Doncaster partnership offers lifeline to thousands

A dynamic partnership between Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough and Doncaster Jobcentre Plus is delivering crucial support to thousands of local residents struggling with debt, housing, employment, and rising energy bills.

Rooted in a national agreement established in 2007, this local collaboration is part of a broader mission to provide joined-up services to vulnerable individuals. Since its inception, the partnership has since grown into a vital community resource, helping residents navigate increasingly complex personal and financial situations.

In one recent year alone, the partnership addressed more than 35,000 individual issues and helping people maximise their income worth a collective £12.8 million.

The services offered are free, impartial, and wide-ranging, covering everything from Universal Credit claims to tailored energy advice to help reduce bills.

The team have noticed clear trends in who is seeking help, with increased numbers of people who are classed as economically inactive – such retirees and those unable to work due to illness or disability – asking for help with energy costs. Lone-parent households and those affected by the cost-of-living crisis are also among the most frequent users.

The rising cost of everyday essentials has pushed many into precarious situations, forcing tough decisions between heating their homes and feeding their families.

Stacey Arksey, Senior Advisor at Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough, said: “This local partnership enables people in Doncaster to navigate complex issues with greater ease and confidence, knowing they’re supported by organisations working together from complementary angles.

“A major issue is the sharp rise in energy prices, causing many households to struggle to pay for heating and electricity. People are having to make difficult decisions between heating their homes and buying food or other essentials.

“Some people face difficulties with prepayment meters, such as being unable to top them up or dealing with inaccurate billing. We can help people challenge incorrect billing or explore alternative payment plans that better suit their financial situation.”

 “Households at risk of having their energy supply cut off due to unpaid bills are also a growing concern. We’re working to negotiate with energy companies and help people apply for grants or payment plans to prevent disconnections, particularly in winter.

“Many older properties suffer from poor insulation, leading to high energy consumption so we are able to support people in accessing grants for energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation or energy-saving schemes, which can help reduce long-term energy costs.”

The partnership is helping people like Steven*, an unemployed man in his 50s living with a health condition. After moving home, he somehow had fallen into £3,000 worth of energy debt, despite always paying for energy via a prepayment meter.

Unsure of where to turn, he sought the support of the team at Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough, who investigated the matter with his energy provider and resolved the issue, clearing all of the debt. The team also provided him with practical energy advice which could save him £356 each year.

*name changed to protect identity

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