Oldham hit hard by benefit shake-up

OLDHAM is the fourth-worst local authority in the country for council tax benefit change effects.

Professors from Sheffield Hallam university examined the impact of welfare reforms on local areas.

The research found the impact of welfare reforms varies widely, with Oldham, and the North-West in particular, being badly hit.

Oldham was named 26th-worst area, based on the £640 each adult of working age will lose each year, compared with a national average of £470.

Rochdale is listed at 13th in the table, Salford at 24th.