Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling visited Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) to discuss financial issues with tenants and to launch a national project.

LMH tenants were part of the 'moneymadeclear' pilot scheme carried out in the North West which is now being rolled out nationally.

Alistair Darling visited LMH’s headquarters to announce the launch of moneymadeclear after its success in helping LMH tenants tackle financial issues.

The pilot project was organised through RAISE, a charitable organisation which receives funding from LMH, and ran from April last year.

It provides specialist benefits and debt advice to tenants by providing them with the support and information they need to maximise their income.

The organisation advises up to 30 LMH tenants every week on Housing Benefit, general benefits, and offers comprehensive advice on financial matters, their rights and actions if they feel they are not getting a fair deal. It also explains the benefits system and provides practical help in submitting claims.

Chief Executive of LMH, Steve Coffey, said: “We are pleased to see RAISE’s work in the moneymadeclear project being recognised and now being rolled out nationally.

“Helping our tenants financially is part of our broader strategy to improve their lives and general well-being by reducing anti-social behaviour, tackling fuel poverty, providing opportunities to train and work as well as our core work to improve their homes and neighbourhoods.

“Financial worries can have a detrimental affect on people but by working with RAISE we have been able to offer support and advice to tenants so they are aware of all the benefits they are entitled to and this plays an important role in preventing them from becoming burdened with debt.

“In addition to this support, our £400 million regeneration programme is using the latest energy efficient products to make homes more sustainable and this is reducing fuel bills by more than 70 per cent, meaning tenants have more money at their disposal.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, said: “moneymadeclear is free, impartial advice for all, whether you are unsure about the small print in a mortgage form, want advice about opening a savings account for your children or grand-children or you want some help dealing with repayments before they get out of hand.

“This service will provide much needed advice for one million people across the UK in the coming year alone.”

LMH’s commitment to the environmental and social impact of its work has been recognised as examples of excellence within the housing and public sectors that has culminated in it winning five awards in little over a year.

The service will be jointly funded by the government and the Financial Services Authority.

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