30th November 2009
West Dunbartonshire Council’s Welfare Rights & Money Advice Service has assisted residents to claim over £23m in unclaimed benefits over the last three years.
The Social Work & Health Improvement Committee on 18 November 2009, also heard how residents were assisted by the service to manage a total of £8m of debt by negotiating manageable repayments for just under £5m.
The service experienced a sharp rise in the number of new cases from 141 in 2006/7 to 284 in 2009, which shows a massive 103% rise in the number of residents seeking assistance with their financial management. The committee was also informed of £3.2m of personal debt being written off, mainly for personal loans, credit cards and household upkeep, helping to ease the worry and stress for residents.
Stephen West, Joint Interim Executive Director of Social Work and Health said: “Debt and the fear of debt is a real concern for many residents in West Dunbartonshire and the rise in the number of new cases handled by our Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service shows how invaluable this service is to our residents.
He added: “In the current financial climate, it is essential that people have access to good, practical advice and assistance with their financial concerns, which are often no fault of their own.”
Patients attending the Beatson Oncology Centre also benefited from assistance provided by the Macmillan Benefits Team, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and West Dunbartonshire Council, with an additional £3.2m in benefits gained for cancer patients, their families and carers over the last 18 months.
Estimates published by the Scottish Government in May this year, show that pensioner poverty has risen by 2%, confirming that poverty within our older population is on the increase.
Cllr Jonathan McColl, Convenor of Social Work and Health said "The local impact of the recession, coupled by spiralling fuel costs and changes to state benefits and grants, has seen an increasing number of residents struggling to cope financially.
Cllr McColl continued: “The assistance provided by the Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team has ensured that residents have support and advice on how to increase their income and manage their debts, at a time when they need it most.
"The success of this service has been down to high levels of commitment and enthusiasm among our Welfare Rights staff and managers. Once again I am delighted to be giving thanks and due praise to staff who are a credit to Social Work and West Dunbartonshire Council as a whole."
Along with assisting residents with money advice and ensuring residents in West Dunbartonshire are claiming their full entitlement of benefits, the service also offers advice and support to get people back into work in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Employability Partnership.
West Dunbartonshire Council’s Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service offers a free and confidential service. The Service can be contacted on 0800 980 90 70 or 01389 737050, for advice and assistance.
