‘I told him my partner had done this to me but he ignored it like I wasn’t there. So even when you tell them directly they don’t do anything, they don’t know what to say or how to respond. He made me feel like I was making it up.’ Survivor's voice

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Stage D Independent living

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Independent living Help from the council

4

Letting agents and landlords

6

Other costs

8

Finding a place

10

References

15

Deposits and guarantors

18

Can I get help with my deposit?

19

Signing tenancy agreements

20

Your rights as a tenant

22

Sorting out furnishings

24

Setting up your bills

25

Using social media again

26

Jobs and payslips

27

How to run a car

34

Building up friends

36

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Help from the council If you will become homeless within 28 days your local authority (the local council) should re-house you immediately as long as one of the following apply: A - You are a pregnant woman. B - You have children who rely on you financially and are risk of homelessness. C - You need special help because you are old, mentally disabled, physically disabled or other special reason. D - You became homeless because of a flood, fire or another disaster. E - You are a child aged 16 or 17 and you are not in local authority care, or recently left long-term care (Wales - 16 or 17 year olds will be regarded as in priority need, whether or not they have been in care). F - Any person aged 18-20 who is at particular risk of sexual or financial exploitation (Wales only). G - Any person who is not yet 21, but who was being looked, accommodated or fostered at any point between 16-18, but is no longer. This does not apply if that person is also in full-time, further or higher education (England only). H - Persons aged 21 or over who have become vulnerable as a result of having been looked after, accommodated or fostered (England only). I - A person who is 18-20 and who has at any time been privately fostered, lived in a children's home or been in the care of a local authority, health authority or voluntary organisation (Wales only). J - Any victim of any form of violence, (except self-inflicted) who has left their home as a result of violence or threats and has become vulnerable as a result (England only). K - Any person who has been subject to domestic violence, is at risk of domestic violence or would be at risk if he or she returns home (Wales only).

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L - A person who formerly served in the armed forces and has been homeless since leaving those forces (Wales only). M - Any person who is vulnerable as a result of having been a member of the regular naval, military or air force (England only). N - Any person who is a former prisoner and has been homeless since leaving custody and has a local connection with the area of the local authority to whom they apply (Wales only). O - Any person who is vulnerable as a result of having been in custody (England only).

Remember – Councils do not have to offer you housing if they feel you have intentionally become homeless, or if you exhibit ‘unacceptable behaviour’. ‘Persons subject to immigration control’ are also not eligible for assistance. It’s a complex area and the above information is only to provide guidance when contacting a local council. Your adviser should be able to offer more detailed specialist help.

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Letting agents and landlords When you’re renting privately, you’ll either be dealing with letting agents, who work for a company that specialises in renting places, or with the landlord directly. Sometimes it’s hard to know who you’re likely to deal with. A lot of letting agents are hired to find someone to live in a new home, but then once you move in they no longer have anything to do with it. Other ones will not only find you a home to live in, but will then also be the ones who take rent and organise repairs on your home. In some cases, you may be renting your home from a landlord or letting agent, but there will still be a separate ‘property management company’ whose job is to keep the place clean and do any repairs. This is normally something you would get in a complex of small flats, or a small housing estate. You can easily find letting agents online or in the high street; they tend to have websites and shop premises. Finding landlords directly tends to be more of a case of looking for local adverts, which could be in the paper or on websites such as Gumtree. It is generally recommended that you use landlords that are registered with a body such as: o ARLA o NLA o RLA As these all have formal complaints processes and often have additional insurances that protect your money in case you have any problems.

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Important update Advisers – Consider whether or not the client needs to know the following information. It can help them if they have a dispute with the landlord, but it may not be essential for them to know this when actually finding a new home, as the renter cannot be held liable if a landlord is not registered. On November 23rd 2016, it becomes the law in Wales for all landlords to register as landlords, and if acting as the manager for the property (e.g. advertises and contracts directly with tenants, collects the rent, is the point of contact for reporting repair issues) for them to get a licence. Without this license, they are not able to operate legally in Wales. From November 23rd 2016, letting agents will also have to be licensed to operate in Wales. In fact, from November 23rd 2016 it will be a legal requirement for both landlords and letting agents to be licensed if appropriate, and failure to register or have the correct license means the property cannot legally be rented out and clients will be eligible for rent repayment or rent stopping orders as a result of this. You can find out more information on Rent Smart Wales. Across England a number of local authorities are already requiring landlords and letting agents to be registered or licensed in a similar way to the legal requirements in Wales. However, making this a legal requirement in England - as it is in Wales – has not happened yet. Contact your local authority to see if this is applicable in your area and how to find out if the landlord or letting agent is listed.

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Other costs Unfortunately, landlords and letting agents are well-known to add extra charges and fees on top of their services. Although these aren’t actually unfair themselves, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 it is illegal for landlords or letting agents not to provide clear information about all fees and charges relating to a property whether displaying in their premises or online. Neglecting to do so may mean that they are relying on clients to be unaware of what their rights are, and not to know what is or is not a legitimate charge. The following is a list of some of the charges that landlords and letting agents may hide from their upfront costs, but will try to apply before you actually sign. Remember, if they don’t actually display the charge – including VAT – and explain what it’s for then it’s not being made clear or fairly. o A letting agent must not charge you for registering with them, or to show you its list of properties available for rent. o Letting agents should not charge you for routine inspections done during your tenancy. These are often at three or six-month intervals. o Inventory fees – this charge is simply for checking in and/or checking out of the property at the start and finish of the tenancy. o Renewal fees – This is charged if you choose to renew your tenancy agreement (after the 12-month term, for example). o Early termination - Should you need to leave the tenancy early, you may be charged the agent’s commission (pro-rata for the remaining time). o Late payment - If rent is late (or the payment fails), the letting agency may try to bill you. o A holding deposit – this is meant to 'reserve' a property before you sign a tenancy agreement o Administrative costs – when asked about this, many say this is to cover the costs of phone calls and postage. Alternatively, they may try to charge this

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for drawing up tenancy agreements and making an inventory of the property. o Credit check costs – This charge is for carrying out credit checks. o Reference check costs – This is for getting your references. They are not allowed to charge you for: o Registering with them o Showing you a list of potential rental properties o Regular inspections during your tenancy o Anything the landlord can also be charged for Your rights when there are unfair charges It’s very difficult to know what to do in the face of these charges. All the charges listed above are common in the renting sector, but they have to be clearly displayed or else are considered to be unfair by the ASA (Advertising Standards Agency). Your local council – specifically, the trading standards section – have the legal obligation to investigate and regulate the letting agent in these cases. They can even apply a fine of £5000 to them, and there is no charge to contact and use your local regulatory services. However, this process can be very drawn-out and will not actually oblige the letting agent to provide the client with a property at the end of it. Alternatively, you can complain to the Advertising Standards Authority here, but unfortunately the same applies: it won’t help you get your home and it takes a long time to resolve anyway. The best approach is to simply know your rights, and make sure the letting agent knows that you are willing to complain to the official organisations if they don’t treat you fairly.

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Finding a place Finding a home is not easy, and it really helps if you know what it is you’re looking for. There are a few things you need to think about, and once you’ve considered exactly what you want, you then need to write it down. This list of basic requirements is what you should always take with you when looking for a place to live, and especially when you view a place with a letting agent. They can be quite pushy, so you really need to stick to whatever your list of ‘must-have’ features is. Remember, it is always easier and less stressful to view a property with a friend or at least someone who can provide some reassurance and a second opinion. Requirements to consider:

How much are you willing to pay for your home? Carefully work out your likely budget with the adviser at your refuge, and then use this to work out what you can pay in rent. Remember, budgeting means including all bills like council tax and food. Once you know what you have leftover, we recommend rounding it down (so £235 to £210, for example) so that you have a small margin of money for emergencies. Once you know what the rent you can afford is, stick to it. This is incredibly important; the perfect home may be only £10 or £20 above your budget, but this can add up to several hundred pound in a year, and that’s enough for you to miss your rent and lose your home. It’s always worth speaking to the person showing you around and negotiating: for example, will they drop the monthly rent by £20 if you’re willing to take the home part-furnished (without a TV, for example)? Also see the Other Costs section of this toolkit.

What is the area you’re willing to live in? This depends on lots of factors. Whatever you choose, decide the area you are willing to accept – this is always a bit broader than the area you may ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 10

actually want – and mark it carefully on a map. Stick to this in your searches. Things that may matter a lot to you, depending on your circumstances, include: o How far it is from where you work o How far it is from where your children go to school o How far it is from a Jobcentre o How far it is from friends or your support network

Where is the nearest supermarket? This is always useful to know, as well as whether it’s walking distance away. Also, it is a supermarket you want to shop at and is it affordable? It’s also worth seeing what hours it’s open.

Where is the nearest useful bus-stop or train station? This totally depends on where you need to travel and why. Think about your needs carefully: will you be looking to get a bus to your work, or to collect your children from school?

Is there anywhere to park? This doesn’t just apply for people with a car: if you have some support available from family and friends, you need to consider how this support will visit you. Is there safe parking nearby, and will you need to get a visitors permit (which is another cost)?

Is it double-glazed? Some people may not find this important, whilst other people will think it is vital. It’s important to at least consider it: it will impact on heating bills and comfort.

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Does it have electricity and gas, or just electricity? Again, you may not have a preference. If a home is electric-only, check the nature of the boiler. If it is ‘economy 7’, ensure you know how this system works. Information on this is available on the Citizens Advice website or from your adviser. Another thing: if the accommodation has oil, then is there a local fuel club operating? Who is the supplier, and what is the cost?

Is it furnished? Furnished homes will cost more, but an unfurnished one can be difficult and demoralising to live in. Talk to your adviser about this.

Does it come with white goods (fridge/freezer, washing machine/cooker etc)? Not many people have these themselves, but you may be planning on saving up for some.

Does the letting agent manage it, or is it the landlord directly? You may prefer to deal with a known person rather than an impersonal agency. Alternatively, you may prefer the opposite.

Is it okay to have children, pets or smoke? This depends on your personal circumstances. There are also other things that you need to consider when you’re there and actually looking around a property. Again, taking this list with you is a good idea. What is mobile reception like in the new accommodation? For some people this is very important. Being in a home that doesn’t give you much contact with the outside world can be a very damaging way to start your experience of independent living.

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How secure is the new accommodation? There are lots of elements here to consider: o Are there good locks on the doors? o Are there good locks on the windows? o Is there a garden? o Is there any kind of shared communal space? o Is the mail delivered into a secure postbox? o Is the external door/intercom system secure? Is the water pressure (for taps and a shower) good enough? You can check this by asking to run the shower/flush the toilet whilst they look around the home. Possible damp This is very important; discuss the tell-tale signs of damp with an adviser and make sure you know how to recognise it. Information on neighbours This is a common concern; are there neighbours, do they have loud pets, play loud music, leave a lot of rubbish in communal areas, and so on. Asking the letting agent may not answer these questions, as they often don’t know. However, you should still keep it in mind. Is the new accommodation draughty? This will have a large impact on the energy costs and general comfort of the home. You should check for any large gaps around doors or windows. They don’t necessarily mean that you should not take the property: like single-glazing, these issues offer a way to negotiate a lower rent.

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Does it have smoke detectors? The new home should have smoke detectors throughout, and also carbon monoxide detectors if there is a solid fuel burner. It’s easy to test if smoke detectors work by pressing the test button on their middle. Check the gas safety certificate This is a legal requirement, has to be renewed annually, and has to be in date. Ask for the Energy Performance Certificate This is a mandatory requirement by law and will help assess what likely energy costs will be. Good lighting Make sure that lighting works in the area. This isn’t just checking the lights in the new home and being on the lookout for loose wiring. You should make sure that lights in communal areas work, and even check streetlights near the property. Having clear safe access around the entrance of your home is especially important for feeling safe. Who maintains the communal areas? Making sure any communal areas or lobbies are clean, well-lit and wellsecured is very important. Find out who is responsible for them, how to contact them, and how quickly they expect to resolve issues.

Remember – These are tips for your own use, but nothing beats having experienced support help you through this process. Many refuges and domestic violence charities have a lot of experience helping people with this: try to get help from them as well if you can. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 14

References When you rent a home, the landlord or letting agent will almost always want a reference (often two). These cannot be from friends or family. One is always your previous landlord. The other (if needed) is often an employer or other professional person who knows you. This is not as difficult as it sounds. Firstly, decide who your references are going to be.

Previous landlord – If you can use your previous landlord, that’s great. However, often that’s not possible. In this case, you should be able to get a reference from your refuge (as you have been living there).

Employer/professional person – If you have an employer, then they are an ideal reference. If you do not, then you will have to think of what other person could serve as a professional referee. This can be a doctor, lawyer, police officer, teacher… there are quite a few options available. Once you know this, let your referee (that’s what someone who gives a reference is called) know that they may be contacted for a reference. Then, when you actually choose a home, you need to have their details to put down on a form. This always includes: o Name o Address o Occupation o Phone number o Email address

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When the landlord or letting agent contacts them, they will either be asked to fill in a short form, or just provide a quick letter saying that they think you’re suitable as a tenant. Referees are NOT liable for anything if the tenancy does not work out. Remember – These are tips for your own use, but nothing beats having experienced support help you through this process. Many refuges and domestic violence charities have a lot of experience helping people with this: try to get help from them as well if you can.

Disclosing your previous situation to your letting agent or landlord As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t really tell anyone about the fact you’ve experienced domestic violence or abuse in the past. Other than the professionals that are already supporting you, many people don’t know what domestic violence can really mean or how it can affect someone. In addition, it does not help you keep a low profile and reduce the risk of future abuse. There are no fixed rules on what to do, and there are different pros and cons. If you do disclose your history, or use your refuge as a reference: o The landlord can be aware in case the abuser causes trouble in the future. o A landlord can make concessions for the tenant if they want to: for example, they will need to give permission if a police alarm is to be fitted. o In Wales it may be worth noting that under their homelessness duty, the local council can work with landlords to ensure long term stability of the tenancy, including working with landlords to support a tenant who has experienced domestic violence. o Finding accommodation when a person is experiencing domestic violence gives them priority need, and so they would be able to make a homelessness application with their local authority to provide them with emergency accommodation. They would also probably be given priority for housing association accommodation.

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If you don’t disclose your history: o Rental security should be addressed through the financial assessment / credit check processes, so whether or not you explain your history shouldn’t impact their decision on whether or not you will be able to manage regular rental payments. However, full credit checks will specifically ask for details about a person’s income, and you need to be able to answer these questions honestly. Remember - If you provide false information about your income and circumstances and the landlord lets out the property on the basis of the information provided, then the landlord may be able to make a claim for misrepresentation. Also there may be a ‘break clause’ in a tenancy agreement which allows a tenancy that is still during its fixed term to be ended if false information has been provided regarding your income.

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Deposits and guarantors When you rent a property, you have to pay up front. Exactly how much this is will vary but don’t be surprised if it’s made of two parts: o A deposit (sometimes called a bond) which is often as much as the monthly rent or even slightly more. o A month’s rent – rent is always paid in advance.

The deposit This has to – by law – be kept in a deposit protection scheme. This is a thirdparty company that keeps the deposit for you to get back after your tenancy; this exists in order to protect both you and the landlord from any disputes over the deposit. Using the scheme will not cost you anything, but you should get some paperwork about it with your reference: you can then access this account online. Further information is available on this on the Citizens Advice website and as part of our Digital Money Coaching resources. Remember – The deposit protection scheme is only a legal requirement if you have an assured shorthold tenancy. These usually last for 6 or 12 months – at first - and means the landlord has to give you a notice of eviction.

Guarantors A guarantor is someone – friend, family or even employer – who is willing to guarantee that you are a good tenant. In other words, if you don’t pay rent, or cause damage to the home and/or its fitting, then the guarantor is legally liable. Getting a guarantor can be difficult; most people use family, like their parents. Another option is to use friends, but it is a lot to ask from someone and a big risk for them to take on. Be prepared to show them proof of earnings, and even your budgeting plan. This is why so much of this toolkit is focussed on financial capability: you don’t have to be able to manage your money, if you want to live independently you need to convince other people that you can manage your money too. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 18

Can I get help with my deposit? Raising the money for a deposit is a difficult thing to do: a deposit can be anything from a couple of hundred pounds to three months rent in advance. Although you can try to save this, or borrow it from friends and family, there is also the option of approaching a rent deposit scheme.

What is a rent deposit scheme? Rent deposit schemes offer loans to be used as rental deposits. Usually, the scheme lends you the money to specifically pay for your deposit, and then you pay back the loan during your tenancy.

Where can I find one? Rent deposit schemes are usually run by a local council (contact your local authority’s housing section). Sometimes they are run by local housing associations or charities: your adviser should be able to help you find out.

I thought people were meant to get their deposits back? Don’t worry, you will! Once you have paid back the rent deposit scheme for this ‘loan’ you can carry on like any other normal tenant. As long as there are no problems with your tenancy, you should get your deposit back as a lump sum at the end of your tenancy. In a way, it’s like the money you’ve been paying to the rent deposit scheme has been ‘saved up’ for you.

Is it protected? Like any other rental agreement, the deposit should be kept in a deposit protection scheme.

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Signing tenancy agreements Unless you’re renting from a social housing landlord, you don’t actually have a legal right to a written tenancy agreement. However, we recommend not taking up a tenancy unless you get one. Legally, all you have to be provided by the landlord is: o A rent book, if you have a weekly tenancy (not a fixed term or monthly rolling contract). o The full name and address of your landlord. However a written tenancy agreement will normally contain: Your name o Your landlord’s name and address o The address of the property which you are renting o The date the tenancy begins o The date the fixed-term of the tenancy is meant to end o Details of whether other people are allowed the use of the property, o The amount of the rent o What the rent includes (for example, council tax or electricity) o The length of notice for ending the tenancy o A contact number for the landlord/letting agent in case of urgent repairs or emergencies This might seem a bit bare, but that’s because the law gives you quite a few rights as a tenant; whether or not they are written down, they still apply! Alongside your written tenancy agreement, we strongly recommend that you also get a detailed inventory of what is in the accommodation. That way there won’t be any dispute over missing items when the client moves out. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 20

We also recommend taking photos of the new home (on your phone is fine) and emailing them to keep a record of what condition the building and furnishings were in when the tenancy started.

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Your rights as a tenant It’s important to realise that you have lots of rights as a tenant that are protected by law. Here are some of the most important ones, but always remember to speak to your local Citizens advice office for free, impartial advice on your legal rights. o If the property comes with something like a fridge or a TV – and it breaks – then the landlord is legally obliged to fix it. You don’t have to pay for it unless the damage was caused by you during misuse. In fact, the entire home has to be kept in a reasonable state of repair, and this is at the landlord’s cost. o The landlord has to install working smoke alarms. o The landlord has to arrange an annual gas safety check (if you have gas). o The landlord has to give at least 24 hours notice of any visits: they cannot just come around whenever they like. o A landlord cannot increase the rent unless it says they can in the tenancy agreement. o The landlord has to make sure that the structure and exterior of the premises, including drains, gutters and external pipes, are in working order. o The landlord has to make sure that the water and gas pipes and electric wiring (this includes taps) are in working order. o The landlord has to make sure that the basins, sinks, baths and toilets are in working order. o Any furniture the landlord provides should be fire-retardant. It is easy to check this by looking for labels on beds and sofas etc. It is illegal to remove these safety labels from an item of furniture. o The landlord has to make sure that fixed heaters (for example, gas fires) and water heaters are in working order. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 22

o Your landlord is normally also responsible for repairs to common parts of the building like stairways and lifts. This area is quite complicated, and there are many more areas where you have detailed rights. If in doubt, a client should seek help from their local Citizens Advice.

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Sorting out furnishings Once they are settled into their new home, you will need to consider furnishing their new home. There are two stages to this.

Large furniture Things like couches, book-cases, tables and televisions are expensive, even second-hand. As per our earlier guidance, we would recommend using a website like Freecycle. As most people who leave home will not have a car, we recommend that you pick a day where you can get help (or even hire a van) and then pick up several different Freecycle items on the same day. It may also be worth checking with local charities and refuges for any assistance. Ultimately, for many of these items you will have to consider how essential they are, and to what extent you can ‘make do’ – for a little while - with an inferiorquality of item (for example, a smaller TV).

Smaller appliances and soft furnishings This includes cutlery, crockery, towels and bedding, and also things like kettles and toasters. If you were not able to keep some items when you left home, you will need to start from scratch. Again, Freecycle is an option but smaller items are less frequent on this site. The Gumtree website is worth checking, as are local charity shops. The items here – even though they are smaller and cheaper – are often more important than large furniture items as they can make a much larger difference to how comfortable you feel in a new home.

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Setting up your bills In a new home, there are several basic bills you will probably need to set up. o Rent o Electricity This guidance

o Gas

is deliberately

o Council Tax

vague as

o Water

key services

providers of will vary

o Broadband/TV

hugely due to geography and

o TV license

preference.

o Bank paperwork o Content insurance

Most of these will mean contacting your provider for that service and providing your details. That means providing: o Your name o Your address o Your date of birth o Contact phone number o E-mail address o You will often need some kind of password. Often this can all be done online with the particular provider. However, they will also often need further details (often banking ones) in order to run a credit check on you. In addition, they often prefer payment using a bank card or via direct debit. You do not have to do this: most places will actually accept Postal Orders. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 25

Using social media Social media can be critical for clients who are trying to establish their own independent lives after going through the process of refuge and support. It has many benefits, including making friends, job opportunities, and meeting new partners. However, it also comes with many risks that need to be considered. If clients at this stage – in other words, ones who are now living independently – need guidance on this, it is assumed that they haven’t maintained a social media presence in refuge. Therefore, we offer the following guidance. o They should not use their original name, or something from an existing email address or account, as a former partner may be able to recognise it. o They should not use a profile picture with their face, or showing anything that personally identifies them. o Even if they have changed their name, they should not have a profile picture of their face, or an account with low privacy settings. o Friends and connections they make should all be people you know, and have met in person. They should not accept anyone unless they’re certain who it is. o They shouldn’t make public posts. Their privacy settings should be set to keep their data private. o They shouldn’t mention details about the refuge, or the fact they have been a victim of domestic violence and abuse. o Make sure their settings do not include GPS data with any photos they upload. o They shouldn’t post anything that might allow anyone to identify their home or work address. o If they join any social media groups, be especially careful. Joining a group at a local gym (for example) can allow a lot of people access to their profile that they may not know, and this increases any risks. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 26

Jobs and payslips Clients that are living independently are now in a position where they are more likely to be looking for work, and so will need a better understanding of payslips. This is some further financial capability materials that was not included earlier. Why is this here and not in Stage C? Some clients may have been working whilst still in a refuge, or may have gotten a job whilst still at a refuge. Advisers are welcome to cover this topic earlier if they wish, but it is placed here as it is more likely to form part of their growth into independence. As usual, advisers are expected to use their own discretion to pick and choose resources from the financial capability resource library to suit a clients specific needs. More detailed resources are available at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/financialcapabilityresources

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Tips for your CV Many jobs no longer require CVs, instead they want you to fill in their online applications. If this is the case, then Citizens Advice can support you with the digital skills you would need for this. However, many jobs still need you to have a CV. Often printed out as a hard copy, and if that’s the case, here are some handy tips you need to keep in mind. •

CV’s should be neat and typed. Keep the actual pages clean too, try not to even fold or crease them.

•

Use a simple format and a clear font like Arial.

•

Try not to use generic CVs, tailor your CV to the particular job you’re applying for.

•

Keep it short and simple, a two page maximum is a good rule of thumb.

•

Don’t forget any key information, your personal details should include your name, address, phone number, and email address (a date of birth is no longer needed, owing to age discrimination rules).

•

Make sure you have a professional e-mail address, personal e-mail addresses can give a bad impression.

•

Only provide a photo for jobs such as acting and modelling, or if requested.

•

Don’t provide your social media details, unless you have a professional account on something like LinkedIn.

•

Make sure there are no sloppy errors, check and double-check, and then re-read it the next day too. If you can, get a friend or colleague to proofread it.

•

Make sure your social media accounts reflect your good qualities, for example, choose your profile picture carefully as this may be the first impression your potential employer has of you.

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Citizens Advice financial capability

AIC 20 – MZ

Activity: Pay Slips Exercise

Use the attached handouts to ask the client to try to answer the following questions about the example payslip. Answers 1. Who is the employer? Cardiff Council 2. When will Mr Daniels receive the money? 15-08-16 3. How is the pay being paid to Mr Daniels? BACS transfer 4. How much pay will Mr Daniels receive this month? £843.08 5. How much has Mr Daniels earned this month? £1250 6. How much has Mr Daniels earned so far this year? £6250 7. What are the total deductions from Mr Daniels monthly pay? £406.92 8. What is his tax code? 1100L 9. How much of his pay this year has been taxed? £3735.42 10. Which of his three deductions can he choose not to pay? Pensions

If this was useful, why not try… Jobs and Employment – Payslips explained Resource Support – Presentations – Exploded Payslips glossary

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Citizens Advice financial capability

Example Payslip – can you answer these questions? 1. Who is the employer?

2. When will Mr Daniels receive the money?

3. How is the pay being paid to Mr Daniels?

4. How much pay will Mr Daniels receive this month?

5. How much has Mr Daniels earned this month?

6. How much has Mr Daniels earned so far this year?

7. What are the total deductions from Mr Daniels monthly pay?

8. What is his tax code?

9. How much of his pay this year has been taxed?

10. Which of his three deductions can he choose not to pay?

©2015 Citizens Advice

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Sample payslip

G Daniels Constellation Street Cardiff CF10 8PP NI No DK 35 46 77 M Cardiff Council City Hall Cardiff CF10 3ND

Tax Year beginning 2016 Tax Code 1100L Pay Date 15.08.2016 Pay Method BACS Transfer

Payments

£.pp

Deductions

£.pp

Monthly Salary

1250.00

Income Tax National Insurance Pensions

149.42 137.50 120.00

Total Payments

1250.00

Total Deductions Net Pay

406.92 843.08

Year to Date Totals Gross pay

Pension

Taxable Pay

Tax Paid

NI

6250.00

600.00

3735.42

747.10

687.50

©2015 Citizens Advice

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AIC 20 – MZ

Payslips explained

Your tax code dictates how much tax you pay. You need to ensure you are not on an emergency code.

Payment dates can be monthly or weekly, and at any date in the month

You receive your National Insurance number when you are 16, and it remains with you for every job you ever hold in the UK.

The tax year starts on 6th April each year.

NI No. DK 35 45 77 M Cardiff Council City Hall Cardiff CF10 3ND

Tax Year beginning 2016 Tax Code 1100L Pay Date 15.08.2016 Pay Method BACS Transfer

Payments

£.

pp

Deductions

£.

pp

Monthly Salary

1250.00 Income Tax National Insurance Pensions

149.42 137.50 120.00

Total Payments

1250.00 Total Deductions Net Pay

406.92 843.08

Year to Date Totals

Pension payments are voluntary.

Gross pay

Pension

Taxable Pay

Tax Paid

NI

6250.00

600.00

3735.42

747.10

687.50

Net pay is the total pay you actually receive after all deductions

©2015 Citizens Advice

Taxable pay is the amount of your pay to date this tax year that has been subject to tax. 32

National Insurance pays for the NHS and state benefits JEA3/Sep16/v2

Citizens Advice financial capability

Income tax is a compulsory payment to the government.

Understanding your payslip Organisations you work for must provide you with a payslip. You should check your payslips and keep them for at least a year. Why is important to check your payslip? • •

To make sure you are being paid correctly. To make sure you are taxed correctly. If you are taxed too much you can claim the difference back. You should contact HMRC if you have any queries. If you are taxed too little, you will need to pay it back eventually.

Important Tips: P45 • • •

•

When you stop working for an employer you should automatically be given a P45. If you do not receive one then ask for it, you are entitled to it by law and it is really important that you have one. The P45 states all the earnings details from that tax year of that job. You can then give the correct part of the form to your next employer to make sure that you are then not overtaxed or run into problems. If you lose your P45 then you will not be able to get a replacement.

P60 • • •

A P60 is a statement issued at the end of each tax year (which is in April, not January). It is important a taxpayer does not destroy the P60 forms issued to them, as they are crucial bits of paperwork that cannot be replaced. As an adult, you may be filling in forms that require P60’s for anything up to 20 years of employment. This is why you should keep your P60s permanently safe.

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Payslips

How to run a car Running a car is an expensive decision, but it does offer a huge amount of freedom to any client that chooses to have one. Information about buying a car – from finding and viewing one, to deciding on how to pay – are all available in the consumer section of the Citizens Advice website here. More detailed resources are available at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/financialcapabilityresources

©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 34

How to run a car Here are the key costs with a car that you need to be aware of:

Car insurance You legally have to have car insurance. There are lots of different levels of cover, and they are calculated based on the sort of car you drive, and your driving experience. Costs vary dramatically, so you really need to shop around for this.

MOT Every single car on the road that is over three years old legally has to have a valid MOT, and this needs to be renewed each year. An MOT can cost up to £54.85 for the check-up itself, and much more if it is found that work needs to be done on the car.

Car tax (this is the same as road tax) This differs from car to car, depending on engine size or emissions ratings. Like the above two, it’s a legal requirement.

Petrol/Diesel Price of fuel goes up and down regularly: make sure you shop around for the best deals before you fill up.

Breakdown cover You don’t legally have to have breakdown cover, but it’s a really good idea. Like car insurance, levels of cover and prices vary hugely, so please shop around.

Minor repairs This may not seem like much, but the running costs of a car can easily enter the hundreds of pounds in a year, with things like puncture, new headlight bulbs, and wing mirrors all commonly needing replacing. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 35

Building up friends Notes for advisers Clients that are ready to live independently will have specific needs. They may find difficulty in rebuilding a social presence, or in finding peer support from people who can offer help and understanding of their position. Issues may include: o Lack of confidence when meeting new people o Fear of discovery by a former abuser o Fear of accidentally revealing their past situation o Fear of being judged for having been a victim of domestic violence and abuse o Lack of awareness of what support networks are available o Fear of making or entering new relationships o Worries about being socially isolated and becoming depressed Advisers will need to develop a database of local peer support groups available in their area. There are some national services offered by organisation such as Refuge, but they do vary significantly in their delivery at the local level. Practitioners should record local contacts and recommendations here:

Insert specific details of local support here

Remember – As well as the issues surrounding leaving a situation of domestic violence and abuse, there are also cultural factors to keep in mind. Some of these tips are not suitable to men or women from particular cultures or religions. An adviser should use their discretion when talking through options with a client. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 36

Building up friends Building a new life with a new circle of friends is incredibly daunting, even with the support a refuge organisation can offer. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you engage with new people in your new independent life, and to prevent you from feeling isolated and lonely.

Start with your existing friends Ask your current friends if they know anyone in the area you’ve moved to. Friends will understand that big changes can be daunting and may hopefully be able to connect you with their friends or family in your area.

Make an effort with people at work Many of us spend most of our time at work. Make an effort with people here, and try to find what you have in common with them. You’ll get closer over time and start being invited to events outside work.

Look up local teams or running clubs. Most places have local teams you can sign up for and meet other people with the same interest. If team sports aren’t your thing, think about joining a gym or yoga studio. Parkrun (here) is one of the most popular ways to meet people in a fitness setting. If you go regularly, you’re definitely going to see familiar faces.

Take an adult education class. This is great for your CV and may help you get more interviews and a better job. At the same time, it’s a regular event where you can meet people.

Go to cultural events. Museums etc are normally free. Most places in the UK will also have free concerts in the park, art exhibits, and plays available, especially in the summer. Just ask your local council for details. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 37

Be open to meeting new people. Having a support network other people you can talk to or socialise with can help prevent you feeling isolated and can build confidence. Accepting an invitation from someone to go to an event or for coffee/tea may be a way of meeting new people and making friends.

Volunteer somewhere you’re passionate about. Volunteering also strengthens your CV and experience, whilst meeting likeminded people. Why not try your local Citizens Advice by checking our website here?

©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 38

Who this pack is for Main user groups: Advisers and support workers at domestic violence charities and refuges across England and Wales Other user groups: anyone who has a role in supporting clients affected by domestic violence.

Acknowledgments Thanks to all who contributed. Their expertise and guidance was invaluable.

Updates Although every care has been taken to ensure that this pack is accurate at the time of delivery, many of the areas contained within will evolve and change over time. This means that there may be short periods where the information in this toolkit will require updating. All the Citizens Advice financial capability toolkits will be subject to regular reviews to ensure that these occasions are kept to a bare minimum.

Feedback We’d be happy to get your feedback on this toolkit, and in fact on any of the financial capability resources. You can email us at [email protected]

Copyright Copyright © 2016 Citizens Advice. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited except with the express written permission of Citizens Advice.

Company information Citizens Advice is an operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, Charity registration number 279057, VAT number 726020276, Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered number 1436945 England. Registered office: Citizens Advice, 3rd Floor North, 200 Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4HD. ©2015 Citizens Advice DVA Toolkit/Nov16/v1 39