COUNCIL chiefs are assuring residents they will do all they can to help following changes to housing benefits.
The announcement comes after new figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions claim that more than 4,000 residents across Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC) could be negatively affected by proposed changes made by the Coalition Government.
It is feared the most vulnerable in society could be made to suffer as a result of any changes.
CWaC spokeswoman Laura Johnson said: “While the details of the proposed changes are still to be confirmed, it is clear that many CWaC residents could be affected.
“Many of the proposed benefit reductions have yet to be finalised, with some being introduced next April and others staggered in to 2013.
“We are already assessing the potential impact of the proposed changes on residents in the borough and will be working with key partners and tenants to ensure they understand the likely effect of these changes.”
The council’s housing solutions team and revenue and benefits team are working together on a number of projects designed to target potentially affected families and assist and advise them on an individual basis.
Laura Johnson added: “Targeted letters will also be distributed and promotional advice surgeries held in local communities, for example, market stalls and drop-in centres.
“We have already begun to work with households through the use of money advisors and employment mentors, who will work with people on an individual basis to find alternative arrangements.
“For example, there are 19 families living in the borough who will be affected by the four-bedroom house cap. We are already in the process of visiting each family to discuss their options and will also be visiting other residents who we identify as potentially being affected.”
CWaC is also engaging with private sector landlords particularly to emphasise the benefits of working with the council to source potential tenants.
“The authority’s housing solutions team can assist with a bond, check that private rented accommodation is affordable and act as a point of contact should any issues arise.
“We will also be working closely with colleagues in the private housing section.”
More information about the possible impact of changes will be added to CWaC’s website at www. cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=8578 as the legislation is published.