VITAL INFORMATION

In the current crisis, many of us are struggling in ways we have never experienced before – whether facing the
temporary or permanent loss of work, unforeseen expenses, cashflow problems with our businesses. None of
this is our fault. Nobody is to blame for this. Remember that this will pass. A couple of years from now it will
be nothing more than a memory. And remember that you are not on your own – help is at hand, help is
available, and many institutions and businesses are working to support you.

Shropshire Council is providing the opportunity to delay payment of Council Tax until June 1 st, as well as
payment support both for paying Council Tax and rent payment through housing benefit. Find out more at
https://tinyurl.com/yacz4jxu or email benefits@shropshire.gov.uk for more details. Shropshire Council is also
operating a helpline on 0345 678 9028 for any coronavirus-related issues and enquiries, between 8am to 6pm
weekdays, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

All major banks are offering Mortgage Payment Holidays, allowing you an opportunity to defer mortgage
payments for three months. Some useful information is available at https://tinyurl.com/y7o8kzgx, but you
should contact your lender for more information if this applies to you. Many banks are offering similar options
on other loans and overdrafts. Remember also that if you are paying rent, your landlord cannot evict you for
three months under government guidelines.

Those Self-Employed have already had their July tax payments deferred to January 2021, and those earning
less than £50,000 in 2018-19 or averaged in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 will be eligible to apply for support
grants in May, with details available at https://tinyurl.com/wmdr3q3. The government is providing many other
options for business support in general, including Small Business Grants, and information on these options is
available at https://tinyurl.com/rnbt34t. If you are out of work, then there are benefits options available to
you in this crisis, with more details at https://tinyurl.com/ydhts5s5, and if you were already claiming benefits,
you can find more information at https://tinyurl.com/ybevkele. If you are still employed but are unable to
work at present, details on how you can be helped are available at https://tinyurl.com/ydget8kp.

Severn Trent Water is offering support for vulnerable customers and those who might be facing difficulties
with their bills; details are available at https://tinyurl.com/ycarlsk7 and their billing queries number is 0345
7500 500. Most electricity companies are also offering support; information is available at
https://tinyurl.com/vkd7wxn and you are recommended to contact your supplier for specific details; other
assistance is available to small businesses who are struggling, dependent on the specific supplier. All mobile
operators are providing packages of support to the vulnerable, and those unable to pay, with more
information at https://tinyurl.com/y857qnh7, or you can contact your provider by telephone.

There is help. There is support. You are not on your own. We’re all in this together, and we will all get through
this together.

(All Information Current as of April 21st, 2020.)