National social landlord, Riverside, is
employing money advisors based in many of its local offices, in a
bid to lessen the impact of the government’s benefit cuts.
Advisors are
helping people budget better and claim benefits they may be unaware
of, as well as referring them to credit unions or debt
specialists. The tailor made service is for those in rent
arrears, or tenants who are worried about how to make their money
go further.
Money advisors are now based in Merseyside,
Carlisle, Gateshead, Hull, the Midlands and the South
East.
Laura Bostock is Riverside’s financial
inclusion manager, she said: “Many of our tenants are feeling
the pinch and we are keen to make sure that they don’t descend into
further debt. And it’s not just those on benefits that are
struggling. Lots of working people are finding it hard to
make ends meet, due to job hours being cut and escalating day to
day expenses.”
Riverside’s locally based money advisors
complement its central team working from the Merseyside call
centre, targeting those in rent arrears to offer benefits and
financial advice.
Laura added: “It’s not always possible
to speak to people on the phone, so our locally based advisors are
visiting those who are in danger of slipping through the net.”
Riverside is also contacting people who may
find their benefits cut as a result of the government’s bedroom
tax. From April next year, many tenants will be faced with a
reduction in income if they are deemed to have a spare bedroom.
“The initial response from tenants shows that two thirds of them
who may be affected by the bedroom tax do not want to move to a
smaller property, particularly those who have family ties and
support networks close by,” said Laura. “Half of them will
have difficulty paying their rent. Our advisors will be
helping them find ways to maximise their income