Making the most of your money

There are other ways to help you to save money or make sure you are receiving the correct benefit or council tax charge.

Benefits

Check on GOV.UK website that you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. Alternatively you can visit Citizens Advice Basingstoke or Citizens Advice Tadley.

Don’t forget if you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be entitled to help with NHS prescriptions and school meals.

Emergency food help

You may find yourself in a situation where you are unable to feed yourself and family. Basingstoke Foodbank may be able to assist you by providing emergency food supplies. For details and how you can apply go to Basingstoke Foodbank website.

Council tax help

Council tax bills are issued to every domestic property within the borough.

Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to a reduction in your annual charge. In addition to council tax support, you may be entitled to a discount based on the make-up of your household.

Your council tax bill will show the amount you have to pay and the monthly instalments due. If you are entitled to a discount or if you cannot pay the instalment amount it is important that you get in touch with the Revenues team.

Saving money on your energy bills

Simple Energy Advice is a non-profit making organisation that provides free impartial advice tailored to suit you. The advice can help you save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home.

Heating your home can be a major household expense. You may wish to consider finding a cheaper energy supplier. You can sometimes pay less if your gas and electricity are from the same supplier. Visit comparison websites to find the best deal for you. This could also apply to contracts for phones, television services and insurance for your home or car.

Low cost furniture and household items

The Community Furniture Project is a local charity that promotes the re-use of furniture, household goods, electrical items and toys at low cost to people in Basingstoke and the surrounding villages.

The most common items available for purchase are cookers, microwaves, fridges and freezers, washing machines, televisions, sofas, tables and chairs and beds. Other household items such as curtains, bed linen, toys, cots and prams are also available.

Anyone can buy items from the project. However, pensioners or residents receiving certain benefits may be able to get an additional discount.

The project even offers the assistance of a van and crew that are able to deliver larger items, as soon as possible. There is a small charge for this to cover costs.

The project relies on people donating items they no longer use which will then help someone else to make a home. They are happy to collect the items.

For more information or if you have any items you would like to donate call 01256 320700.

St Michael's Hospice Furniture Store can be found at Unit 7 and 8 Onslow Close, Kingsland Business Park, Basingstoke RG24 8QL. It stocks a range of furniture including bed frames, dining tables and sofas. Delivery can be arranged. The store is open seven days a week from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

For more information or to donate items, call 01256 471191.