| 1. GENERAL ADVICE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advice Guide www.adviceguide.org.uk |
This is the national online advice site of the Citizens Advice Bureaux with information on a comprehensive range of topics and fact sheets to print off. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk |
This is another national Citizens Advice Bureaux site but differs by giving an insight into our work, eg. campaigning for changes in policies & services and also the location of your nearest CAB. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Advice Now www.advicenow.org.uk |
Brings together information on the law and rights from over 200 UK websites including a section on living together. The site is a winner of the Plain English Web Award | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citizen Advice Hampshire www.hampshirecab.org.uk |
This is a Consortium of 22 Hants Bureaux with a vision to develop improved services to clients by closer working between individual Bureaux. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. STATUTORY AUTHORITIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hampshire CC www.hants.gov.uk |
Comprehensive directory/guide of the county with facilities, services, contacts, schools, etc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rushmoor BC www.rushmoor.gov.uk |
Similar to above but just Rushmoor which encompasses both Aldershot and Farnborough. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directgov www.direct.gov.uk |
Anything and everything remotely connected with the Government | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. BENEFITS, TAX & CHILD SUPPORT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits & Pensions www.dwp.gov.uk |
Department for Work & Pensions. Starting point for information on benefits, pensions & work but not tax credits (see below). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax & Credits www.hmrc.gov.uk |
HM Revenue & Customs - Information on income tax, national insurance and tax credits including a calculator. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Child Support Agency www.csa.gov.uk |
Includes FAQ's, a maintenance calculator and how to apply as well as information under the rules before and after the 3rd March 2003 changes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. CONSUMER ADVICE & SERVICES (Money Advice in separate section) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Direct www.consumerdirect.gov.uk |
Excellent government site with advice on a range of goods & services including scams and counterfeit goods. Also the facility to complain online about a trader or speak to a trained consumer adviser. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trading Standards www.tradingstandards.gov.uk |
Government site with advice leaflets, preference services to reduce junk mail & unwanted phone calls and a list of product recalls. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buy With Confidence www.buywithconfidence.info |
The scheme provides a list of reputable local businesses, in a wide range of different trades, that have been independently checked by staff from the local authority Trading Standards Service. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| European Complaints www.euroconsumer.org.uk |
Information & advice when having a problem with goods or services bought in another European country. Besides English the site may be viewed in French, German, Italian & Spanish | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Focus www.consumerfocus.org.uk |
This is the new name combining Energywatch & Postwatch. For complaints about gas / electric etc. Also those dodgy transfers from one company to another and anything related to energy use / abuse. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Say No To 0870 www.saynoto0870.com |
For searching alternative geographical telephone numbers (rather than India) either by company name or their 0870 number. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. EMPLOYMENT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directgov direct.gov.uk/en/Employment |
This link goes directly to the 'Employee' page and gives comprehensive information on your rights including contracts, pay, holidays, redundancy, health & safety and how to resolve workplace disputes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACAS www.acas.org.uk |
Advisory, Conciliation & Arbitration Service More help on employment problems | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employment Tribunals employmenttribunals.gov.uk |
The Employment Tribunals are judicial bodies established to resolve disputes over employment rights. This site gives information about the tribunals and guidance on how to apply to them | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Looking for a Job? www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk |
This site shows a range of jobs categorised into groups, type and title. To select a particular area, input your postcode & the number of miles you are prepared to travel.
| 6. HOUSING | Rushmoor LHA rates |
www.rushmoor.gov.uk For the most up to date local housing allowance rates for Rushmoor Borough Council | Pavilion Housing Group |
www.pavilionhg.co.uk The largest local housing association with information on responsibilities and their services | Thames Valley HA. |
www.tvha.co.uk Another large housing association in the local area | Shelter |
www.shelter.org.uk For advice on housing rights and homelessness | Communities/Local Gov |
www.communities.gov.uk This department sets policy on local government, housing, urban regeneration, planning, building regulations and fire & rescue. Also responsibility for race equality and community cohesion. | Valuation Office |
www.voa.gov.uk/council tax For finding the council tax band for any of the 22.5 million domestic properties in England & Wales and also information regarding valuation of your property. | 7. LEGAL | Courts Service |
www.courtservice.gov.uk Includes court forms and leaflets for downloading. Also fees and tracking | Money Claim Online |
www.moneyclaim.gov.uk This is HM Courts Service Internet based site for claimants and defendants to make or respond to a money claim online. | Public Guardian Office |
www.publicguardian.gov.uk The Court of Protection can make decisions on the property, affairs, healthcare and personal welfare of adults who lack capacity. Also forms & booklets on Enduring and Lasting Power of Attorney. | Bankruptcy etc |
www.insolvency.gov.uk Excellent site for all aspects of bankruptcy and insolvency | UK Border Agency |
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk This agency enforces immigration and customs regulations and also considers applications for permission to enter or stay in the UK for visiting, studying, working, residency, citizenship and asylum. | CLS ( ex 'Legal Aid') |
www.clsdirect.org.uk Community Legal Service includes a database of specialist solicitors, free leaflets on law, eg. Employment, Welfare Benefits and Debt and a calculator for entitlement to funded legal aid | Compact Law |
www.compactlaw.co.uk Offers an extensive library of free legal information and documents on consumer, accidents, employment, housing, relationships etc. | 8. LOCAL SUPPORT & INFORMATION | Rushmoor Healthy Living |
www.rushmoorhealthyliving Activities for people of all ages to improve their health and well-being, offering a social element as well as physical fitness or nutritional information. | Swift Guide |
www.swiftguide.org.uk This is a comprehensive guide to local mental health services in North West Hampshire and parts of South West Surrey plus useful information about relevant national organisations. | Rushmoor Schools Plus |
rushmoorschoolsplus.org This is for families living in Rushmoor. It is intended to support families in coping with everyday issues and even during moments of crisis and has many useful links. | Local life |
www.locallife.co.uk A whole hotch potch of local and some national sites advertising services from the cradle to the grave but keep in mind that this site is a commercial enterprise and not comprehensive. | AboutMyArea GU14 |
www.AboutMyArea.co.uk A new site with the aim of offering an electronic equivalent of a local newspaper with up-to-date news, events, information plus some history for the local Farnborough community. | 9. MONEY ADVICE | Money Made Clear |
moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk The FSA is the UK's financial watchdog and gives clear, impartial information on financial implications of many life events from opening a bank account to managing in retirement. Also useful calculation tools. | National Debtline |
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk Advice on how to deal with debt problems including information pack, personal budget section, sample letters to write to your creditors & factsheets. | Money Saving Expert |
moneysavingexpert.com Martin Lewis's popular site could help you save money on anything and everything by finding the best deals and beating the system - includes many topical subjects that he raises in the media. | Refused Credit |
Experian If you have been refused credit and wish to understand why, the answer may be here. Also explains how to get a copy of your personal credit report. | turn2us |
www.turn2us.org.uk This database of organisations gives practical support with grants or goods where really needed. Help is available to young and old, different nationalities & religions and those with illnesses & disabilities. | 10. NATIONAL SUPPORT, ADVICE & INFORMATION | Age UK |
www.ageuk.org.uk Age Concern and Help the Aged have joined forces to form Age UK. This site is for the older person with advice on income, health, community care & legal issues. | Mind |
www.mind.org.uk A good starting point for help with mental health problems | Women's Aid |
www.womensaid.org.uk Useful information for women experiencing domestic abuse. | Childline |
www.childline.org.uk Helpline for children in trouble or danger, counsellors give comfort & protection advice. | Frank |
www.talktofrank.com A guide to drugs for parents with an A to Z, identifying the signs of use, the penalties if caught, how to talk with your child and what to do in an emergency | Chatdanger |
www.chatdanger.com Information on the potential dangers of using interactive online services such as e-mails, chat rooms, games and mobiles. The Resources tab gives links to other relevant sites | Assn of Charity Officers |
www.aco.uk.net The Association is the national umbrella body for benevolent charities, ie. charities who provide aid and advice to individuals in need and provides a Helpline for people looking for charitable assistance. | 11. LANGUAGES | Other Languages |
www.multikulti.org.uk Information, advice guidance and learning material in 10 languages. | Translation |
translate.google.com Yet another facility offered by Google | Translation |
babel.altavista.com To translate short passages of text ( up to 150 words ) in 19 pairs of languages. | |
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