Find out how benefit changes may affect you (From Knutsford Guardian)

Find out how benefit changes may affect you

8:30am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News By James Wilson

A DROP-in session is being held in Knutsford to let the public know about the upcoming shake-up of the benefits system.

Cheshire East Council, working with local housing associations including Great Places and Cheshire Peaks and Plans, will be holding the session in Over Ward in two weeks’ time.

The Welfare Reform Act became law earlier this year, with the Government aiming to create the right incentives to get more people into work, protect the most vulnerable in society and make the benefit system fair for claimants and the taxpayer.

The main changes as a result of the act are as follows.

l Housing benefit – including new regulations in relation to under-occupying within the social-rented sector and reductions in rates for under 35s living in the private rented sector.

l Council tax benefit is being replaced by a form of localised council tax support drawn up by individual councils.

l The introduction of a cap to the amount of benefits which can be received.

l The introduction of universal credit to provide a single streamlined payment.

l Reforms to disability living allowance, through the introduction of the personal independence payment.

In Knutsford, the session will take place on Thursday, October 11 at Shaw Heath Social Club on Mobberley Road between 2pm and 5pm.

Residents will be able to speak to representatives from registered housing providers, the Money Advice Service and council staff from the housing benefit and adult learning teams.

Clr Janet Clowes, cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “I would advise anyone who is of working age and claiming benefits to come along and find out how the changes could affect them.

“I cannot emphasise enough how significant these changes will be and the potential impact they may have.

“If people find out about the changes now they will be able to plan better for the future.”