PEOPLE are being encouraged to seek advice if they are worried about how the Chancellor’s welfare reforms might affect them.
The cost-cutting measures, which include changes to tax credits, housing benefit and an extension of the benefit cap, are likely to affect hundreds of local families.
Researchers at Sheffield Hallam University estimate that some couples with two or more dependent children will lose an average of £1,450 a year, while lone parents with two or more children will lose an average of £1,750.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and wellbeing, said: “For many individuals and families there will be no escaping the devastating impact of the cuts announced recently.
“It’s vital that anybody who is worried about any letters or notifications they receive contacts their benefits provider immediately. The problem isn’t going to go away.
“These reforms risk further entrenching inequality in Warrington, where poorer areas will be hit hardest by new changes. The cuts will take hundreds of thousands of pounds out of the local economy and push vulnerable people, especially low income families, into hardship.
“Anybody in receipt of benefits should let benefits providers know immediately of changes in circumstances to avoid overpayment and ensure that they make every appointment on time to avoid any risk of benefits being suspended. It’s absolutely critical.
“This, along with massive cuts being made to local authority services, will make life even tougher for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Other welfare reforms over the coming months and years include a £30 per week reduction for new claimants of employment and support allowance (ESA).
A £1bn cut to tax credits will also be made through a cut in something called the “income disregard”
If you need urgent face-to-face advice and assistance, please contact Warrington Citizens Advice Bureau on 01925 246994 or visit warrington-advice.co.uk.
