Free benefits surgery - use it or lose it

A DROP-IN surgery in Ellesmere Port offering free advice on welfare benefits may be withdrawn if more people don’t use it.

Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council started the surgeries in the town this month after twice-weekly sessions in Neston proved popular.

But a poor take-up means the Ellesmere Port surgery may be dropped.

Benefits Advisor Karen Linford, who advises residents on benefits they are entitled to, helps them complete forms and even makes appeals on their behalf, said the number of people visiting the new surgeries had been very disappointing.

“The surgeries are only part of my job and if they’re not seen as the best use of my time then they’ll be stopped. We’ve sent leaflets out with people’s council tax statements but so far we’ve only had a few people coming in,” she added.

“The message is simple - use it or lose it.”

Benefits covered by the surgeries include Housing and Council Tax Benefits (including help with appeals), Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit, Tax Credits and other Social Security benefits. 

The Ellesmere Port surgery is on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm in the benefits office on the first floor of Ellesmere Port council’s offices in Civic Way.

There will be no change to the Neston sessions, which are held in Neston Town Hall on Mondays from 10am to 1pm and Fridays from 9am to 11am.

Both surgeries have private rooms for complete confidentiality and have disabled access. Home visits can also be arranged to help elderly or disabled people complete applications or for general advice.

ENDS

Press release issued September 20th 2006