Lochaber tenants urged to find out the impacts of welfare reform changes.
To help tenants in the Highlands prepare for the far reaching changes to welfare benefits in Spring 2013, The Highland Council and Lochaber Housing Association are working together to raise awareness of these changes by holding joint information sessions in Lochaber.
Awareness raising sessions have been organised in Fort William for tenants of both the organisations on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 October 2012.
The information sessions, led by Highland Council’s Income Maximisation team, will explain the impending changes that tenants may experience in their housing benefit; benefit capping and universal credit.
Lochaber Housing Association and The Highland Council are both promoting the information sessions and writing to their tenants about the changes. The 2.30pm session at Lochaber Housing Association’s High Street office in Fort William on Monday 8 October is already full.
The Council and the Association are urging tenants to book a place at one of the remaining three information sessions at which spaces are still available, including:
Councillor Dave Fallows, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Finance, Housing and Resources Committee said: “It is very important that our tenants are well informed about these fast approaching changes and our Housing and Benefits staff are working hard to ensure this happens. We want to help those who will be affected and our staff are happy to discuss the changes with any tenants who wish to contact them. By being prepared, tenants will be better able to budget for paying their rent once the reforms come in to place.”
Di Alexander, Chair of Lochaber Housing Association’s Board of Management: “The government’s welfare reforms are extensive and will affect many households. The earlier tenants start to prepare for the changes the better informed they will be. Tenants of working age who receive housing benefit are the group we are targeting, as from 1 April, 2013 many people in this group will feel the effects of the changes in their pockets.”
Helen MacKenzie, Chairperson of the Plantation Community Association said: “Many local people have no idea that these changes are round the corner. It’s estimated that up to 1 in 5 of tenants in social housing will see their income cut in some way, although it’s important to stress that pensioners will not be affected. We’re glad that Highland Council and Lochaber Housing Association have got together to give tenants information about this – that way at least people can be prepared for what’s to come.”
Space is limited on the information sessions and Highland Council and Lochaber Housing Association tenants are invited to call Highland Council on 01397 707299 and Lochaber Housing Association on 01397 702530 to book their places through the respective landlords.
People with concerns about the Benefit Reforms can also call Highland Council’s Income Maximisation team direct, in confidence, for further information on 0800 090 1004.