Get help now to reduce impact of cuts

HELP at hand: Paula Taylor and Diane Leslie, of Oldham Council, go through the “Make The Most Of Your Money” campaign

THE thousands of Oldhamers about to be caught up in the benefits shake-up are being urged to get one step ahead by looking for help now.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar said the local authority’s strategy to tackle benefit cuts to thousands of working-age claimants is to reach out and prepare people.

Oldham Council’s campaign “Make The Most Of Your Money” is a way of supporting those affected.

Local housing providers have been visiting homes to talk about the changes coming into effect this year.

Councillor Jabbar said the council is in a “race against time” with claimants hit by a “triple whammy” of changes to council tax benefit, bedroom tax and benefit capping.

He said: “It’s been a case of how can we help people manage their finances better and how can we generate their income from other schemes.

The council is also recommending people without bank accounts use Credit Unions.

To check if you will be affected visit www.oldham.gov.uk/welfare_reform — or call the Welfare Rights Service for a chat on 0161-770 6655.