Forget frankincense and myrrh, Warrington Housing Association gets IIP gold for Christmas
Christmas has come early for Warrington Housing Association as it received its Investors in People (IIP) Gold award. The achievement in leadership, people management and wellbeing will be the gift that keeps on giving for staff as it recognises the social housing not-for-profit’s investment at all levels to become the best workplace possible. It benchmarks […]
Black Friday Do’s and Don’ts
Picture the scene; It’s black Friday, your eyes are drooping, your stomach is growling, your children are screaming. Slumped at the end of a snaking queue, the tills are a dot at the other end of the shop. Your anxiety levels are climbing faster than your credit card bill. Worst of all, the thing you […]
Universal Credit Sanctions Length Slashed!
The harsh sanctions regime has been a controversial issue over the last few years, with claimants being refused benefits for up to 3 years in extreme cases. New rules in force from 27 November 2019 offer some relief for claimants as the maximum length of a sanction is being reduced down to 6 months and, […]
Universal Credit Christmas Double Wage Payment Tips
Our Money Advice Officer is always on the lookout for solutions to problems caused by the benefits system, and has some hints and tips to share for Universal Credit claimants who lose out if their wages are paid early over Christmas. The Problem: Universal Credit is calculated each month based on income paid in the […]
International Credit Union Day 2019
17 October 2019 is International Credit Union Day, this years’ theme is Local Service: Global Reach. Our Money Advice Officer, Steven, explains what Credit Unions are and how to get involved. Credit Unions are financial co-operatives which provide savings, loans and other services to their members whilst being fully owned and controlled by their members. They are […]
Good News for Universal Credit Claimants
There’s some good news for Universal Credit claimants this month as the amount of money that can be taken from their claims to repay debts is being reduced. Steven, our Money Advice Officer, explains what this means and why it’s a positive for claimants. What can be deducted? There’s lots of debts that can be […]
North West community housing associations join forces to put tenants first
Community housing associations from across the North West met to discuss how together they are putting tenants first. The 18 housing associations that make up Community Housing Associations (North West) – CHANW – were joined by more than one hundred tenant delegates to attend their annual conference in Warrington. The member organisations – which collectively manage 12,000 properties […]
Pension Awareness Day
15 September 2019 is Pension Awareness Day, a national campaign to highlight the growing problem that many people are not saving enough for their retirement and risk facing pension poverty in later life. Our Money Advice Officer is here to help Warrington residents understand their rights and the advantages of saving for retirement, and to […]
How our WHA team is supporting tenants in the everchanging world of benefits
Housing associations have their part to play in helping tenants negotiate the complex world of benefits and to stem the tide of rising rent arrears. The impact of the hugely controversial Universal Credit – and particularly its housing element – has been highlighted many times since its introduction six years ago. Housing benefit that was […]
Universal Credit SDP Refunds – Act Now!
Details have finally been published about refunds due to claimants who have moved to Universal Credit and lost their Severe Disability Premium (SDP). Steven, our Money Advice Officer, explains what this means and how to make sure you get what you’re due. What is the SDP? The SDP was an extra amount paid to disabled […]
