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Heating & insulation grants - plus personalised advice on other financial entitlements - at Radstock and Keynsham events, Friday 26 March Residents of North East Somerset are again being invited by their MP to special local events (in Radstock and Keynsham) to find out if they qualify for Government grants to help keep their homes warmer and more energy-efficient. Local Labour MP Dan Norris has been organising Financial Support Entitlement events across the area for a number of years. The next ones take place on Friday, 26 March at:
Free refreshments will be available, and everyone is welcome. As well as getting information about Government 'Warm Front' grants, the Labour MP has organised for a number of other experts to be on hand to advise on other services and financial entitlements that people might qualify for. "My experience
of organising these events regularly for a number of years shows people
who come along are often not aware of important services and financial
benefits the "It's vital, especially at the present time when we are emerging from global recession, that everyone I represent is fully aware of their entitlements. When you have paid into 'the system' for years, through taxes and other contributions, good quality information about services that are available to you and your family is really important. I want to ensure people claim what is rightfully theirs. "Some people are comfortable finding information online or by making telephone calls, but these events give a great opportunity for people to get confidential, face-to-face advice that is personal to them - in the warm, over a cup of tea or coffee. And when it's necessary to fill out a form to claim something, help is easily at hand." Since the Government's
Warm Front scheme began ten years ago, well over £2 million has
been invested in North East Somerset, making over 1,800 homes warmer and
more energy-efficient. In addition to Warm Front, staff from a wide range of other organisations will be there, offering confidential, professional and impartial advice. Areas covered include; Pension Credits, Income-based Jobseeker Allowance, Child Tax Credits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. The other organisations due to attend include Citizens' Advice Bureau, Age Concern, The Pensions Service, Care and Repair. The local Fire Service will also be there, offering householders free smoke alarms and home visits to carry out vital safety checks. Dan added: "At similar events I've organised in Peasedown St John, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Keynsham, many thousands of pounds in unclaimed tax credits, benefits and heating grants have been claimed by local people. Even those who come along and find out they are already receiving everything to which they're entitled are usually pleased they took the time to come along. Those who discover an entitlement they hadn't realised are almost always delighted." "If you're unable
to make it to this event, you can still call Warm Front on freephone 0800
316 6014. As well as finding out if you are eligible for the Warm Front
scheme, you can have a free and confidential benefit check to see if you
are missing out on any entitlements."
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are entitled to receive," said Dan.