Hundreds targeted by TV License scam

THE National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have issued a warning after receiving notice that hundreds of UK consumers have been targeted with a text message scam, offering a free TV License for over 75's. The NCSC said that this scam was identified by Parliament Street Researchers who describe it as:- "fraud designed to steal the personal financial data of victims." Victims are asked to enter various pieces of personal information including:- name, date of birth, home address and banking details, which are then stolen. The cyber criminals have exploited recent changes to TV License requirements for the over 75's and used it to target vulnerable users. Throughout the pandemic there has been an increase in phishing attacks, so it is important to remain vigilant. The NCSC has produced guidance that will help you deal with suspicious emails, phone calls, or phishing attacks that you can access the NCSC's website. Suspicious text messages can be forwarded to:- 7726. If you do become a victim of an attack, then we recommend contacting Action Fraud online.

"Lunch is on us..." Would Liverpool Office Workers return to work for a free lunch?

FOLLOWING from the success of the:- "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme, Liverpool office company Offices.Co.UK is asking the Government to give free lunches to all Office Workers to encourage them to return to work with the:- "Lunch is on us" Campaign.

Jonathan Ratcliffe from Liverpool Office company, Offices.Co.UK explains:-  "Liverpool is struggling;- cafes and sandwich shops empty, trains and buses underused; we want the Government to incentivise their use by providing lunch and travel vouchers. It's not dissimilar to the Eat Out scheme, and just as important, possibly more so."

Would you return to the office if you got a free lunch? The thinking behind the:- "Lunch is on us" campaign is to incentivise Liverpool Office Workers back to work by using the same style of tactics as used in the hugely popular:- "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme. Bosses would reward loyal workers with free ₤5 vouchers. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme does not really help Office Workers, who generally buy takeout food to the value of around ₤5 each day.

"Every office in Liverpool I've been into recently has spent a fortune on Covid protection measures, they are safe; we just need a little help to get folks back into the swing of working life again. We are asking the Government to support City Centres in encouraging workers back into the office," adds Ratcliffe

How the "Lunch is on Us" Campaign would work:-

► Government would provide free lunch vouchers for the value of ₤5.

► Bosses would hand out vouchers every day.

► Valid in Liverpool cafes and sandwich shops only.

► Restriction to working days only.

The same campaign could be used to incentivise different parts of working life, such as providing free transport vouchers to encourage use of the public transport system just like the Fix your Bike Voucher Scheme did for bike usage.

Jonathan Ratcliffe from Offices.Co.UK will be writing to Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak this week to campaign for the scheme. If enough interest is shown a Government petition will be launched. Jonathan concluded:- "We need some serious out of the box thinking here, we can't sit back and just cross our fingers. Liverpool businesses are on the edge, we need folks back in the office spending money, and anyway who doesn't love a free lunch?"

The average Brit has saved £495 per month as a result of Covid-19

A survey of 2,002 UK adults, conducted by leading personal insolvency practice, Creditfix.co.uk, has revealed that due to the social restrictions that have been in place during lockdown, the average Brit has been able to save £495 per month (an increase of £273 compared to their monthly savings pre-pandemic).

According to the data, during lockdown the average UK adult has saved £178 per month on recreational and cultural activities, such as going to the cinema or going out for drinks with friends.

The data also shows the average adult has saved £142 per month on restaurant meals and £121 per month on hotels or holiday accommodation.

The increased number of people working remotely has also had an impact on savings, as the average adult has managed to save £92 per month on commuting costs.

The research has also revealed that the temporary closure of gyms and sports facilities has helped to reduce spending habits, as the average adult has saved £54 per month on their membership during the pandemic.

More than 1 in 3 respondents (40%) say they are surprised with the amount of money they have saved, with a third saying they will be more conscious of their spending as social restrictions continue to ease.

Taylor Flynn, head of marketing at Creditfix, comments:- "It appears that one of the only positive outcomes during this saddening and uncertain time is that some people are managing to top up their savings for future use. For many, the emotional effects of not being able to socialise and see loved ones as often as they would like has been tough, but at least now they can begin to relieve some of the financial pressures faced before the pandemic hit. As the hospitality industry reopens and restrictions ease further, this is the time for people to rethink their spending strategy and not rush themselves by doing too much too soon. Individuals should start by getting on top of their finances first, paying off any debt and easing the financial strain this brings with it. With better management of their personal finances in addition to being sensible about expenditure, individuals will be able to spend money without the guilt and stress associated with living beyond your means. Although this research reflects increased savings levels for those who are fortunate enough to still be in employment, we understand that not everyone has been so lucky in these difficult times. However, for those who need it, there are support resources available that individuals can turn to for help and advice."

With over 70 years' experience between their insolvency practitioners in the financial industry, Creditfix has successfully helped over 141,000 people with their debt over the years which has led to them becoming 1 of the most experienced in the market. Creditfix Limited is one of the largest personal insolvency practices in the UK, servicing Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Sefton Council urges residents facing Council Tax Concerns to get in contact now

WITH the Coronavirus pandemic having had an impact on many people's incomes, Sefton Council is urging anyone concerned about their Council Tax payments to get in touch, on:- 03451400845, as soon as possible. A wide range of advice and support is available to people facing difficulties paying Council Tax and other household bills. Council staff can put callers in touch with organisations providing free, independent financial advice such as:- Citizens Advice Sefton, Sefton Advice Services, Sefton Credit Union, National Debt Line and the Step Change Debt Charity. There are also a number of ways that people can reduce their Council Tax liability. These include the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for people on a low income and the Exceptional Hardship Fund. There are also several discounts and exemptions including for people who are sole occupiers.

A Council spokesperson said:- “COVID-19 and the measures taken to prevent its spread have had a direct and indirect impact on many of us and has had a negative effect on many people's incomes. Feeling you can't pay your bills can be frightening which is why we want people concerned about their Council Tax and other outgoings to start talking to us now, rather than just worrying about it. The sooner people get in touch, they sooner we can start helping them with practical solutions and ways to reschedule their payments.”

Anyone who thinks they will struggling to meet their payments, should contact the Council on:- 03451400845, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, where an advisor will be able to help. People can also see what help is available by visiting:- Sefton.Gov.UK.

The spokesperson added:- "It's so important that those of who can pay our Council Tax, continue to do so; now more than ever. Council Tax pays for facilities and services including to some of the most vulnerable in our communities and it is our duty to everyone in the Borough to collect it. We have already written to residents with existing Council Tax arrears to remind them about payment and to ask them to get in touch if they anticipate payment problems. The Government recently introduced revised legislation allowing Enforcement Agents to re-start visits to collect debts in the coming weeks. However, where Sefton residents are facing genuine and often unforeseen financial challenges as a result of Coronavirus, we want to work with them to find solutions and see that kind of recovery action as a last resort."

Total UK cases COVID-19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total UK daily number of lab-confirmed positive test results:- 1,009. The total overall UK lab-confirmed positive test results:- 313,798. Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:- 77, with the total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result now standing at:- 46,706. In England, there are a total of:- 270,971 confirmed cases since the outbreak. North West - total of:- 48,919 confirmed cases. The number of COVID-19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 1,001. The current number of COVID-19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 70. Daily number of COVID-19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 142. Due to new UK Government system of reporting we are having to sort out a new system to bring you the local area results, for the Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas.