Home Local News Councillor Welcomes “re-think” on Welfare Rights Service

Councillor Welcomes “re-think” on Welfare Rights Service

0
Cllr Julie Gibson

County Cllr Julie Gibson, the Labour Group Shadow Cabinet Member for Economic Development, at Lancashire County Council has thanked Lancashire residents for their overwhelming response to the proposals to cut the Lancashire Welfare Rights Service. In a report to the Cabinet of 8th August the original proposals to cut the service were overturned and although there will still be reductions, the proposed level of cuts has been adjusted to ensure a service can still be maintained.

Cllr Gibson said: “In April of this year, myself and my colleagues in the Lancashire Labour Group urged residents to respond to this consultation and I would like to thank all those who did. At a time when we are seeing Universal Credit rolled out across Lancashire, plunging many into debt, it is disappointing that the welfare rights service has to suffer reductions of any sort and the impact on vulnerable residents cannot be underestimated.”

She continued: “Having previously worked within a welfare rights setting, I know how vital the welfare rights service is in helping people to navigate their way through the complex benefit system introduced by the Conservative Government. The service also plays a vital role in helping to support the local economy because money gained by receiving the correct benefit or won back in successful benefit appeals is spent in the local economy. The Cabinet report references that in 2018/2019 the service brought £7.8 million back into the Lancashire economy by helping residents claim benefits they are entitled to and appealing benefit decisions; it is a fact that people receiving increased income do spend it locally.”

“We need services such as these to ensure that people are not left out of pocket and potentially pushed into poverty.  The original proposals risked losing this vital knowledge and expertise but thanks to “people power” we have been able to ensure vital elements of the service still remain. Thank you to all those who took the time to make their voices heard.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here