Thousands expected to bear the brunt of Government cuts

Plymouth City Council is gearing up to support the many thousands of people that will be affected by the cuts to benefits the Government are making.

Reduced benefit schemes will see many Plymouth residents having their benefits slashed when implemented from April 2013.

It is anticipated that these Government changes will have an impact on approximately 20 per cent of the city’s population as everyone of working age will be required to pay something towards their Council Tax bill.

A large surge in phone calls, email enquiries and visits to the Council’s First Stop reception is expected creating longer response times.

The Council is urging residents to use their website in the first instance to help with their enquiries. Details of the changes to Council Tax Benefit, the Social Fund, under-occupancy of social housing, the Benefit Cap and Universal Credits can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/welfarereform. There is also a series of frequently asked questions which will help with general queries.

Enquiries are likely to reach their highest in March when Council Tax and Business Rate bills are posted.

Residents and businesses can also view their bills and benefit payments online using the Council’s self-service system. They can also arrange to set up direct debit to help with their payments and the Council will provide greater flexibility by arranging weekly instalments or spreading the cost over twelve months instead of ten.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mark Lowry said: “It’s not a secret that we do not agree with the changes the Government are making to the benefits system, but it’s happening and we will do everything we can to support our residents.

“The next few months are going to be very stressful and concerning for many as they realise how these changes are going to affect them. Frustrations will be heightened as demand and queue times to speak with our advisors increases. Therefore, we encourage as many people as possible to use the website to help answer their questions.

“We will also be holding a series of information sessions where advisors will be on hand to answer specific questions about the welfare reform, and we will announce these soon.”

Information about the changes is available on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/welfarereform. Residents can also speak with a member of the Revenues and Benefits department by emailing revenues@plymouth.gov.uk  or calling 01752 668000. Enquiries about size restrictions to social housing should be directed to your landlord.

Alternatively you can follow @plymouthcc, the Council’s official Twitter account.