CAML

Free, independent, impartial & confidential information and advice

CAML Cost of Living Campaign

Thank you to everyone who supported our Cost of Living donations campaign in 2022.  With the generous match funding from one of our donors, we raised an amazing £3,731 which is already helping us support more individuals and families.   

Unfortunately, more and more individuals in need are contracting us for support in 2023 (the first week of January we experienced record high demand for on-the-day demand at our offices and people calling Merton and Lambeth Advicelines).  If you or anyone you know is able to support us, our Cost of Living Campaign is here: https://www.caml.org.uk/caml-cost-of-living-campaign/ (to visit the donation link, please click the button below the image).

As Suzanne, CAML Chief Executive explains, “Demand for CAML’s support continues to rise week by week. All donations we receive will be hugely appreciated and will enable us to reach and support more people across our services and on-line at this incredibly challenging time.”

We are an independent charity and have been supporting individuals and families in need since 1939.  Demand for our services is at record highs.  Your donation will make all the difference. 

CAML Q&A Advice Support

I’ve seen offers for ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ when I’m doing online shopping.  It seems like a good way to spread the cost of some of the things I need to get for my family but how can I make sure I don’t get into debt?

With everything getting more expensive, this is a really difficult time for a lot of people, so it’s  sensible to be thinking about how you can manage. There are lots of things you can do to try and stay in control of your money.

Before you start spending, work out exactly what money you have coming in and going out each month. Be realistic about what you need for essentials like food and travel. Take a look at the budgeting tool on the Citizens Advice website. This can help you set a budget you can stick to.

You’ll also be able to find tips on how to reduce your regular living costs, which might be helpful if you’re struggling to keep within your budget.

While it can be tempting to split payments with schemes like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), you’ll need a plan to pay the money back. If you’re using something like that repeatedly, you might be managing for now, but it could also be a sign that it’s unaffordable in the long run. Keep a record of how much you owe in total.

Always make sure you understand what you’re signing up for, how you’ll make the repayments and what will happen if you can’t pay on time. It’s important to check the returns process for both the retailer and credit provider. Paying through BNPL may also affect the cost of postage returns if you’ve ordered online. The riskiest thing about it is that you’re not guaranteed to be protected if something goes wrong. For example, you can’t go to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you have a complaint.

If you find yourself turning to credit cards, your overdraft, or store cards for your spending, keep track of what you owe. You should prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first, because not paying these has the most serious consequences. On the Citizens Advice website, you can find information on what bills to prioritise and how to manage debts. There’s also information on the support available for paying these and other bills.

If, like many during this crisis, you find you can’t afford to reduce your debts after paying your priority bills and essentials, seek advice as soon as possible. If you need specific support or don’t feel able to manage your situation alone, you can contact CAML on Merton Adviceline on 0808 278 7831, Lambeth Adviceline on 0800 254 0298, our online advice query form https://www.caml.org.uk/advice-contact or the National Citizens Advice debt helpline: 0800 240 4420.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, particularly when it comes to managing personal finances. Our advisers are here to help you find a way forward.

Merton Energy Efficiency Advice Event – Saturday 26th November!

We will be at another one of Merton Council’s Cost of Living events!

📍 Merton Civic Centre

📅 this Saturday 26th November

🕐10.30am-1.30pm

Come and chat to us! All households that visit the event will receive a £10 supermarket voucher. 😊

#merton #local #event #costofliving

Uprate benefits in line with inflation: latest cost of living data from Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth

Despite the government’s recent freeze on energy bills, everything is pointing towards an incredibly challenging winter for people at the sharp end of the crisis.

As part of CAML’s research and campaigns work we regularly update and meet with local MPs and Councillors.  In the past week we’ve been highlighting that the government must do more to support struggling families by confirming benefits will be uprated in April in line with inflation.  

At CAML, we’re seeing record high demand from residents from across the London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth including rising debt and welfare benefits support and referrals to food banks and fuel vouchers.   Issues that usually peak in winter started to rise sharply in the middle of summer, for example people unable to top up their prepayment meters.  We’re also seeing more people coming to us who are facing or experiencing homelessness. 

Whilst welcoming the Prime Minister’s recent freeze on energy bills, which is providing much-needed support for individuals and families, rising costs are outpacing government support.  If benefits fail to keep pace with inflation, a family with one child will see a real terms drop in support of £87 a month. This is a cut people simply cannot afford. The new Prime Minister and Chancellor urgently need to ensure people on the lowest incomes can make ends meet.

The attached briefing focuses on the national perspective across the Citizens Advice network.   

Merton 0808 278 7831
Lambeth 0800 254 0298
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