Which? launches new carers’ hub to bridge the gap More than a million people looking after an elderly relative could be losing out on crucial advice and support, research by Which? Elderly Care has revealed. Nearly a third of the 3.8 million unpaid carers in England struggle to find the information they need from their local council. There are also large differences between areas. Around half of unpaid carers in Brent, Hounslow, Sheffield and Lambeth had difficulty finding information and advice. New hub for unpaid carers In response to the lack of information available to carers, Which? Elderly Care has launched a free Carers’ hub, which brings together advice pages with local authority information. The new hub helps carers find the information they need, whether that’s how to arrange a carer’s assessment with their local council, get information on the benefits and financial support that is available or carers’ rights in the workplace. Read more: http://www.which.co.uk/news/2016/01/unpaid-carers-struggle-to-find-the-right-information-431835/ - Which?

Hi I currently work for LA who are going through a restructure, I used to work full time and now part time due to my back problems. I had a discetomy back in April but I struggle with work I work 18.5 hours 5 mornings a week. It is a struggle especially as I can't take my full medication before I go to work due to the drowsiness. I have a 5 year old and live with my partner who is on ESA support group and lower dla care component. I know I physically can't carry on doing this job. I need to know where I financially stand if I had to go on benefits. The vr payment is not a lot but it maybe a good way for me to leave my employment. I did a benefits check on Turn 2 us I need to know if it's accurate. I tried CAB and they couldn't fit me in. I have a deadline for this Wednesday about my VR. Can anyone help? Thanks

Posting this in attempt to try to help my friend who was quite irresponsible with her credit cards. I think they are all with different banks and she says no way for these to be combined into one or for her to get a loan (bad credit rating) to pay them off. £1000 overdraft on each card so £3000 in total plus monthly interest rates piling up on top of each sum plus I think there are some late payment fees too or something. She only can make small payments (meeting the monthly minimum) but it is going on for her for almost 3 years now and because of the interest rates piling up on top of the rest each month, she can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am worried for her because of this. Her health is affected as well as her general mood. I am noticing psychological effects too, she is becoming short tempered with her nearest and dearest (including me as best friend) which is really not like her. She's got no money for buying presents for family or anyone else, no holidays, nor for new items of clothing or to afford more than 2 drinks somewhere out once or max twice a month and that's pretty much the only time she spends out of her home and workplace, apart from when buying groceries. She's basically got no life because no money and the paying off seems to be taking painfully long. I know she has some sort of depression symptoms too. The situation is very stressful for her and she cries often, she doesn't tell me but I know this. Are there any options/solutions to make paying off these overdrafts more manageable? Even if she could put paying off 1 of the cards on hold would be helpful...? Any hacks/tricks are welcome! She's got a job working with kids on a self employed basis and paying her NI and taxes but she's not being left with much at all after paying rent, bills (houseshare with others) and travel expenses. Does a bit of paid extra work in childcare but it's only enough to barely keep her head above the water. In some weeks when the extra childcare not needed, she's got no money for food.

There are many reports of debtors being arrested for obstructing a bailiff (Section 68.1 of Section 12 of the Tribunal Courts & Enforcement Act 2007) or more commonly; for removing a car clamp but it is rare to read a report about a debtor being injured during a bailiff visit. This particular press article featured on SCOOP yesterday. The background to the matter is that the debtor (a young mother) had been fined for using a TV without a valid licence. The balance of the court fine was £200. For reasons that are not known, she did not deal with the debt at the Compliance stage (when the fees were just £75) and accordingly, the debt was passed to an enforcement agent. It would seem from the article that bailiffs were attempting to apply a wheel clamp to her vehicle and upon witnessing this, the debtor admitted that she started 'running around' her car 'like a crazy woman in a panic'. Foolishly (in my opinion), she then picked up one half of the wheel clamp and flung it across the garden towards the gate. Following this, a struggle broke out between her and the bailiff and it was later discovered that she had suffered a broken bone in her wrist from the incident. Police are investigating and examining footage from the bailiff's body-worn camera. A neighbour volunteered to pay the debt of £525 to avoid her vehicle being taken. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/mum-claims-bailiff-broke-wrist-10008184