Citizens Advice Harlow

26/03/2026

Could you be at risk of being classed as intentionally homeless - and what does that actually mean for you?

Our Housing Specialist has written a blog breaking down this complex legal term, including how councils make decisions, what support you may (or may not) be entitled to, and what to do if you disagree with a decision.

If you’re worried about losing your home, already facing homelessness, or just want to understand your rights, this is an important read.

👉 Find out what intentional homelessness means, the potential consequences, and how to protect yourself.

Click the link below to read the full blog

If you need personalised advice or support, at Citizens Advice Harlow is here to help - don’t wait until things reach crisis point.

Intentional Homelessness   Intentionally homeless is a legal term. It means you're homeless because of something you did. If a council determines that you are intentionally homeless, it can have significant consequences, particularly in terms of your eligibility for housing assistance or

25/03/2026

Worried about rising energy prices and uncertainty in the fuel market? You’re not alone - and help is available.

Citizens Advice Harlow offers support from a dedicated Energy Adviser who can help you:

• Maximise your income - ensuring you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to
• Manage fuel debt - including help applying to trusts and foundations that may clear arrears and give you a fresh start
• Save energy at home with practical advice
• Review your energy tariff - making sure you’re on the best option for your needs
• Access grants for energy-saving improvements - with support through the application process
• Get help with emergency fuel payments

If you’re struggling or just want to make sure you’re getting the best support available, don’t hesitate to reach out.

24/03/2026

📝 You should check what your employment contract says about working on bank holidays.

If you don’t have a contract, ask your employer what their rules are.



Find out more about your work rights ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4mgLhPd

20/03/2026

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight 🌟

Behind every great community is someone willing to step up and make a difference - and today, we’re celebrating Denis! 🙌

After completing all of his adviser training, Denis has already made a huge impact by helping a client through financial hardship. The heartfelt message of appreciation we received truly says it all 💬💛

We’re incredibly proud of all our volunteers who give their time to support others - people like Denis are what make our community stronger every day.

Inspired to make a difference for residents in Harlow? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch through our website and start your volunteering journey today ✨

11/03/2026

He was working full time, but drowning in debt.

Frank had done what he thought was the right thing and entered an IVA. Instead, he fell behind on payments, struggled with priority bills, and even had to rely on family for food.

In just a few weeks, everything changed.

✔ £22,731.38 of debt written off
✔ IVA ended
✔ £100 a month saved through budgeting support
✔ A clear, realistic path back to stability

“It’s all a massive weight off my shoulders now.”

Want to see how this turnaround happened?
👉 Click the link to read Frank’s full story.

Frank is single, living in private rented accommodation and working full time. Despite having a regular income, he was struggling to keep up with his financial commitments. 25 Feb Written By Pete Willis Client Profile: Frank is single, living in private rented accommodation and working full time. D...

06/03/2026

Are your current working hours not suitable?

➡️ You can ask your employer to let you work in a way that suits your needs. This is called ‘flexible working’.

Here’s what steps you can take ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4rqvUpW

Check what flexible working is, how to make a flexible working request and what your employer will do next.

04/03/2026

Struggling with rising energy bills? You’re not alone 💡

Our Energy Advice Advisers are helping local people cut costs, boost income, and stay warm, without the stress.

We can help you:
✔ Check you’re on the best energy tariff
✔ Access grants and support schemes
✔ Improve your home’s energy efficiency
✔ Maximise your income and benefits

Many of the people we support are saving hundreds — even thousands — of pounds a year.

03/03/2026

💙 Free Financial Support Workshop – For Ukrainian Refugees 💙

Are you a Ukrainian refugee living in Harlow and worried about your energy or water bills? We’re here to help.

Join our FREE Financial Capability Workshop with Citizens Advice Harlow and get clear, confidential support.

📌 You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Understand your energy bills
✔️ Check if you can change tariffs
✔️ Access social tariffs
✔️ See if you’re eligible for discounts on energy or water bills

💡 Bring your utility bills and get one-to-one guidance on the day.
🎁 All attendees will receive a £10 shopping voucher!

🗓 6th March 2026
⏰ 4:00pm – 6:00pm
📍 Dining Hall, Latton Bush Centre

Safe, respectful and confidential support.
For Ukrainian refugees in Harlow

03/03/2026

Her ex-partner tried to end their tenancy behind her back.

Oksana was left scared she and her child could lose their home — while juggling two jobs and rebuilding her life in the UK.

One call changed everything.

✔ She learned she couldn’t be forced out without due process
✔ Stopped an invalid tenancy notice
✔ Secured emergency support
✔ Unlocked potential financial help worth over £22,000 a year

From facing homelessness to having a clear plan and real stability — this is why advice matters.

👉 Read Oksana’s full story and see the difference the right support can make.

Client Profile:    Oksana is a Ukrainian private tenant currently separating from her ex-partner, with whom she still temporarily cohabits with. Oksana is working two jobs; has one dependent child and holds a Ukrainian visa valid for another 18 months.    Re

02/03/2026

🛍️ Have you bought something that’s fake or counterfeit?

You have the legal right to a refund. You can also report the seller to Trading Standards or report them for fraud.

Check your consumer rights ⤵️

https://bit.ly/3GS35QV

You have the legal right to a refund if you’ve bought something that’s fake or counterfeit - how to claim, reporting traders.

27/02/2026

💧 A £500 water bill for just two months?

When Anna opened a bill from Affinity Water for over £500 — covering a period longer than her family had even lived in the property — panic quickly set in.

Living in temporary accommodation provided by Harlow Council, with three children, rising energy top-ups of £100 per week, and existing debts, the pressure was overwhelming.

But one referral changed everything.

With support from an Energy Adviser at Citizens Advice Harlow, Anna:
✔ Secured an affordable £50 per month water repayment plan
✔ Accessed potential low-income tariff support
✔ Received practical energy advice saving over £1,000 per year
✔ Discovered local schemes that could save her family thousands annually

Most importantly, she felt relief — knowing the debt wouldn’t escalate and that there was a clear path forward.

✨ This is what the right advice at the right time can do.

👉 Read the full story to see how we helped Anna turn crisis into control.
https://www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk/case-studies-energy-team/blog-post-title-one-plbd7-frkcj-jngfb-692xc-4b9rx-lbjr8-ch97t-2czly-mda36-fkdtf

It all begins with an idea.