Money Advice Scotland

Welcome to Issue #815

Conference 2008

16 days to go! We have limited spaces left for our 'Health, Wealth & Happiness' Conference, so don't leave it to the last minute - reserve your place now!

Whilst some people in society may well have the benefit of everything, for some health, wealth and happiness is simply an aspiration. This conference will particularly look at mental health and its connection to debt.

Our website has the up-to-date programme, as well as full information on workshops, the debate and gala dinner.

The Conference takes place on Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd May at Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perthshire.

There are many opportunities for you to get involved, including advertising, sponsorship and exhibiting as well as coming along as a delegate.

www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/conference

Training

Sheriff Court Procedures Seminar
- New Rights for Money Advisers to Appear in Court

This seminar is targeted at senior money advisers and money advice managers. This seminar is designed to set the scene for what advice agencies need to know to be able to best represent their clients in the sheriff court. For more information on the seminar and to apply please download the flyer.
Download:
http://www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/documents/SCP08.pdf

Wiseradviser (Scotland) Training
We are now accepting bookings for the Generalist, Skilled and Specialist level training courses. For more information regarding the wiseradviser training please call 0141 572 0237, or email info@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk.

Wiseradviser (Scotland) is grateful to The Royal Bank of Scotland, The Money Advice Trust and The Scottish Government for their generous support.

If you are interested in taking part in any of our courses, please email info@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk

Vacancies

Equalities Adviser
Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service
The Equalities Adviser will be responsible for promoting positive practices and attitudes across all equality strands. He/she will aim to assist individuals with issues of discrimination regarding access to employment, education, training opportunities or services, in order to eliminate discriminatory practices

The postholder will be expected to prepare and deliver training, presentations and workshops to promote equal opportunities within the organisation and also to external organisations. The postholder will also be responsible for dealing with complex casework and representing individuals at appeal tribunals. Experience of advice work is desirable but not essential, as full training will be given.

Download: www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/documents/dgcas-vacancy0408.doc
Deadline: Friday 9th May 2008

Got a vacancy in your organisation? We can help advertise. Email webmaster@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk for more information.

Noticeboard

Tackling Poverty, Inequality and Deprivation in Scotland
The Scottish Government Discussion Paper on Tackling Poverty, Inequality and Deprivation in Scotland was published in January 2008 with an original closing date for comments of 2nd May 2008. This closing date has now been extended until 30 June 2008. The consultation document is available at - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/02/01150409/0

For further information please contact Raymond Kirk, Anti Poverty Unit, Area 2F (South), Victoria Quay, Edinburgh.
Tel - 0131 244 0094 Email - Raymond.kirk@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Govan Law Centre Launch Website
Glasgow's Govan Law Centre has launched an online law and money advice service aimed at Scotland’s migrant workers. The joint initiative with Govan Money Matters will be available in five languages – Polish, Russian, Slovakian, Romanian and English. It will use the latest IT technology, including an online virtual adviser who can communicate in audio in five languages, and provision for real time advice surgeries online.

The free service provides advice on Scots law topics such as housing law, private sector tenancies and deposits, debt, diligence and going to court; and UK topics such as social security, employment rights, discrimination and abuse at work, and residency rights for EU workers.

Visit: http://www.glasgowpomoc.com
Source: journalonline.co.uk

Have something for our noticeboard? Email us at webmaster@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk.

Benefit Cards

On Sale Now
The MAS Pocket Guides to Benefit Rates have been updated with the new rates for 2008/09. They are very popular with the advice industry, but not just with money advisers, they are also well used within credit and debt collection departments. They are ideal for the pocket or handbag and are a boon when conducting client interviews either home or away.

The benefit cards are £1 each. Looking for a copy? Email your order to us at webmaster@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk.

In the News

Credit crunch 'fuels fraud cases'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7375091.stm
Source: BBC News

Common sense on bank charges
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7370923.stm
Source: BBC News

Mobile downloads 'to be probed'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7377454.stm
Source: BBC News

Child maintenance pay tops £1bn
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7377034.stm
Source: BBC News

Pension boost for married women
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/7381974.stm
Source: BBC News

Inheritance tax for cohabitees
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7378165.stm
Source: BBC News

HMRC reassures families over IHT
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/7380353.stm
Source: BBC News

Halifax confirms house price fall
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7378215.stm
Source: BBC News

Trust rises in 'mattress saving'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7367745.stm
Source: BBC News

In this Issue

Our Sponsor

Get in Touch

Money Advice Scotland
Suite 306
Pentagon Centre
36 Washington Street
Glasgow
G3 8AZ

Tel: 0141 572 0237
Fax: 0141 572 0517