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 .

It seems like Christmas was just last week – how is it Easter already?? With the Easter break upon us, families will no doubt be looking for ideas to keep the kids entertained whilst they are off school. Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald have put together a handy list of suggestions, all of which are free entry and accessible to those living in North Ayrshire, their list includes: Eglinton Park, Irvine Dean Park, Kilmarnock Ardrossan Beach Front Maritime Museum, Irvine Dumfries House, Cumnock And if you are thinking of heading to Irvine Beach Park, Coastwatch is holding a free Easter Egg hunt on Easter Saturday 20th April at 12 noon. The hunt is open to kids of all ages. Hunters should gather at 12, for a 12.15pm start. Each child will receive an Easter egg at the end but they must register first. To register phone Coastwatch Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm on 01294 271855 with name, address, and number of kids. The hunt starts and ends at the Pavilion, going through Beach Park and back along beach. To read the full article and see all recommendations, follow the link to the article here . CHAP will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 28th March and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 2nd April. If you are concerned about anything whilst we are closed, please visit our website FAQs page where you will find guidance relating some emergency situations that can arise.  You can also call 030 0002 0002 where you can leave a voicemail and someone will respond when we reopen on Tuesday.

Financial stability is often a delicate balance. Anything can happen; unexpected expenses, job loss, ill health, or change in circumstances can very quickly spiral into overwhelming debt, benefit problems, and housing insecurity. Despite how common and unpredictable these challenges can be, many individuals and families hesitate to seek help until their situation becomes dire. However, at CHAP, we always encourage people to reach out for assistance as early as possible; it can make a world of difference. We actively reject the stigma that still surrounds this, and we are working to normalise asking for help; if you needed advice on a health issue, most would not hesitate in approaching their doctor – we want to get to this place with money and housing advice also. Addressing Debt Head-On Debt can creep up on anyone, regardless of their income or background. Whether it’s mounting credit card bills, overdue loans, mortgage or rent arrears; ignoring the debt only makes things worse. Many people delay seeking help due to feelings of shame or embarrassment, but this only perpetuates the cycle of financial struggle. At CHAP, we provide a safe space for people to discuss their problems confidentially, and we promise to listen. Our professional team of advisers understand the complexities of debt and can explain all your options to you – most often people realise they have more rights and options than they thought. We can offer practical solutions, tailored to your individual circumstances; it is never a one-size-fits-all approach. From helping to negotiate with creditors, setting up manageable payment plans, we empower individuals to regain control of their finances, often helping to reduce their stress and improve their overall wellbeing and quality of life. Navigating Benefit Challenges Navigating the welfare system can be daunting; particularly when it involves sudden changes in circumstances. Delays or errors in benefit payments can often lead to more financial strain, leaving individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. At CHAP, we can assist with benefit calculations, completing applications, and challenging decisions; we can also provide representation at tribunals to ensure you are treated fairly, and your voice is heard. Seeking assistance early in the process is always recommended; however, we can step in to help at any point in the process, so if you are facing challenges with the benefits system, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Secure Stable Housing Housing is a fundamental human need, yet many individuals and families face housing insecurity due to issues such as eviction, rent arrears, or inadequate accommodation. Left unaddressed, these problems can have a negative effect, impacting health, well-being, and overall quality of life. CHAP provides advice on tenant rights, negotiates with landlords and housing authorities, and challenges decisions around homelessness; we can also provide representation at court and tribunals to make sure your voice is heard. We find that a lot of our clients are not aware of their rights, especially when it comes to housing, and we aim to ensure people are never disadvantaged by a lack of information regarding their rights. In times of financial hardship, reaching out for help can be the first step towards regaining control and securing a stable future. Whilst we would always encourage people to seek help as early as possible, to prevent the more severe measures , it’s never too early or too late to approach CHAP for help. If you are aged 16+ and live in North Ayrshire, don’t hesitate to reach out to CHAP if you need assistance with your benefits, housing, or debt issues. Our team of friendly, informed advisers are here to help. You can call us for free on 030 0002 0002 , or you can use the live chat service , or submit a brief self-referral form .