The government is introducing many changes to benefits from April this year. These changes will affect working age people across the borough. Some decisions about how these changes will work in Wigan will be for the council to decide.
The main reforms that will affect Wigan are:
- Localisation of Council Tax Support (Council Tax Benefit)
- Benefit Reforms – under-occupancy, benefit cap,
- Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Social Fund changes
The main reforms will mostly be implemented over the next 2 years with many changes being introduced from April 2013.
Where can you go for advice and guidance with things that affect them?
More information is available on the council Website; www.wigan.gov.uk/benefits
The Citizens Advice Bureau can help with debt counselling and welfare benefits advice and can be contacted at http://www.wigancab.org/ Tel: 0844 8269713
Wigan Independent Advice Centre – can help with welfare benefits advice and information Tel: 01942 489984
Staff are also on hand to help through customer services at the Wigan Life Centre and also through the other local life centres.
AGMA Help with your rent Team – can speak to your landlord on your behalf and provide help if you are affected by under-occupancy http://www.helpwithrent.org.uk Tel 0845 120 2093
Wigan and Leigh Housing Options - can talk through your options in terms of moving or finding other accommodation http://propertyshop.walh.co.uk/HousingOptionsProperty/ Tel 01942 487717
Jobcentre Plus – can help with finding work and applying for Universal Credit www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus Tel 0845 6060 234
If you require more information please contact me on 736216 or on nigelash@blueyonder.co.uk
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