Responding to the Recession - Support and Advice for local residents

Taking action to support local residents and local businesses during the Recession is a top priority for Wigan Council.

"Many people are feeling the impact of the credit crunch", says Deputy Leader Cllr. David Molyneux " helping those struggling to cope with debt is a top priority for all of us."

My Council...encourages me to buy local

Wigan Council and its partners have been actively managing a local response to the impact of the recession. Over the last 12 months Wigan Council has:

Provided funding to support County Court held desk provision
Provided legal advice and support to people facing eviction or repossession (71% kept their property as a result of advice)
Seen the largest reduction in homelessness for the whole of the North West
Supported Credit Union development throughout the borough
Funded AWARM (affordable warmth referral project) to support people living in fuel poverty)
Supported small businesses through Working Neighbourhood Funds
Opened a new skills shop in the Grand Arcade, Wigan Town Centre providing a wide range of training and employment support
Provided funding to increase capacity of our Independent Advice Services

There is a lot of help and support available for individuals and businesses. If you are affected by recession, this section of our website aims to act as a 'one stop shop' for information, support and advice.

Personal Debt Advice

Debt Advice Foundation (external link)
Wigan Borough Citizens Advice Bureau (external link) - Telephone 0844 8269713
Debt Advice Network (External link) - Telephone 0300 0112340

Personal Loans & Financial Management Advice

Unify Credit Union (external link) - Telephone 01942 701706
Welcome Credit Union (external link) - Telephone 01942 828702

Housing Matters

WALH Housing Options Advice Centre (external link) Telephone 01942 487717
Wigan and Leigh Housing (external link) Telephone 01942 705040
Wigan Borough Citizens Advice Bureau (external link) - Telephone 0844 8269713

Independent Advice on Benefits and other Financial Concerns

Wigan Independent Advice Centre - Telephone 01942 324851
Wigan Borough Citizens Advice Bureau (external link) - Telephone 0844 8269713
Age Concern (external link) - Telephone 01942 241972 (Wigan) or 01942 607337 (Leigh)

Council Tax

Wigan Council Revenue Section Telephone 01942 828696

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit Section Telephone 01942 828644
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit Quick Calculation Tool (external link)
Free School Meals Telephone 01942 828609

Employment and Business Support

For advice and information about employment, training and business support please contact Wigan Council Economic Regeneration Office on 01942 828939 or email ero@wigan.gov.uk
Learning Employment, Advice and Guidance Service - 01942 404456/776793
Bolton Business Ventures (external link)
Greater Manchester Pay & Employment Rights Advice Centre (external link)
Contact Leigh Skills Shop - 01942 404456
Contact Wigan Skills Shop - 01942 827826

Mortgages and loans

If you are experiencing problems that could affect your mortgage re-payments, please contact your mortgage lender or Wigan Borough Citizens Advice Bureau (external link).

The Governments Mortgage Rescue scheme has been extended and Wigan Council has been identified as a ‘fast-tracker’ authority for the expansion of the scheme. In partnership with Wigan and Leigh Housing, Wigan C.A.B. and Plumlife (a registered social landlord), has now set up the scheme for Wigan. For further help and information please ring 01942 487717