and rising living costs. This rise in working poverty not only affects individuals’ financial wellbeing but also has far-reaching implications for families and communities. The events of the past few years – Covid-19, cost-of-living crisis, energy crisis – have created a perfect storm, meaning that the number of working households living in poverty in Scotland has been steadily rising. This is usually caused by several interconnected factors, including the prevalence of low-paying jobs, insufficient working hours, and the lack of affordable housing. For individuals and families experiencing in-work poverty, the daily struggle to cover basic needs can take a significant toll on their wellbeing. Many are forced to make difficult decisions, choosing between paying for essentials such as food, rent, utilities, and other priorities. This financial strain can lead to stress, anxiety, and poor mental health. In-work poverty can also have detrimental effects on children within affected households. Growing up in poverty can limit children’s access to educational opportunities, nutritious food, and adequate healthcare, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and inequality. At CHAP, our aim is to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by a lack of knowledge regarding their rights. Many individuals who are in employment, and for various reasons, are struggling to make ends meet, don’t realise that they may still be entitled to some benefits or reductions which could help to maximise their income or reduce their outgoings. Our friendly, knowledgeable advisers can help; we can complete a benefit calculation on your behalf which highlights what you might be entitled to. Depending on the outcome, we can assist you in applying for relevant benefits. Additionally, we offer support in disputing decisions; our advisers can even provide representation at appeals where required. CHAP can provide assistance with various issues relating to benefits, housing, and debt; our services are open to all residents of North Ayrshire aged 16+, no matter your circumstances. All our services are confidential, impartial, and free of charge. If you, or someone you know, requires advice or support with any of these matters, why not get in touch? You can call us for free on 030 0002 0002; alternatively visit our website where you can find out more about our services, use our live chat service , or submit a referral form .

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Keeping an eye on your credit score can make a big difference in your financial life, and here’s why: What’s a Credit Score? Your credit score in like a report card for your money habits. It shows how good you are at managing your finances. In the UK, it’s usually a number between 0 and 999 (various credit reporting services can use different scales) that lenders use to decide if they’ll lend you money or not. It is also used for tenant screening, insurance, and a wide range of financial products, and can affect the interest you pay. Why Check Your Credit Score? Know where you stand: Checking your score helps you see how well you’re doing financially. It’s like looking at a map to see where you are so you can figure out where to go next. Get better deals: A good score means you can get better deals on things like loans or credit cards. It’s like having a coupon for lower prices. Catch mistakes: Sometimes, there are mistakes on your credit report that can hurt your score. Checking in regularly helps you catch those mistakes and fix them before they cause trouble. Plan ahead: Your credit score can help you plan for the big things like buying a house. By keeping an eye on it, you can make sure you’re on track to reach your goals. How to Check Your Score Thanks to technology, it’s easy to check your credit score online. Just like checking your email, you can log in to a website or app to see your score anytime, anywhere. There are several credit score services available for free; these include: ClearScore - https://www.clearscore.com/ TransUnion - https://www.transunion.co.uk/ TotallyMoney - https://www.totallymoney.com/ CreditKarma - https://www.creditkarma.co.uk/ Taking Charge of Your Finances Checking your credit score is like keeping tabs on your financial health. It helps you make better money decisions and opens doors to exciting opportunities. So why wait? Start checking your score today and take control of your financial future! If you live in North Ayrshire and need advice or assistance with anything related to money, debt, benefits, and housing, why not get in touch with CHAP? All our services are free, confidential, and accessible; call us on 030 0002 0002 or you can access our live chat or submit a referral form .

We encourage people to familiarise themselves with their rights as changes in rental regulations come into place. The longstanding rent cap has come to an end, bringing into place new rental regulations. As of 1 st of April 2024, landlords are no longer restricted by the previous 3% cap on rent increases, meaning that they now have the discretion to adjust rent prices in line with market conditions. This change has sparked concerns among tenants about the potential for steep increases in rental prices, especially as most are still dealing with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and housing affordability remains a pressing issue for many households. In response to these concerns, the Scottish government has introduced new regulations to safeguard tenants from steep, unaffordable hikes in their rent costs. Under the new rules, landlords are required to provide their tenants with three months’ notice before implementing any rent increases. The introduction of this notice period aims to give tenants adequate time to assess the proposed changes and make informed decisions about their housing situation. Additionally, landlords are not permitted to increase rents more than once in any 12-month period, a measure which aims to prevent multiple rent hikes within a short span of time, providing tenants with greater stability and predictability in their housing costs. For more information on the new rules, to check your tenancy type, and find out how these rules might relate to you, click here . While these regulations offer some protection to tenants, it is essential for individuals renting properties in Scotland to familiarise themselves with their rights under the new rules. The changes in rental regulations highlight the importance of understanding the terms of tenancy agreements and being aware of their available options in the event of disputes with landlords. CHAP is dedicated to providing assistance and support to individuals facing housing issues, offering a range of services to help tenants navigate the complexities of the rental market. In light of these developments, we are urging individuals to educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities as tenants. Whether you're facing rent increases or encountering other difficulties with your landlord, CHAP is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. We also provide advice and advocacy services relating to benefit and debt; so, if you live in North Ayrshire and need assistance with any of these issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call us on 030 0002 0002 , access our live chat service or submit a brief referral form .