- Navigating your first steps into the world of work
- What to do if you have beenhaving problems with traders
- What to do if you've been made redundant recently and are finding it hard to keep up with your bills
- What to do if you suspect something you have bought is conterfeit
- How to prepare for power cuts due to stormy weather
- Understanding what a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is and how to set one up
- How to use a food bank
- What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills
- How to get a refund when an event gets cancelled
- How to understand what all the different sections of your payslip refer to and what each means for you
- How to spot parcel delivery scams
- What to know and do when looking for a new home to rent privately
- How to manage rising costs and what to do if you fall into debt
- How to check if you're entitled to any reduction on your council tax bill
- How to keep track of your spending better
I finished school in the summer and since then I’ve applied for countless jobs, but I’m not having any luck - most companies don’t even bother getting back to me. It’s really getting me down - what can I do to be more successful?
Navigating your first steps into the world of work can be really daunting. If you’re struggling to find a job, you’re not alone. Nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training. Clearly, there are some big structural and economic issues that are making it hard for young people to find work, but there are still things you can do.
When you’re applying for a job, it’s vital to do your homework. Make sure you’ve done your research about both the role and the employer, and adjust your CV to fit the position you’re applying for. Employers will usually want to know why you’re interested in working for them specifically, so take some time to look into who they are and their values as an organisation. Then discuss how they align with what you’re looking for in a role in your application.
Be cautious about using AI. When you’re feeling the pressure to get out as many applications as possible, it can be tempting to turn to AI to help you write your CV, cover letter or application form. But employers can usually tell when you’ve used AI, and some may use AI detection tools when screening your application. It might put them off wanting to progress your application, so it’s best to always use your own words.
If you’re worried about your lack of experience, one way to make your CV stand out from the crowd is to try volunteering. Not only will you gain vital skills and work experience but also make a positive difference to people’s lives. For example, volunteering in your local Citizens Advice service can give you office experience and customer service skills - you can find out more about opportunities in your area on our website/you can find out more about volunteering at Citizens Advice [name] on our website. [insert link/delete as applicable]
If you’re struggling financially, you should check what benefits you’re able to get. If you’re over 18 (or in some cases 16 or 17), not in education or training, and you have less than £16,000 in savings or other investments, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. You might also be able to get 'new style' Jobseeker’s Allowance for up to six months while you look for a job.You can check what benefits you can get on the Citizens Advice website.
And lastly, job hunting can take a real toll on your mental wellbeing. Endless applications, back-to-back rejections or - worse - being ghosted entirely can all chip away at your self-esteem and affect your mental health. If you’re finding it tough, there’s help and support available. You can reach out to organisations like StudentMinds, try YoungMinds or get in touch with Mind - you don’t have to face it alone.
I hired a company to install concrete fencing and a gate in my back garden. The quality of the work is poor, some wooden panels are loose and the gate doesn’t shut properly. I paid before I inspected the work. What can I do?
When you put your trust in a trader and they don’t meet your expectations it can be really frustrating.
When there’s a problem caused by a trader, you should be able to get it fixed or get some money back. Evidence is important - take photos and make notes about what happened and when, including times and dates, and keep hold of receipts or other proof of payment.
People can experience different types of problems with traders, and there’s specific advice available on our website depending on what the issue is. In your situation, it’s important to note if a trader hasn’t done a good job with ‘reasonable care and skill’, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 entitles you to ask for the problem to be fixed or for a refund.
This is something you can mention when you take the problem up with the trader and cite your evidence. They should fix the problem within a reasonable amount of time, without causing you too much inconvenience. The law doesn’t say what counts as reasonable, so you’ll have to agree on it with them.
If they can’t or won’t fix the problem, you can ask for a partial or full refund, depending on how bad the problem is. You’ll have to come to an agreement about how much you should get. It’s a good idea to start by suggesting a figure and explaining why you think it’s reasonable, then take it from there. Once you’ve agreed on the amount with the trader the law says you should get your refund within 14 days.
If you can’t come to an agreement, or they refuse to fix the problem or give you a refund, there are other steps you can take - including complaining to your card provider if you paid by card.
You can check if the trader is a member of a trade association or quality scheme. If they are, they might have to follow certain rules, and if they’ve broken them you could get help to take your complaint further. They might be part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme - a way of solving disagreements with a trader without going to court - or they might agree to use one.
If the trader isn’t part of an ADR scheme, and you’ve already complained to your card provider and the complaint isn't resolved, you may be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Anyone who is experiencing a problem with building work, decorating or home improvements can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice and support from a trained adviser. The helpline number is 0808 223 1133.
For advice on any other issues here's how to contact us in Wiltshire.
"I’ve found myself in a really difficult financial situation and I don’t know where to turn. I was made redundant recently and now I'm finding it hard to keep up with my bills and am getting into debt - what can I do?"
Money problems can feel overwhelming, but the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to face this alone. We know that times are incredibly tough for lots of people right now, and Citizens Advice is here to help you find a way forward.
Make sure you’ve been paid everything you’re entitled to by your former employer. You can check what your rights are on the Citizens Advice website.
If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of bills, free budgeting tools like the one on the MoneyHelper website can help you understand what money you have coming in and going out each month, and where you might be able to cut costs.
Before you start, try to find your most recent bank statements, payslips, debit and credit card statements or bills, and receipts for things you usually pay for in cash. Make sure you include all your expenses, for example money you spend on your partner or family.
If your budget just doesn’t add up and you need help to afford essentials like bills and food, you can find out how to get help with your bills as well as what cost of living support is available on the Citizens Advice website.
Please don’t ignore bills or letters about money that you owe. You should collect and organise all debt-related documents to create a comprehensive list of all your debts. It might feel overwhelming when you see everything written down - but try not to worry, the important thing is that you're taking action to sort things out.
If you’re behind on household bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences. Take a look at the Citizens Advice website for more information about what bills to prioritise and how to manage debts. You can then speak to the organisations you owe money to – they might let you pay smaller amounts or take a break from payments.
For other types of debt like credit cards or loans, gather all the information on what you owe, create a budget, and contact your creditors to set up an affordable repayment plan. This might seem scary, but it’s an important first step.
Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s worth checking what you can get on the Citizens Advice website. Claiming benefits might also let you get access to other financial help like cost of living payments and discounts on energy and transport.
Whatever your situation, you don’t have to face this alone - get in touch with a free support service like us at Citizens Advice. Our advisers can help to check if you’re eligible for any benefits or financial support, and explore all the options for dealing with your debts.
You’re right to seek advice about this issue, because counterfeit goods aren’t only illegal, they can be dangerous.
Fake children’s toys in particular, including dolls, often don’t meet safety standards and can pose choking hazards - poor manufacturing can mean small parts are easily detachable.
Counterfeit goods are fake products designed to mimic the authentic ones sold by genuine brands. Sometimes it’s easy to spot a knock-off, other times it can be harder to tell.
It’s not just toys and games - things like clothing, footwear, e-cigarettes, perfumes and media devices can also be counterfeit.
Things to watch out for include strangely low prices from well-known brands and signs of poor quality - like missing security seals, bad or non-existent packaging, blurry logos and poor stitching. You may also spot some spelling mistakes in the advert or on the packaging.
Looking at photos from official sellers can help when making comparisons, and it’s important to only buy products from reputable sellers.
If you have purchased a counterfeit item, there are some steps you can take to try and get your money back. You’re legally entitled to a full refund on fake goods within 30 days of your purchase.
If it’s been over 30 days since you paid, but less than six months, the seller can provide you with a real version of the item first. If they can't, then they’re legally required to give you a full refund. If you paid more than six months ago, you’re only entitled to a part-refund based on how much you’ve used the item and how long you’ve had it.
Sometimes sellers might refuse to refund you, and argue the items were obviously fake because they were very cheap, but they’re breaking the law by selling them and your legal rights still apply.
If this happens and you paid by debit card, contact your bank and ask to use the ‘chargeback scheme’. If you paid by credit card and the item cost less than £100, you can ask to use the same scheme.
If you paid by credit card and the item cost between £100 and £30,000, tell your credit card company you want to make a ‘section 75’ claim to get your money back.
To report counterfeit goods or get help getting your money back, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. You can also report a seller to Trading Standards, which investigates criminal activity.
"I'm worried about losing power due to stormy weather. I keep imagining being stuck in the cold, struggling to feed the kids, with no way of contacting people. What should I do if this happens, and is there anything I can do to prepare?"
Power cuts can be unexpected and worrying, especially if your power doesn’t come back on quickly. So it’s good to know who to report an outage to and what you can do to prepare.
If you lose electricity due to stormy weather, or another unexpected cause, your electricity network operator is responsible for fixing it. They provide the wires to your home, and they’re different from your electricity supplier, which is the company that sends your bills. To report an outage, call 105 - a free line that puts you through to your electricity network operator.
In most cases, it’s your electricity that will go off in a storm, but it can seem like your gas is disrupted because you usually need electricity to start up a gas boiler. Gas pipes tend to be underground, safe from storm damage, unlike pylons and overhead cables. That said, if you smell gas or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, turn off the boiler, go outside, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
If you’re on a heat network, also known as district heating, your supplier should contact you or your landlord about an outage. Citizens Advice can provide specialist heat network advice if you’re without power and haven’t heard from anyone.
You might be entitled to compensation if a power cut isn’t fixed within 24 hours, so check the charity’s website to see how much you could get. It’s also worth noting that some power cuts are planned, and you should be told in advance if there’s going to be one in your area.
After an unexpected outage, your power might not come back on straight away. So, here’s a checklist of things you can do to prepare for the worst:
- Check you’ll be able to keep warm. There’s a high chance you won’t have any central heating without power, so make sure you have access to blankets and extra layers. If you’d feel safer, you might want to plan to stay with friends or family, or check if your local council has any public places you could use to stay warm.
- Check you’ll have a way to contact people. It’s important to stay in touch with people during a power cut, if you can. Charge all devices like mobile phones and tablets using battery power banks, and if you don’t have anything like this, write down important phone numbers and keep them safe - an analogue phone line might still work during a power cut.
- Have food at home which you can easily eat. Ideally, stock food with a long use-by date, like tinned fish, beans and soups. If you’re not able to boil water to make baby formula, you should use pre-mixed formula.
- Check if you can sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). This can give you extra support during a power cut, like regular updates and a special number to ring if you need extra support. You might be able to sign up if you’re disabled, pregnant or have young children. See the full list of eligibility criteria and how to sign up on the PSR website.
For more information and advice about power cuts, visit the Citizens Advice website.
"A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old."
The first thing to know is that anyone can make a lasting power of attorney; it's not something purely for older people to consider.
Appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA) means nominating someone such as a trusted friend or relative to act on your behalf and manage your finances, care or medical treatment, if you ever lose mental capacity. This could be because you're diagnosed with a health condition that prevents you from doing so, or something happens to you, such as an accident.
The kinds of illness which might prevent you from making decisions for yourself include: dementia, mental health problems, a brain injury, alcohol or drug misuse or the side-effects of medical treatment. Setting up an LPA doesn’t mean you’re expecting anything to happen, it’s something you might want to do in case something happens in the future.
There are two types of LPA, property and financial affairs and health and welfare. You don't have to make both types at the same time but you must make an LPA while you are still capable of making decisions for yourself. This is called having mental capacity. Both types must be registered before they can be used and you should choose who manages your affairs for you, if you’re no longer able to, very carefully.
A property and financial affairs LPA gives someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like buying or selling property, bank, building society and other financial accounts, welfare benefits and debts. You can give someone power of attorney to deal with all of those affairs, or only certain things. If you want to make an LPA which only deals with certain matters, you should make sure that it’s drawn up very carefully.
A health and welfare LPA gives someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like where you live, your day-to-day care, and your healthcare treatment - either for all aspects of your personal welfare, or only certain things. It's not possible to use a health and welfare LPA until the person who made it has lost their mental capacity.
There are two ways you can make an LPA - either online at gov.uk or by downloading the forms from gov.uk. There is one form for property and affairs and one for health and welfare. If you want someone to look after both aspects, you’ll need two separate LPAs.
Once completed, you’ll need to register the LPA by sending the forms to the Office of the Public Guardian. If you need to pay a registration fee, you'll need to send that too.
If the form has been correctly completed and there are no objections after people have been notified, the Public Guardian must register it. This can take around 20 weeks.
The Public Guardian must notify you and your attorneys that they have registered the LPA, and it can then be used. You can find lots of information on LPAs and other shorter term power of attorneys by visiting the Citizens Advice website.
I'm stressed about being able to afford food for my family as the colder months set in. We will be spending more on heating, and we’re barely making it through as it is. Can I use a food bank if I need to?
It’s understandable to be worried about affording food when you’re in a tough spot financially - especially with the cost of your bills rising. You’re not alone, as Citizens Advice helps lots of people in this position.
Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford food, or if you need emergency food, but you’ll usually need a referral before you can use one. You can get a referral for yourself and any family members you live with, including your partner.
At Citizens Advice Wiltshire we can refer you to a food bank. We'll usually make an appointment for you to discuss your situation with an adviser, who will ask you some questions to check you’re eligible. If you are, they’ll give you a voucher for your nearest food bank.
Citizens Advice Wiltshire can also check if you should be getting any benefits you're not currently claiming, assist with budgeting, and tell you about other local help you could get.
You can also ask for a referral from another organisation, for example your GP, local council, housing association or social worker. When an organisation refers you to a food bank, they’ll give you a voucher and tell you where the food bank is - be sure to check if the voucher is only valid on a specific day.
When you visit the food bank, let them know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements - they should be able to help you. You’ll get a food parcel, and it will usually contain enough food for three days, and you might also be able to get essential toiletries, like toothpaste or deodorant.
If you live in a rural area and can’t afford to travel, or you’re sick or disabled and can’t travel, the food bank might be able to deliver your food parcel - you can contact them to ask.
If the food bank is run by a church or other religious group, they'll still help you if you're not religious or from a different religion.
You’ll need another referral if you need to use the food bank again. Some have a limit on the number of times you can visit, but it's still worth asking. If you're in this situation, talk to an adviser at Citizens Advice Wiltshire.
The adviser will ask you some questions about your ongoing needs. They'll refer you to the food bank if they agree it's the best way to help you - and even if they can't refer you again, they'll give you advice on debt and benefits, if you need it.
You might be able to use some food banks without a referral, for example, if it’s run by a church or community group. The easiest way to find out if you need a referral is to contact your local food bank.
Here's how you can contact Citizens Advice Wiltshire:
To speak to an adviser call us on freephone 0808 278 7995 
Or contact us directly for After last winter, I’m really worried about falling behind on my energy bills again as we head into the colder months. We’re careful about what we use but with small kids it’s hard. What can I do if I’m struggling to keep up with payments?
It's understandable to feel anxious about energy bills at this time of year. If you’re struggling to afford your bills, it's important to act quickly; support is available and there are things you can do to ensure you’re not overpaying.
The first thing is to contact your energy supplier - they’re responsible for helping you come to a solution, like setting up an affordable repayment plan if you’ve fallen behind.
Energy bills can go up and down for many reasons, and if you think your bills don’t look right, you should check to see if they’re based on accurate readings. You might be getting estimated bills if your smart meter has stopped automatically sending readings, or if you have a non-smart meter and haven’t sent a reading for a while.
If you see the word “estimated” or the letter “E” next to the readings on your latest bill, that means it’s estimated. If this is the case, submit an up-to-date reading to get an accurate bill. A working smart meter does this for you, so if you have one and suspect it’s not automatically sending readings, or if you’d like to get one installed, then speak to your supplier.
To help make your home easier and cheaper to heat, you might be able to apply for support with the cost of energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, a new boiler or a heat pump. Schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme or Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) are run by energy suppliers and local councils.
You may also be able to find grants run by your local council to help you pay your energy bills. These are usually for emergency situations, like if you’ve lost your job and can’t afford to top up your meter. You’ll need to search for these on your local council’s website, which you can find on GOV.UK.
If you’re behind on your bills, you might be able to get a grant to help you pay off your debt. You’ll need to get debt advice before applying and can do this through organisations like Citizens Advice. You can also check which grants are available on our website.
If you need extra non-financial help - for example, because you’re disabled or of state pension age - you can apply for support from your supplier through the Priority Services Register (PSR). Being on the register means your supplier can take readings for you if you struggle with this and there’s no one else who can do it for you, and ensures your bills are in a format you can understand. See the full list of eligibility criteria and how to sign up on the PSR website.
Remember, you don't have to face this alone. If you're struggling to afford your energy bills, visit the Citizens Advice website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/.
You can also find information about local support at: https://www.citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/news1/93-what-can-i-do-to-save-money-on-my-energy-bills
I’m starting to book tickets for Christmas events, but I’ve seen lots of stories in the news about people being left out of pocket if these are cancelled at the last minute, which is making me nervous. How can I get a refund if this happens to me?
Keep an eye on the organiser’s website and social media profiles for all the latest updates. You won’t be entitled to a refund if you change your mind about going or realise you can’t go anymore - but if an event is cancelled, your refund rights will depend on how you bought the ticket.
If you bought your ticket from an official seller and the organiser cancels, moves, or reschedules the event, you should get a refund. The official seller is the best point of contact to ask about how to get your money back.
If you’re having no luck getting a refund, check to see if the seller is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR). If they are, you can use STAR’s complaints procedure. STAR members should receive a refund at face value if the event is cancelled and the organiser has agreed to refunds.
You’ll probably only get the face value of the ticket back - the amount printed on it. Some sellers might refund postage if, for example, the event is cancelled before the tickets are sent. If you had to pay any booking or card fees, you might not get those back.
If the official seller isn’t a member of STAR, check how you can solve an ongoing consumer problem with a business seller. You may also be able to get your money back another way, such as through your credit card company.
If you bought your ticket from a ticket-reselling website, refunds will depend on the site's terms and conditions.
If you bought from a private seller and the event is cancelled or rescheduled, then it is unlikely you will be able to recover your money. We still recommend you contact the seller.
Be aware of scams. Unfortunately, we’ve found that in these situations scammers can prey on those who are affected.
If your event is cancelled and people or companies get in touch to offer their services to try to recover money on your behalf, be alert and make sure that you're looking out for the signs of a potential scam.
For more information on getting a refund, take a look at the Citizens Advice website.
"I’ve just returned to work after a long time out of the workforce and I’m slightly embarrassed to say I don’t understand what all the different sections of my payslip refer to. How do I know what each means?"
Payslips contain lots of information which can be overwhelming at first but are important to understand. All employers are required to give employees a payslip showing your pay and deductions. This might be provided on paper or via an online platform. It’s a good idea to keep your payslips for up to six years if possible as you can be asked for them for various things.
Your payslip must contain specific information you can read about this on the ACAS website. It should include your employer's details along with your name and payroll or employee number.
You’ll also see lots of different numbers and codes. The payment date is when your pay will normally arrive in your bank account, it can be monthly or weekly and fall on any day of the month. Your payslip might also show a tax period (the tax year starts in April and ends in March). The number here corresponds to the period in which you’re being taxed, eg. if you’re paid monthly, 01 will represent the tax period in April, while 12 would mean March.
Your National Insurance (NI) number refers to your unique number and you need one to work in the UK. It’s used to make sure all your NI contributions are recorded so you can get any state benefits you’re entitled to, including state pension later in life.
Next is your tax code. This is decided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and is made up of several numbers and a letter. The numbers refer to how much tax-free income you get, while the letters mean different things depending on your circumstances. You can find out what they mean on the government website.
When you start a new job it’s important to provide your employer all the information they need to make sure your tax code is correct and to prevent you being put on an ‘emergency’ code that ends with a W1, M1 or X and could see you initially paying more tax.
Your payslip will also show your total ‘gross’ pay and deductions. ‘Gross’ pay means how much you’ve earned before anything is deducted. It will usually itemise your ‘basic’ pay and then any additional allowances, such as travel allowance. If you are paid by the hour, your payslip must show your hourly rate and how many hours you worked. If you are an ‘irregular hours worker’ your employer may have opted to include holiday pay with your normal pay - if so, this should be itemised separately.
Deductions are amounts taken from your gross pay, such as income tax, national insurance, pension or student loan payments. Income tax is used to fund public services, the amount deducted will vary depending on your earnings. You can look up the different rates on the government website. The rates for NI payments can also be found online.
Most payslips will add up all the deductions from your pay into a single amount to make it easier for you to see how much is taken from your pay each month. Your net pay is the amount of money you will receive after all the deductions have been made.
Lastly, taxable pay is the amount of your salary, to date in the current tax year, that has been subjected to tax. This will usually appear next to your net pay figure. Anything you think might be wrong should be raised, first, with your employer.
"I got a text asking me to click on a link to reschedule a parcel delivery I’d missed. I was waiting for a parcel from Royal Mail at the time, so I clicked on the link and was asked to make a payment. Luckily, my daughter told me the text is a scam and to ignore it, but I almost gave away my personal details. How can I spot the signs of this type of scam myself in the future?"
Parcel delivery scams are becoming increasingly common. Ones involving texts and emails are known as phishing scams, and aim to trick you into giving away your personal information and financial details, so your bank account and money can be accessed.
One way scammers do this is by enticing people to click on links, which can lead to fake websites, in the hope that this information will be entered.
While scammers can pretend to be from any parcel delivery company, many of them choose Royal Mail because it’s the largest delivery company in the UK. This means the chances of scammers contacting someone who receives parcels from Royal Mail, is higher.
These scams can be in the form of a text, like yours was, or an email or phone call. There are also reports of fake ‘Something for You’ cards, which Royal Mail leave when a delivery is attempted, but no-one is home.
Here are some tips on how you can stay vigilant and spot the signs of a parcel delivery scam, and other scam messages:
- If you’re waiting for a parcel, and get a message that asks you to pay to get it, or reschedule the delivery, it’s usually a scam.
- Don’t click any links or attachments in the text or email. Delivery companies won’t ask you to pay them through a link in an email or text.
- Parcel delivery scammers often pretend to be from an organisation like Royal Mail, and can try to make you click on a fake version of the company’s genuine website, which asks for personal information or login details - these can appear real.
- To check if a link is genuine, hover your mouse over the link without clicking on it, or press and hold on the link on a mobile device. You should be able to see the address the link goes to, and check it’s the same as the company’s official website address.
- Make sure you check the address carefully - fake link addresses can look similar to the genuine address.
- Other signs of a message that is a scam include bad spelling and grammar, and when it starts with a general greeting instead of your name. But, scam messages can sometimes be sophisticated - so don’t rely on obvious mistakes only.
- If you get an email, check if the email address matches the sender’s name or organisation - you might have to click on their name to see the email address.
- If there’s something you’re unsure about, don’t feel pressured to act. You can find the official details for the company the person who has contacted you says they’re from, and ask the company if they’ve contacted you.
Royal Mail has a helpful page on its website of examples of delivery scams, including text messages and emails people have received.
You can check if you think something you’ve seen online, or in a text or email you’ve received, might be a scam, using an online tool on the Citizens Advice website. If you have been scammed, you can report it on the Citizens Advice website, and check what else you need to do - including protecting yourself from further risks.
Being targeted by a scammer or falling victim to a scam can make people feel anxious or embarrassed, but it’s important to remember scammers are clever and scams can happen to anyone. Reporting them helps track down and stop scammers, and prevent other people from ending up in the same situation
June 2025
My son and I are both struggling to find work at the moment. He’s just finished university and looking for his first job, and I’m retired but need to top up my income. We’ve both been sending out applications for a while now, could unpaid work help us find something?
Whether you’re trying to get into work for the first time or after time off, finding a job can be really challenging.
It’s always a good idea to think about what skills or experience you could be missing for the kind of work you want, especially when feeling stuck after weeks or months of sending out job applications.
If you can afford to take unpaid work, it can be a good way to plug gaps in your CV and get a taste for different types of jobs. These sorts of roles usually come in the form of volunteering, work experience, or internships.
If you receive welfare benefits, you should check the Citizens Advice website page on how volunteering affects your benefits, or speak to an adviser before taking unpaid work.
And because the rules around unpaid internships are complicated, you should get advice on being paid less than minimum wage before applying to this type of role.
Volunteer roles are often well-defined and can expose you to specific types of work, whether you’re looking for experience in an office or something more practical, like supporting people in your local community. Charities, including Citizens Advice, usually have a range of opportunities available.
Being a volunteer doesn’t just give you a chance to learn and improve skills that are transferable to paid work, it can also help you gain confidence and self-esteem in a professional setting, and provide structure to your day or week.
This can set you up well for job applications and interviews by showing employers you’ve got transferable skills, relevant experience, and are ready to enter paid work. Just like any job advert, you can find plenty of volunteering opportunities online, so it’s well worth seeing what’s out there if you’re interested.
If you need any other pointers or advice, you can contact Citizens Advice Wiltshire:
To speak to an adviser call us on freephone 0808 278 7995 I’m moving and will be renting somewhere on my own for the first time. It feels like there’s so much to think about, I’m worried I’ll forget something important. Do you have any advice on what I should do when looking for a new home?
Most properties available for rent are listed online or with lettings agents.
If you have the chance, renting directly from a landlord might be a bit cheaper before you move in, as they may ask for fewer references and you might not need to do a credit check. But you’ll have to deal with them directly if any issues arise during the tenancy. It’s worth noting some landlords use a lettings agent to find their tenants and then manage the properties themselves. If an agent is managing the property then you’ll deal with them rather than with the landlord directly, for instance, if you need to get any repairs done.
Remember, never pay any money before you’ve seen the property as this is a common tactic used by rental fraudsters. If you can, take someone with you when viewing properties for a second opinion. If repairs are being done when you view a property, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the issues and follow up after the viewing with an email so you’ve got a record of the issues and that you were told they’d be sorted before you move in.
Things often happen very quickly when trying to find somewhere to rent so always ask the landlord or letting agent some key questions to make sure properties you’re considering are safe, affordable and meet your needs.
Key questions to ask include:
- How much is the rent? Is it payable monthly or weekly?
- How long is the tenancy for?
- Are bills included in the rent?
- Are any appliances or furniture included?
- Is there a break clause allowing any fixed term to be ended early, if needed?
- Does the landlord need a guarantor?
- Is there a tenancy deposit, how much is it, and how will it be protected?
It’s also good to ask whether the tenancy is for a self-contained property, or whether there are shared facilities, whether or not it’s a joint tenancy with other people and, if relevant, if you can have pets. Make sure you’re happy with the arrangements.
Check if you’ll need to pay a holding deposit while the landlord carries out pre-tenancy checks. A deposit can’t be more than a week’s rent and should be returned to you at the start of the tenancy. You should also ask your landlord or letting agent what documents you'll need to provide when you agree to rent the property including evidence of your Right to Rent.
Avoid ‘subletting’ which is when you rent directly from an existing tenant, as they might not have the landlord’s permission to rent to you, which could cause problems further down the line. If a tenant is showing you around the property on behalf of the landlord they should give you the landlord's contact details.
If a landlord refuses to rent to you because of who you are, this may be discrimination - for example because of your race, religion or sexual orientation. A 'no kids policy' or refusing to rent to you because you get benefits could also be discrimination. You only need to tell a landlord or letting agent you receive benefits if they ask.
Read more about starting to rent from a private landlord.
If you need any other pointers or advice on renting, or you run into any problems, you can contact Citizens Advice Wiltshire for help:
To speak to an adviser call us on freephone 0808 278 7995 I’m worried about my debt and rising bills, and I want to know what support is available. Do you have any advice on managing rising costs and what to do if you fall into debt?
With energy, water and broadband bills on the rise, it’s getting increasingly difficult for many people to cover their expenses. It’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and that financial support might be available to help ease the burden.
Checking benefits eligibility
A significant number of eligible people don’t claim the benefits that are available to them, so it’s important to understand what you’re entitled to. You may be able to claim benefits if, for example, you’re at working age and on a low income, you’re sick or disabled, are of State Pension age with a low income or no income, or if you’re a carer. You can check the Citizens Advice website for information on what benefits you might be eligible for.
Reducing outgoings
If you claim benefits or are on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax. Discounts can also be given to students, those living with a carer, or people who live alone, to name some examples. If you have children and claim certain benefits, or are on a low income, you may qualify for free school meals, transport to school, or support with the cost of uniform.
Your local council may be able to help you pay for things like energy and water bills, food or other essential costs. This is called ‘welfare assistance' or the ‘Household Support Fund’. Each council runs its own scheme, so you’ll need to contact your local authority to see what type of support you can get.
To reduce other expenses, you may be able to switch to a cheaper broadband deal, get a water meter fitted, or access discounted travel options. Find out more about ways to get help, including advice on saving money heating your home, on the Citizens Advice website.
Creating a budget and prioritising bills
If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of bills, budgeting tools like the one on the MoneyHelper website can be very useful in helping you understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. If you're behind on bills, you should prioritise paying rent, mortgage payments, Council Tax and energy bills, as these are known as 'priority' debts which have the most serious consequences if missed.
Once you’ve got priority debts under control, you should look at credit card or store card debts, missed Buy Now Pay Later payments or payday loans. Whatever debt you’re dealing with, it’s important to speak to the person or company you owe money to as early as you can. You could show them a copy of your budget to let them know what your financial situation is and then see if there are any steps you can take to start dealing with your debt.
Just remember, there’s lots of help out there and you’re not alone. If you feel you need support with this, get in touch with us:
To speak to an adviser call us on freephone 0808 278 7995 "I’ve recently found myself living alone after the breakdown of my relationship. My council tax bill is due soon, and I’m worried I won’t be able to afford to pay it on my own. I’m already struggling to cover the cost of my other bills. What can I do?"
You’re not alone in worrying about struggling to pay your bills. It’s a difficult time for people who are battling rising costs for food and essentials - as well as seeing their bills creep up.
Fortunately, there are options available to people struggling to pay their council tax, but you’ll need to find out if you’re eligible first. You might be entitled to pay less, or not at all, depending on your circumstances, because councils offer discounts and other reductions.
Firstly, because you’re the only adult living in your home, your council tax bill can be reduced by a quarter. For example, if your bill is £1,000 for the year, you’ll only have to pay £750 now that you live on your own. You’ll need to tell your council someone has moved out of your home and the date that they left. You’re entitled to the discount from when they moved out - even if it was a while ago.
When the council works out how many people live in a property, there are certain people that don’t count - they’re called ‘disregarded people’. This includes under-18s, full-time students, long-term hospital patients, people with severe mental impairments, and many more. You can check the Citizens Advice website for more information on disregarded people.
In some situations, everyone living in a home is disregarded. If this is the case, the council tax bill will be reduced by half. If everyone in a home is a student or severely mentally impaired, there’ll be no council tax to pay.
If you live with an adult who isn’t disregarded, but who is on a low income or receives certain benefits, you might be able to get a discount called a ‘second adult rebate’. You can find out more about getting a second adult rebate on the Citizens Advice website.
If you or someone you live with is disabled, this can also affect your council tax banding. If your home has been adapted, you can ask to be placed down one band. For example, if you’re living in a band C property that has been adapted for a disabled resident, you should only be charged council tax for a band B property.
There’s also something called Council Tax Reduction, which is designed for people on low incomes. Your council will ask for details about your income and circumstances, to check if you’re eligible. If you are, they’ll reduce the amount of council tax you have to pay.
When it comes to Council Tax Reductions, different rules apply depending on whether you’ve reached State Pension age.
And lastly, if you’re struggling to pay for essentials, your council can reduce your bill further, or cancel it altogether, under what’s known as a ‘discretionary reduction’. This usually only happens if you can provide evidence that you’re suffering severe hardship and can’t afford to pay council tax. If you’re in this situation, ask your council for help.
If you’re not given a discretionary reduction, you might be able to appeal to a valuation tribunal. If the tribunal agrees with you, they can order your council to reduce or even cancel your council tax bill.
You can find more advice and information about the options available to people struggling to pay their council tax at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/council-tax/check-if-you-can-pay-less-council-tax/
Whatever circumstances you’re in, if you’re struggling with your council tax payments, it’s important to let your council know. Citizens Advice is also here to help you find a way forward, should you need our support.
To speak to an adviser call us on freephone 0808 278 7995 "I’ve really struggled with my money this past year, and spent too much on Christmas. I also recently got caught out by a free trial on an app that rolled into a paid subscription. Even without this though, it feels like every month I end up in my overdraft. How can I keep track of my spending better?"
Lots of people will be feeling this way right now, and it can be difficult to stay on top of things like online subscriptions. But there are steps you can take to be more in control of your money.
Firstly, draw up a budget. Remember to include all of your general spending, and any other bills you have to pay. Be realistic about what you’ll need for essentials like food and travel. If your income fluctuates, use bank statements, benefit award letters and Universal Credit journals to plan your budget each month.
Your bank should be able to tell you what regular payments you have. If you find subscriptions you don’t want, contact the company in question to cancel them. In future, before signing up to anything, make sure you know what you’ll get, for how long and what it’ll cost. If you do use any free trials, set a reminder a week before the free period ends so you’ve time to cancel it if you want to. Keep evidence of any subscription cancellations in case you need it in the future.
If you’ve been relying on your overdraft lots this year, or turned to credit cards or Buy-Now-Pay-Later, it’s understandable if this worries you. Always prioritise paying your rent, mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first though, because not paying these has the most serious consequences. If you’re having trouble managing your debts and paying bills, contact Citizens Advice for support.
Our income checker can help you see if you’re getting all you’re entitled to, such as benefits or government grants.
Everyone’s circumstances are different, particularly when it comes to managing personal finances. We’re here to help you find a way forward:
To speak to an adviser call us on freephone 0808 278 7995