Norfolk Community Advice Network (NCAN)

What does yesterday's Budget mean for people in Norfolk? Here is our round up of some of the changes, and responses from key campaigners on these issues. 1. A lower limit on deductions from Universal Credit payments Deductions from Universal Credit payments for government debts and loans, are changing in April 2025. Currently, up to 25% of payments can be deducted to repay debts; but from April the maximum will be 15%. This means it will take longer to repay the debt, but leaves more money for day to day essentials. As estimated 1m households across the UK with very low incomes will be impacted by the move. Campaigners welcome the move but warn that benefits levels are still too low to live on. 2. New measures to increase the stock of affordable and social housing The Chancellor announced £5bn funding to build affordable housing. There will also be reductions to Right to Buy discounts. In a win for campaigners, 100% of the money raised from Right to Buy sales will be kept by local authorities. Campaigners at Shelter said “This boost in funding is a welcome step towards tackling the housing emergency. To get a grip on rocketing homelessness the vast majority of this funding needs to be focused on social rent.” 3. More carers will be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, as the earnings limit rises Currently, a carer who earns more than £151 per week is not able to claim Carer’s Allowance. From April 2025, the threshold will rise to £181 per week - the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Living Wage. In addition, the DWP is launching an independent review to look at the issue of the “cliff-edge” on overpayments. 4. Worrying uncertainty over benefits for disabled people While there is welcome funding for local, tailored support to help people into work, there are still unanswered questions around some benefits. The government has committed to changing Work Capability Assessments to make significant cost savings. While reforms are needed, prioritising cost and not wellbeing is the wrong approach. Meanwhile, we are still waiting for news on long-promised reforms to PIP; now due in spring 2025. 5. National Living Wage to increase by 6.7% and move to a single rate The Chancellor has accepted the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission on the new rates for the National Living Wage. From April 2025, the rate for adults aged 21 and above will be £12.21 p/h. The Chancellor also announced plans to move to a single rate for all adults, starting with a new rate for 18-20 year olds, of £10 per hour. Campaigners for a Real Living Wage point out that while this is a welcome boost, the new rate still does not reflect the cost of living. 6. A mixed picture on the cost of transport Fares on local bus journeys will be capped at £3 throughout 2025; an increase from the current cap of £2 per journey. Tax on petrol and diesel will remain the same until April 2026. What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!

What do we mean, when we talk about 'advice'? We mean help with government forms - like applying for benefits, housing, or immigration status. We mean support with an employer who is refusing to pay wages or honour a contract. We mean guidance on personal finances or debts that are getting out of control.... And much, much more. At NCAN we are proud to work with all our steering group partner agencies who give this life-saving advice every day: Age UK Norwich, Age UK Norfolk, NORFOLK COMMUNITY LAW SERVICE LTD, Norfolk Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District, Equal Lives, MAP Youth Charity, THE BRIDGE PLUS+ LIMITED, Shelter Norfolk #AdviceSaves @ AdviceUK

Great to join Age UK Norwich, Groundwork East and Norfolk Citizens Advice this morning, to talk to people about the challenges of winter in Castle Quarter, Norwich. For guides to keeping warm and well this winter, check out our Cost Of Living Advice Hub at https://lnkd.in/e_apfbMk

We were really pleased to be invited to speak at yesterday's Empowering Communities Leadership Network meeting. Tasha Cobb outlined the emerging trends from the Empowering Communities survey, of the challenges and priorities for VCSEs across the county. Ben Scarlett gave an overview of the challenges facing people across Norfolk that we see reflected through our network, typically around finances, mental health and housing. We then heard from Shelley Ames, Daniel Williams and Chris Starkie about the role of the ICB (the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney), the VCSE Assembly, and the County Council's roles in tackling these kinds of issues; as well as an interesting discussion of how our sector and statutory services can work better together. With the VCSE Assembly currently recruiting a new chair, recent changes within the ICB, a new economic strategy for the county and new Business Board all coming in the next few months, it feels like there are real opportunities for conversations, information sharing and joint working between our sectors. Thanks to Voluntary Norfolk for organising the event!

It's estimated that 880,000 households are eligible for Pension Credits but are not currently claiming it. It's known as a "gateway benefit", because people who are eligible for Pension Credits are also entitled to: ❄️ Winter Fuel Payments 🏠 Council Tax reductions 📺 free TV licence (those aged 75+) 🪥 dental and optical support & more For older people struggling with the cost of living - including soaring energy bills - it's more important than ever to claim the financial support you're entitled to. If you know anyone who might be eligible, start a conversation this Pension Credit Week of Action Find out more at gov.uk/pension-credit #PensionCreditWeekOfAction

We’re making headlines as we try to get all of Norfolk’s parliamentary candidates to make poverty their priority. Every day, we are seeing people who are going without basics, skipping meals, or even facing homelessness. Whoever gets elected, our MPs to take the message to Westminster - people in Norfolk need higher incomes and lower costs - it’s as simple as that. Let’s make poverty the priority at this election.

🗳 We have been out and about supporting people to get ready to vote! As a network of advice agencies, we are on a mission to help people secure their rights. And what could be more fundamental than the right to vote? Here are two quick questions you can ask your service users / members / friends and neighbours today, to help make sure we all secure our right to vote: ❓ Are you planning to vote in person? ❓If so, do you have valid Photo ID? If you don't have Photo ID, you can apply for a free ID from the government to use at the polling station. But hurry - the deadline is 5pm on Weds 26 June. Find out more at ncan.co.uk/vote

🚌 We're on the road over the next few weeks, with Voter Registration stalls where we can help people get ready to vote! If you have an event or venue where we can speak to people, get in touch! You can find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eeefAE4r

💡 We can offer: ✖ Posters & flyers ✖ Social media graphics ✖ Voter Registration stalls So you can start conversations with service users about getting ready to vote! Join the Norfolk Voter Registration Campaign now: https://lnkd.in/eeefAE4r

📅 Dates for your diary! Our partnership meetings are a way to learn about issues facing people across Norfolk, and to hear updates on projects and support services. Find out more and get an invite at https://lnkd.in/eC2E4wUC