Skip to content

Michelle’s Update: June 2022

Clarion

Whether you’re at the supermarket checkout, the petrol pump, or opening the latest bill, you will have noticed that the cost of living has soared. Inflation has risen to its highest rate in 40 years and many will be worried about the impact on household budgets.

That is why we are not only stepping up the support and guidance we already offer you as a Clarion resident, but are developing ways we can help you with some of the issues impacting the cost of living, such as fuel poverty, including improving the energy efficiency of our homes over the longer term.

Tackling fuel poverty

According to our recent resident annual survey, The Clarion Index, one in four of you told us that you are struggling to heat your homes. Everyone should be able to afford to live in comfort and keep their home safe and warm.

Therefore, here at Clarion, we are currently developing our ‘Fuel Poverty Strategy’, which aims to provide support and advice for those of you who are faced with spiralling energy costs. You will have the opportunity to feed into the strategy, so please look out for more details coming soon. Linked to our ‘Sustainability Strategy’, we are already rolling out improvements to make our homes more energy efficient, such as installing better insulation and technology.

Over the next 12 months, Clarion Futures’ Money Guidance Team, who are all trained to deliver energy advice, will reach out to 2,000 households that may be at higher risk of fuel poverty, providing guidance on energy costs, managing budgets and, where appropriate, they’ll also be able to provide energy saving devices.

We will keep you updated as the strategy progresses, including ways you can get involved, so watch this space.

Please don’t forget that if you are struggling with your finances or managing your tenancy, we are on hand with free and dedicated advice. The key is to talk to us, as we may be able to offer the right guidance to find a solution.

Clarion Futures’ Money Guidance team is ready to assist you with things like understanding your bills and budgeting, checking benefit entitlements, getting better deals on utilities, and accessing free debt advice. Our Clarion Futures Jobs and Training team can also help you find a job or training. Head over to our money guidance page for advice or email Guideline to set up an appointment with Money Guidance and/or Jobs and Training.

Similarly, if you are having difficulty managing your tenancy, the Tenancy Sustainment team is on hand to help you get back on track. They can help you to identify what you need help with, agree actions, look at and prioritise your outgoings, and ensure you’re receiving all the services you need. Complete a form to access our support.

Introducing Clarion Commitments

I am passionate that we strive to deliver great customer service and that as a Clarion resident, you are aware of the services we offer and the standard you can expect, that we are transparent, and held to account on the things that matter to you.

In response to our ongoing engagement with residents on our services, we are delighted to introduce Clarion Commitments. This range of six service standards and their measures will be reviewed and updated over time to reflect what you are telling us, so that they meet your needs, remain relevant to your priorities and concerns, and enable you to see how we are performing, click here to find out more.

Access our services online

We’re committed to offering you the options and flexibility that make your life easier and fit your needs, so when you register for your online account, you can access services 24/7, 365 days a year and via any device.

You can make fast and secure payments, set up a direct debit, view statements, update your contact details, stay updated with local offers and opportunities, and contact an advisor quickly and easily.

It’s simple to register and if you sign up today you could be in with a chance to win a £100 Love2shop voucher in our monthly prize draw. Just opt in to the prize draw when you complete your registration for your chance to win. If you need a helping hand, please take a look at our guide or get in touch via our online chat.

And finally, while you’re here on our website, why not take a look at the multitude of guidance and opportunities we have on offer? Whether you’re interested in helping us improve our services, looking for guidance on work or digital skills, managing your money and benefits, or personal wellbeing, we’ve got something for everyone.