Claim a partial refund of power of attorney fee

If you applied for lasting powers of attorney (LPA) or enduring powers of attorney (EPA) between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017, you can claim a refund of part of your fee. More information is available on the Government website.

Be Winter Ready - some easy advice

Be Winter Ready is a national campaign to encourage people to prepare in case they experience a power cut or gas emergency this winter.

Here's some simple advice:

• Know your free emergency numbers: In a power cut dial 105 or, for a gas emergency, dial 0800 111999.
• Prepare your home: Keep a torch handy and get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Register as a vulnerable customer: Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to the Priority Services Register. If you live in the Midlands, South West or South Wales you can register with Wester Power Distribution here. If you live in a different area you can contact your gas or electricity network to find out more. Visit www.energynetworks.org to find out who your network operator is. 
• Keep your eyes open: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and, if you have a power cut or a gas emergency, please check on your neighbours. 

New national emergency number for power cuts

There’s a new FREE number to call if you have a power cut

105 is a new number that you can call to report or get information about a power cut. It will put you through to your local electricity network operator – the company that manages the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses in your area.

105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales, and you can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy your electricity from - anyone can call 105.

You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, call the emergency services too.

Don’t be left in the dark.  Call 105.

To find out more, visit powercut105.com

POWER CUT TIPS

What should I do during a power cut?

• Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
• Leave a light on so you know when the power cut has been resolved.
• Check to see if your neighbours are okay.
• Wrap up warm.
• Contact your electricity network operator to report the power cut, either by calling 105 or via their other channels. Visit powercut105.com for details of your local network operator.

How can I prepare for a power cut?

• Keep a torch handy – it’s much safer than using candles.
• Get a battery-powered or wind-up radio (useful for keeping up to date with relevant local news).
• Keep warm – keep a blanket and warm clothing handy, and fill a vacuum flask or hot water bottle.
• Stock your cupboard with food and drink that doesn’t require electricity to prepare it.
• Keep your mobile phone and laptop fully charged.
• Check your network operator’s website or social media channels for updates.

Can I use my phone during a power cut?

• Cordless phones probably won’t work during a power cut. They take their power from the mains and most don’t have battery back-up. 
• Traditional corded phones will work – you might want to keep one handy so you can plug it in and make phone calls if you have a power cut. 
• In most cases, mobile phones will work if they are charged.

I’m on the Priority Services Register. Should I now call 105?

The Priority Services Register is for people who might need extra support during a power cut; for example, people who need electricity for vital medical equipment. If you are on the Register and you have a power cut, you should continue to call the phone number that you have been given.

Have your say on nuclear power station proposals

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will be holding a consultation event in Thornbury next month. It will give local residents the chance to hear how the Government’s proposed policies for energy have changed and also to ask questions about the inclusion of Oldbury in the list of potential new nuclear power stations.

Representatives from DECC will attend the meeting, as part of the national consultation on the revised Draft Nuclear National Policy Statement, which runs until 24 January. The listing of proposed sites for new nuclear power stations is part of the national policy statement. The DECC representatives are planning to give a presentation and answer questions afterwards.

The meeting will take place on Thursday 16 December, 7pm – 9pm, Severnside Hall, Thornbury leisure centre.