Be like Meera and save time and money this #FoodWasteActionWeek by making your food go further. Win. Don’t Bin.
Author: Chris
Budgeting basics with StepChange: Expert help on the cost of living crisis
Guest article by StepChange
We know most people want to manage their money in the best way possible. However, the idea of putting a budget together can stir up feelings of anxiety and discomfort – where are you even supposed to start?
To be truly money-savvy, you need a thorough understanding of your income and outgoings, and a budget is the best way to achieve this.
Creating a budget is the first step towards taking control of your finances and getting a clear idea of your situation. It helps you to see where your money is going, so it’s easier to make sure you’ve covered all the things you need to pay for.
As the UK’s leading debt advice provider, StepChange has helped millions of people take back control of their finances throughout their 30-year history.
Dawn Cattrell, trusted StepChange Debt Advisor and a Wrexham local, shares some advice on how to approach the budgeting beast with confidence.
Dawn’s budgeting top tips
“I’d like to share an instant pro tip that anyone can get started with! As our food shopping continues increasing in cost, I recommend sitting down and making a list of meals that everyone likes and planning your shopping around the necessary ingredients.
“If you have kids, involve them too! It’s great to get them involved and to share the process of making financial decisions.
“Most importantly, make that list and stick to it. This will ensure you have the meals you need and that you’ll keep everyone (relatively) happy.
“Also, never go shopping when you’re hungry – we’re only human, and it will usually lead to buying additional things we don’t need. Now, when it comes to creating a full budget, this is what you’ll need to do…” 👇👇👇
1. Work out your total income
“There are many reasons why you can view budgeting as difficult. Not knowing what your most important bills are, not having a realistic budget. Feeling like you’re being punished by cutting down on stuff you love or not having a big financial goal to work towards.
“That’s where places like StepChange come into play, to give you that assistance.
“When it comes to creating a budget, the first thing you’ll need to do is add together all the income you get each month.
“Make sure you include everything, whether it’s your wages, benefits, or pensions. If some of your income is paid weekly or 4-weekly, you’ll need to turn these figures into calendar monthly ones.
“To do this, multiply the weekly figure by 52 and then divide this by 12. This will then give you a calendar monthly figure to include in your budget.”
Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.
2. Make a list of everything you spend each month
“Start with your most important bills. Your mortgage, rent, council tax and utilities like gas, electricity, and water. These are classed as priorities because they have the most severe consequences if your payment is late or if you miss a payment.
“Next, write down what you usually spend on living costs such as food, clothing, and toiletries. Using old shopping receipts can help you work out what you typically spend on these items each month.
“Don’t forget to include amounts for things you only pay for once a year or less often, such as Christmas, car repairs, or vet bills.
“To do this, divide the yearly cost by 12 to give you a monthly figure you can include in your budget. You can then set this money aside until the bill is due.”
3. Deduct the total amount you spend each month from your monthly income
“If you’ve got any money left over after you’ve paid for everything then you have a ‘budget surplus’.
“If you’re spending more money than you’ve got coming in, you have a ‘budget deficit’.
“Once you’ve established your financial position, you can see where there might be a problem. For example, are you paying out too much in bank charges, or maybe in debt repayments?
“Creating a budget doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are a lot of free apps and websites out there that will help make it much easier for you.
“Sometimes it’s a case of taking a few straightforward steps to improve your financial position, like cancelling unwanted subscriptions or checking for a better value phone contract.
“Sometimes, the problem will be bigger, and there might not be any quick fixes for your situation. This could be a sign that you’d benefit from free debt help.
“An advisor will help you understand your finances before they recommend a way of dealing with your money worries, so you don’t have to deal with it alone.”
Accessing the free debt help available
Whether you’re worried about missing important payments or simply want a clearer picture of your finances, there are loads of benefits to making a budget.
For example, if you’re struggling to make payments then you might be able to agree on more affordable payments with your creditors. Share your budget with your creditors when you ask them for a temporary payment arrangement or a payment holiday.
If you get free, confidential debt advice, you can also check if you’re eligible for Breathing Space. Launched in 2021, this government scheme (available in England and Wales) helps relieve some of the pressure and stress caused by being in debt by stopping creditors contacting you about your debts for 60 days.
StepChange’s expert team of debt advisors can help you put together your application over the phone, or you can do this yourself online.
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WATCH: A special St David’s Day message for the men and women serving in our armed forces and civil service
Wales’s highest ranking RAF officer, Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Dai Williams, has recorded a special St David’s Day message here in Wales’s newest city.
Air Cdre Williams, who is the Ministry of Defence Welsh Language Champion, recorded the message from the Council Chamber at Wrexham’s Guildhall.
He was accompanied by the Mayor of Wrexham Councillor Brian Cameron, Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, and the council’s Chief Executive Ian Bancroft.
He reflects on the strong links that Wrexham has with the armed forces, and pays tribute to the vital role that men and women in Defence from across Wales proudly carry out as part of the UK armed forces and civil service.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! / Happy St David’s Day!
Have you considered Welsh medium education for your child?
Have you considered Welsh medium education for your child?
The ‘Welsh Immersion’ is a scheme that enables access to Welsh medium education anytime up to year 7.
Watch this video to find out more.
Generous donation to support dementia art group in Wrexham
“You can live well with dementia” is the message the Alzheimer’s Society shares in its Dementia Friends sessions, and for many, art can be a huge help.
In Wrexham, Dementia Friends offers a weekly art group to those with the disease and their carers.
The sessions offer two hours of art, supported by the artist Margaret Roberts at St Margaret’s Church Hall in Wrexham.
All equipment and sundries are provided free of charge and supported by donations from benefactors who’ve often been touched by the disease.
Following the sad death of Jo Edwards, who’s family were responsible for the original funding made available to start the group, the family agreed to her wish that any donations made for her funeral would go to the art group here in Wrexham.
The family, represented by Anne Edwards Smith and Neale Edwards, recently visited the group to hand over a cheque for £850.
This generous donation will provide materials for the group in the future.
Councillor Frank Hemmings, who is a Dementia Ambassador with the Alzheimer’s Society, says:
“The art group is currently well supported by a large number of students and their carers as we work towards an exhibition at Ty Pawb in April, when we’ll display some of the work they’ve completed during the class.
“In many cases art has proved to be a great therapy for those living with dementia and often they are surprised by the quality of work produced. It’s a lovely, friendly group and a great example of how people can live well with dementia and have a fulfilling life.”
Work in social care, in a city that puts people first
If you work in social care, or you’re thinking about it, you’ll find lots of opportunities to develop your career at Wrexham Council.
From social workers to contact advisors, and roles that involve working with children and people with disabilities – there are loads of hugely rewarding jobs available at the moment.
The council is committed to developing its own staff and providing significant opportunities for development and career progression…so coming to work for us can open lots of other doors.
Councillor John Pritchard, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “Working in social care means making a real difference to people’s lives, and we’re looking to recruit kind, talented and smart people to work in a variety of roles.
“If you work in social care, you’ll know it can be challenging – you see and deal with things that aren’t always easy. But you’ll also know you can make a real difference, and it’s an incredibly rewarding field to work in.”
Can you view all job vacancies on the council’s jobs portal…
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Current vacancies in social care include:
- Social workers
- Assistant team managers working in fostering, family support, and assessment and intervention
- Homecare reablement support workers
- First contact advisors
- Night support workers
- Residential childcare officers
Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Wrexham is a place that puts people first, and as Wales’ newest city, this is an exciting time to join our social care department.
“Many children and families rely on our services, and by working in one of our teams you can provide the lifeline they need.
“You’ll also get the chance to develop your career, and we’re a good employer that will look after you and help you grow.
“So if you’re looking for a new challenge in social care, please take a look at our latest job vacancies.”
Many of our roles at Wrexham Council offer…
- Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle ✔
- Job stability ✔
- Easy commute ✔
- Pension, good annual leave allowance and other benefits ✔
- Career development ✔
Applying for a nursery place for your child?
Applying for a nursery place for your child? Have you considered Welsh medium education? Watch this video to find out more.
Wrexham’s ‘Trees of Trees’ dedicated to AVOW
A very special tree has been planted on Llwyn Isaf to celebrate the role of all volunteers across Wrexham County Borough.
Last summer, a giant sculpture made from over 350 saplings was installed outside Buckingham Palace as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Since then, the saplings have been sent to towns and cities all over the UK and dedicated to local groups who’ve contributed greatly to their communities.
Wrexham’s tree has been dedicated to the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW), with a simple planting ceremony recently held on Llwyn Isaf.
The ceremony was overseen by the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Harry Fetherstonhaugh OBE, and attended by the Mayor of Wrexham Councillor Brian Cameron, and senior representatives from AVOW and Wrexham Council.
Left to right: Planting the tree – the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Harry Fetherstonhaugh OBE, and the Mayor of Wrexham Councillor Brian Cameron. The Lord Lieutenant said: “The Tree of Trees sculpture provided a wonderful spectacle outside Buckingham Palace last summer.
“The saplings are now being planted up and down the country as a lasting legacy to the Platinum Jubilee and dedicated to local groups who’ve made an outstanding contribution to their communities.
“It’s a great honour for Wrexham to receive a sapling, and I hope it will grow and thrive in the coming years.”
The Mayor of Wrexham said: “This tree is dedicated to AVOW in recognition of the incredible work they do in supporting voluntary groups across the county borough.
“Volunteers play a key role in our communities, but many would be lost without the support that AVOW provides. They do an incredible job and I hope that both the tree and the voluntary sector will continue to thrive in Wrexham.”
Left to right: AVOW Chief Officer Dawn Roberts-McCabe, the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd and the Mayor of Wrexham. Energy and compassion
AVOW has been supporting voluntary groups since 1988 and played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Officer Dawn Roberts-McCabe said: “It’s a wonderful honour to have this tree dedicated to AVOW and the local voluntary sector.
“Like the rest of the UK, Wrexham has faced some big challenges in recent years, including Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis.
“But our communities always pull together and volunteers play a huge part in that – they give their time, energy and compassion, and this tree is a wonderful way to recognise what they do.”
Left to right: The Lord Lieutenant, Harvey the young blacksmith, the Mayor and Harvey’s grandfather Tony Roberts. A plaque for the tree has been made by local business O & H Metal Designs, where young blacksmiths Ollie and Harvey work with their grandfather Tony Roberts.
The boys, who are in secondary school, took up the family tradition of blacksmithing during the pandemic, and made national headlines last year due to their young age and notable skills.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, and they do an incredible job.
“It’s a wonderful honour for Wrexham to receive a Tree of Trees from the Platinum Jubilee, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to dedicate it to AVOW.
“The fact that our two local young blacksmiths, Ollie and Harvey, are making the plaque is a lovely touch, and I hope the tree will grow tall and strong and be a lasting testament to the importance of volunteers in Wrexham.”
Left to right: The Lord Lieutenant, Tony Roberts, Harvey, Cllr Hugh Jones, Cllr Nigel Williams, Cllr David A Bithell, Leader of Wrexham Council Cllr Mark Pritchard, Wrexham Council Chief Executive Ian Bancroft, and the Mayor of Wrexham. 
Landowner prosecuted for breaching Planning Enforcement Notice
Wrexham Council’s Planning Service is highlighting the importance of following planning rules after a local landowner was prosecuted by the council for failing to comply with the terms of an Enforcement Notice.
The Notice required the removal of an outbuilding which had been built on land at Ruabon Road, Ruabon without the benefit of planning permission.
The landowner was found guilty at Wrexham Magistrates Court where he was fined £1,000 plus costs.
Councillor Terry Evans, Lead Member for Planning, said: “This prosecution highlights the importance of following planning rules, and failing to comply with the terms of an Enforcement Notice is something we take very seriously.
“It’s important that landowners follow planning and building regulations when undertaking development, and that they work closely with our planning officers.”
David Fitzsimon, Chief Officer for Planning and Economy at Wrexham Council, said:
“Planning regulations help to protect the environment and our communities. Officers within the Planning Team are very keen to work positively with landowners and provide assistance to ensure that regulations are followed.
“However, breaches are taken seriously and officers will not hesitate to take enforcement action, including prosecution, where it is expedient to do so.
“I would strongly recommend that landowners contact the Planning Service before undertaking any development.”
The council’s Planning Service can provide advice if you’re unsure whether your project will need planning permission.
You can find out more on the council’s website.
January money-worries?
How to get help if you’re worried about debt
After the expense of Christmas and New Year, a lot of people are forced to tighten their belts in January.
Many of us rely on credit to pay for Christmas, and feel pressure to spend more than we can afford – which can leave us with a worrying financial hangover.
This year, the cost of living crisis is already putting households under pressure, and anyone struggling with debt is being urged to seek help.
There are various charities and Government-backed services offering support, including…
StepChange
A UK debt charity offering free impartial advice.
National Debtline
Another UK charity dedicated to providing free, impartial debt advice.
MoneyHelper
A UK Government-backed initiative that combines support from the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise.
Citizen’s Advice
You can also find useful information on the national Citizen’s Advice website.
Wrexham residents can also call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1178.
The most important thing is ask for help, and to make sure you speak to an established charity or organisation that has your best interests at heart.
Leaving debt problems to fester usually makes things worse, so it’s better to tackle them head-on with the help of a trained and experienced debt advisor.
Last October, Wrexham Council set up a cross-party working group to support people through the cost of living crisis.
Councillor David A Bithell, who chairs the group, says:
“January can be a difficult time, and if you’re struggling with debt, it’s really important to reach out and get help.
“Charities like Step Change and National Debtline provide free impartial advice, and can help you get back on track.
“They won’t judge you or make you feel bad about your situation – they’ll listen and help you find ways to manage your debts.
“If you’re worried about money, please don’t sweep it under the carpet or bottle it up. Reach out and ask for help.”
You can find more information on the cost of living on Wrexham Council’s website – including grants and benefits, help with household bills, and how to look after your health and wellbeing.
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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