We have joined forces to recruit Welfare Benefit Officers who will advise older and more vulnerable tenants on how to maximise their income.
In conjunction with Cairn Housing Association we have secured funding for the three part time posts which are based in Wick, Inverness and Invergordon.
This comes at a desperate time when the UK Government is planning severe changes in welfare payment through the Welfare Reform Bill. The changes will result in the potential loss of benefits to the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.
Speaking of the new recruits, Calum Macaulay, our Chief Executive, said: “We are in one of the deepest financial crises we have seen for decades.
“Our tenants who depend on benefits are unfortunately seeing drastic reductions in the value of benefits and an increase in the price of everyday goods. Faced with this worry, they often need someone to turn to for advice. The Welfare Benefit Officers provide a free, impartial and completely confidential service to assist individuals and families dealing with poverty related issued affecting their lives.”
Highland Councillors David Chisholm (Dingwall and Seaforth) and Bill Barclay (Black Isle) share these concerns regarding the Welfare Reform Bill. Both are concerned what impact these changes will have to Highland homelessness.
Councillor Chisholm said: “The Welfare Reform Bill will have a huge impact on people and services in Scotland. For many people, particularly families, those with disabilities, and jobseekers, the impact will be very damaging. An estimated £2 billion will be taken out of the local economy in Scotland during the lifetime of this parliament, with an estimated £1 billion taken from disabled people and their families. People with disabilities face the biggest impact from the proposed reforms. National reassessments for sickness and disability benefits, alongside cuts in public services, will inevitably mean that many people will not receive the support to deal with their disabilities that they currently rely upon.”
Caroline MacAskill, Head of Service North of Cairn Housing Association, said: “At this time of drastic change it is reassuring to have in place people who will be able to assist with maximising benefits for our older and more vulnerable tenants. The work that has been completed so far has helped tenants to access addition benefits and assist with reducing fuel costs. We expect this initiative to be a great benefit to tenants.”
Levels of investment in affordable housing are dropping at a considerable rate and the supply of new properties is reducing to about 20% of what it was a few years ago. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is taking a strong stance on potential changes to try and minimise the detrimental impact on tenants and housing providers.
