Lord calls in at Jobcentre Plus to find out about welfare changes (From Warrington Guardian)

Lord calls in at Warrington Jobcentre Plus to find out about welfare changes

6:02pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News

A GOVERNMENT minister called into the borough’s Jobcentre Plus to find out how it is preparing for the change to universal credits.

Lord Freud, the minister for welfare reform, was in town on Friday to find out more about the scheme as Warrington has been chosen to pilot the new benefit scheme before it comes in across the country.

He met members of the partnership group - including Warrington Borough Council, Jobcentre Plus and Citizens Advice Bureau - who have been working for the last year with the most vulnerable people in the community to understand how the changes will affect them.

Katherine Fairclough, chairman of the reform partnership said: “These changes are huge and all partners have been working hard to translate complex national policies and messages for the benefit of our residents.

“We do recognise that times are tough for many families and individuals and are also doing all we can to ensure we signpost to local sources of advice and support.”

If you are worried about the changes to your benefit visit gov.uk to find out more.

The Citizens Advice Bureau also offers help and advice at its base at The Gateway, on Sankey Street or call 246994.