Benefit changes explained in Council booklet

People living in Plymouth can access a ‘Money Advice’ booklet which the Council has produced with Plymouth Community Homes to help explain changes to the benefit system.

From 1 April 2013 the Government introduces the Welfare Reform Agenda which will have an impact on approximately 20 per cent of Plymouth’s working age residents. That’s around 16,000 households.

Council Tax bills are starting to land on doorsteps and some people will be expected to pay something towards their Council Tax bill when they haven’t needed to before.

To help residents understand the changes the Council has produced a ‘Money Advice’ booklet which gives details of all the changes specifically, Council Tax Benefit, the Social Fund, under-occupancy of social housing, the Benefit Cap and Universal Credits.

As well as explaining the changes the booklet provides useful advice and information on where to get support, how to manage money and tips for finding employment.

The booklet is available from Council Offices, the Job Centre and all city libraries, Housing Associations, and other support organisations and welfare groups such as Advice Plymouth and Citizen Advice.

A copy can also be downloaded from the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/welfarereform.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Community Development said: “We have been planning for these changes for a while now but it’s only now, as people are receiving their bills, that they truly know what this means for them.

“In this economic climate every penny counts, for every family regardless of income. However, these changes are going to reduce the amount of disposable income for the people that have the least surplus cash and it’s going to be hard.

“These are people that live in our city and the Council are here to help them in any which way we can. The Money Advice booklet outlines all of the changes that are taking place due to Government legislation in one document. These can either be downloaded from the website or picked up from various locations across the city.”

Elaine Pellow, Chair of the Plymouth Community Home Board, added: “The benefit changes being introduced may be very confusing for a lot of people, which is why this guide should prove to be extremely helpful. Residents will be able to read, in clear terms, what the changes are and how they are going to affect them. There are useful contact details, advice on setting up bank accounts and how to update skills and training. It’s a mine of information.”

The Council is experiencing high levels of customer enquiries at the moment due to the Council Tax bills being issued. The Money Advice Booklet may be able to answer some concerns that residents have about the changes and the Council would urge residents to use their website in the first instance to help with their enquiries.

Alternatively residents, businesses and landlords can use the self-service system to obtain information, view their personal accounts and benefit claims and advise us of any changes. There will also be the ability to set up direct debit payments and register to receive e-bill – meaning customers will be able to receive Council Tax and Business Rate bills electronically instead of through the post. To sign up for the self service visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/selfservice.