How to beat the credit crunch in Leigh

12:42pm Monday 1st September 2008

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Two events have been arranged to help Leigh hoiusing tenants beat the credit crunch and make their money go further.

Wigan and Leigh Housing, which manages the council’s 23,000 homes, is inviting tenants to drop-in advice sessions at Higher Folds community centre, Leigh, on Thursday, September 11, and St Cuthbert’s community centre, Larch Avenue, Pemberton, on Friday, September 12, between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Organisations that can offer tenants expert advice on how to manage their money in areas like benefits, savings, home insurance, energy and contents insurance will all be present.

The Citizens Advice Bureau and Unify Credit Union will be offering free advice on savings and managing debt, while information about bank accounts, housing services and even how to recycle your old mobile phone for cash will also be available.

There will be plenty of activities for children under 5 to make it easier for mums and dads to attend.

Vicky Bannister, from Wigan and Leigh Housing, said: “As the credit crunch bites we’re organising these advice days to make sure our tenants are making the most of their money and can access specialist financial advisors.

“We want to improve the lives of residents on our estates, and bringing together agencies that can help in one place allows tenants to come and seek help without being asked about their debt.”

Another topical area will be doorstep money lenders, and 'interactive' presentations will look at the cost of credit and what borrowing from dodgy money lenders at high rates of interest can do to people’s lives.

There will even be a bank of laptops where tenants can log on and look at the savings to be made by shopping around for services and goods. Refreshments will be provided, and everyone attending will be given a free energy saving light bulb.

Marjorie Marsden, tenant board member and deputy chair of Wigan and Leigh Housing, said: “As tenant board members we're well aware from our neighbours and friends just how difficult it is becoming to manage the family budget.

"This is a great opportunity to find out about things that really can help save money in a friendly atmosphere.”