Benefit, welfare and debt advice

Access to benefit, welfare and debt advice

Benefit, welfare and debt advice is on offer from a new provider.

Rochdale Borough Council has awarded a contract to Pennine West Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) as their approved provider. The contract starts on 1 July 2013 to March 2014 with possible further extensions.

Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development and corporate services, said: “Demand for welfare, debt and housing advice is extremely high as a result of the welfare reform. Lots of people will need assistance in understanding and preparing for the changes. Our new contract with the Citizen Advice Bureau will allow more people in the borough to receive information and advice during this difficult period.”

Jonathan Yates, Chief Executive of Pennine West, added: “We‘re delighted that this contract award will mean we’re ready and equipped to deal with a greater demand for our services. We’re looking forward to being able to help more of the borough’s residents in a more effective way.

"Many people will be facing real challenges as a result of the benefit changes and we’re here to help.”

The CAB has announced an additional £280,000 worth of funding to be spent improving advice services across Rochdale borough. The money, from the Big Lottery’s Advice Services Transition Fund, will be rolled out over the next two years. Rochdale Citizen Advice Bureau and Rochdale Law Centre will use this money to "enhance the infrastructure of advice services in the borough and provide for a more sustainable future".

Rochdale’s Citizen Advice Bureau can be reached on the adviceline 08448 472 638.