CLYDESDALE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU 

We are a full year into being a Universal Credit full service area. This hasn't made the process any easier for those affected, the support required has not diminished, in fact, as welfare reform ....more

We are a full year into being a Universal Credit full service area. This hasn't made the process any easier for those affected, the support required has not diminished, in fact, as welfare reform continues to roll out, further support and assistance is required. We now have a better understanding of the application process, what is expected of a client during the process and methods of support going through the process. Over the last year we have been able to put in place a model which is flexible to the ever changing Universal Credit and welfare reform environment. Universal Credit does not stand in insolation, we hope to make sure that clients are fully aware of what Universal Credit is, what the impact it may have on any other benefits, including housing costs and changes in ill health benefits that UC can impact on. We will offer a supportive and encouraging role, whilst still providing the essential information and advice that individuals require. We anticipate the demand to continue to rise and more people find themselves facing UC for the first time. We expect the figures to be comparable with last years figures where we will provide this specialist dedicated service to around c180 individuals. The individuals we aim to help make up a diverse group, those that are in work, out of work and seeking work, those that are digitally excluded, those that have ill-health/disability, those who are finding themselves in the system for the first time. All of the above may end up with gaps in their payments, rent arrears accruing, debts accumulating and well-being being compromised. As Universal Credit promotes responsibility on to the person making the claim, we want to replicate the advice by structuring our advice in the same manner. We aim to provide a face to face service where a client can come and get full information on Universal Credit, for example: what it is, how it is paid, what expectations will be placed on them, what information they require to make the claim, how to pay their rent in a practical sense, Scottish Choices, advance payments and budgeting advice. We will also refer them for further support to the Job Centre for practical digital support. This will enhance and compliment our holistic service. We will encourage basic computer training for those who don't have the skills or confidence in using one and we will advise on where they can get further advice on this. We already know from data gathered that clients find the first 5 weeks especially hard and we will over advice ad support during this period. We will provide our clients with full support on applying for any statutory or charitable assistance during this time. Some changes have been made but nit enough to mitigate the hardship that can be endured during this time, Our aim is to be able to assist our clients from not falling into crisis. The second strand of our project will see us provide training sessions to 100 front line workers within our local community. We have identified that there is a lack of information on the technicalities of Universal Credit and clear information on legislation and what the means for the person claiming the benefit. We will continue to use our partnerships in ready in place, the Financial Inclusion Network an we have already provided sessions to local councillors and aim to continue this. Our Universal Credit Champion has worked tirelessly over the last 11 months to build up a substantial amount of knowledge on Universal Credit and has been able to apply that to produce a structured informative presentation. The presentation can be adapted to suit the audience and due to the ever changing practice of how Universal Credit is applied, the presentation can be adjusted to fit easily. Out volunteers, once again will play an essential role in the project, our Universal Credit champion will support them in identifying possible beneficiaries of the project and they will provide the holistic service, this contribution will significantly enhance the role of the Universal Credit Champion and the project in return.

We aim to have a dedicated Universal Credit Champion who will have two strands to their position: 1 - provide a new specialist service in the Bureau by delivering independent, impartial, free and ....more

We aim to have a dedicated Universal Credit Champion who will have two strands to their position: 1 - provide a new specialist service in the Bureau by delivering independent, impartial, free and confidential advice and support to residents of the Clydesdale area who find themselves being entitled to Universal credit, either as a new claim or a change in circumstances. We will also be offering this service to our own client base or those that are referred to us by other local organisations. We will do this by offering an appointments based system throughout the drop in service in Lanark and we will also look to offer the service within our 7 outreaches which are centred in some of the more isolated, outlaying villages in the Clydesdale area. Our outreaches are in Douglas, Rigside, Biggar, Coalburn, Crawford and two primary schools, Lesmahagow Primary and Woodpark primary. 2 - provide Universal Credit workshops to local organisations, whose front line workers will be dealing with groups who will be in receipt of Universal Credit or will be making an application for Universal Credit.

We will provide a new specialist service in the Bureau by delivering independent, impartial, free and confidential advice and support to residents of the Clydesdale area who have not the access to, ....more

We will provide a new specialist service in the Bureau by delivering independent, impartial, free and confidential advice and support to residents of the Clydesdale area who have not the access to, or the ability to, make an online benefits application. We will be specifically looking at assisting with Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Social Welfare Fund and Blue Badge Scheme applications. We will identify clients from our existing client base, new client enquiries and via referrals from our local partnership organisations (such as Clydesdale Care and Repair, Healthy Valleys, Clydesdale Housing, Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health ( LAMH), Jobcentre Plus and the Local Authority. Our service will offer these clients: 1. a comprehensive benefit check to inform of their eligibility and entitlement to the range of welfare benefits 2. provide practical assistance and support in completing online applications 3. on-going advice, information and support during processing of claims 4. advice and support in challenging incorrect awards, including “non-awards” Presently, our Bureau is able to undertake services numbered: 1 & 4, above.

Detailed information not yet available.