More than 150 people get on board with Welfare Reform

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

Social housing tenants have been getting on board with benefit change.

Housing provider Salix Homes teamed up with Manchester’s no.1 hit music station Key 103, to get its tenants ready for the impending Welfare Reforms.

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

In a bid to prepare tenants for any changes which may affect them, Salix Homes hit the road on Saturday, February 16 with Key 103 and their community bus.

More than 150 people visited the bus at Tesco Extra in Pendelton and Morrisons in Eccles to seek advice and find out how changes to benefits will affect them.

Joe Willis, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “The event was a big success and our specially trained team were busy all day offering their help and advice to the people of Salford.

“It is clear that there are a lot of people out there who are very anxious and concerned about the changes and they welcomed the fact that we were able to offer some support.

“I think the majority of people know that Welfare Reform is coming and what the broad implications are, but what they want to know is the details of how it’s going to affect them. This is why we are working closely with our partners to make sure our tenants know about the changes in good time so they can be prepared.”

Salix Homes’ specially trained team were on hand to talk to people about Universal Credit, Bedroom Tax and Housing Benefit and were there to help people with everything from managing their budget to carrying out checks to ensure they are claiming the correct benefits.

Representatives from Salford CAB and Salford Credit Union were also on board offering free independent advice on money matters to help people keep on track with their finances.