Social housing tenants to get on board with benefit change

Published by James Allan for Salix Homes in Housing and also in Universal Credit

An award winning social-housing provider is inviting its tenants to get on board with benefit change.

Salix Homes, which manages 10,500 properties across Central Salford, has teamed up with Manchester’s no.1 hit music station Key 103, to get its tenants ready for the Welfare Reforms.

From April 1 the national Government is introducing major changes to the benefits system, which will affect almost everyone in receipt of benefits.

In a bid to prepare its tenants for any changes which may affect them, Salix Homes is hitting the road with Key 103 and their community bus.

The Key 103 bus will be out and about on Saturday, 16 February where experts will be on hand to offer information and advice to the people of Salford.  Come and see them at Tesco Extra in Pendelton from 10am to 1pm and at Morrisons, in Irwell Place, Eccles, from 2pm to 4pm.

Joe Willis, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “Welfare Reform is on its way and is going to affect the benefits our tenants receive and how they claim them.

“We understand that this is a difficult and challenging time for people claiming benefits and we're working with our partners to make sure we're able to let our tenants know about the changes in good time so they can understand how the changes will affect them and take any necessary action.”

Salix Homes’ specially trained team will be on hand to talk to people about Universal Credit, Bedroom Tax and Housing Benefit, as well as any other changes that could make a difference to people’s income if they are of working age and claiming benefits.

Representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau and Salford Credit Union will also be on board offering free independent advice on money matters to help people keep on track with their finances.