Burnley welfare reform advice hits road (From This Is Lancashire)

Burnley welfare reform advice hits road

2:30pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News

A CAMPAIGN has been launched concerning welfare reform changes that could see housing association tenants more than £1,000 a year worse off.

Calico estimates that 2,000 households in Burnley will be affected by the changes.

The changes include a reduction for “Under Occupation”, which will see residents with unused spare bedrooms no longer receiving full Housing Benefit from the Government and having to “top up” their rent payments as a result.

To coincide with the launch of their campaign, the housing landlord completed a series of 16 “Money Wise” roadshows, providing financial advice and helping residents prepare for the coming changes.

The roadshows, which took place in locations across Burnley, gave residents practical advice, guidance, and support to make sure they are aware of the changes and how they may affect them.

Helen Roberts, Calico’s income and financial inclusion manager, said: “The events were a great success. We have been able to raise awareness, answer any concerns and gather vital information for hundreds of people. This will help us to assist customers through this period of change.

“However, we know there are still a lot of people who currently receive housing benefit who are not aware of the impact the Government's changes will have on their day-to-day living, and we are concerned about how this will affect our tenants and the wider community.

“It’s important that anyone who has concerns about how Welfare Reform will affect their benefit gets in touch. We can assist with simple advice to manage their money and even deal with debt issues.”

Calico’s Money Wise team can be contacted on moneywise@calico.org.uk, 0800 169 2407 or 01282 686300.