benefits

Exmouth resident saves hundreds on energy bills through home visit

An elderly Exmouth woman, struggling to pay her bills, has saved hundreds of pounds thanks to a few small changes in her home.

With just a little help in the form of door draft excluders, LED lightbulbs and reflective radiator panels, the 88-year-old saved more than an estimated £250 in just four months.

£48-worth of measures were provided for free as part of a specialised...

New training courses to address benefit system changes

In response to the upcoming roll-out of Universal Credit and other recent changes to the benefit system, Citizens Advice Devon, in partnership with Devon Communities Together, has launched a series of new training courses for organisations and individuals who work with benefit claimants. The sessions are designed to keep people up-to-date with how the upcoming changes will affect their clients...

Universal Credit: What you need to know

The Government’s new Universal Credit comes into effect at the end of this month. The new benefit starts to roll out in Plymouth from 25 January and as a result of this national policy, Plymouth City Council has signed a delivery partnership agreement with the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) to support residents in the claim process. The agreement includes the provision of assisted support...

Benefit campaign tackles Elephant in the Room

Plymouth City Council is launching an awareness campaign to remind people to inform them of any changes in circumstances for housing benefits.

The ‘It’s great to be up to date’ campaign - which has been grant funded by the Department of Work and Pensions - aims to encourage more people to come forward and tell the Council about important life changes.

Look out for our ‘elephant...

George Osborne wants long-term unemployed to work for their benefits

The government has unveiled a new Help to Work scheme aimed at encouraging the long-term unemployed back to work, under tougher rules for benefit payments.

The Chancellor George Osborne, told the Conservative Party conference in Manchester that welfare must be "fair for those who need it and fair for those who pay for it"

The scheme will mean people in long-term unemployment...

Money advice roadshow announced

Money advice events are to be held across Plymouth to help people get to grips with recent benefit changes.

Plymouth City Council is teaming up with organisations across the city to help people who have been affected by the recent changes to benefits.

The focus will be on supporting carers and people living with a disability. Information, advice and support will be available to...

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...

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...