Benefits bus back in town

Benefits bus

A special mobile advice centre will be back in town next week and experts will be on hand to help explain what benefits are available from the council, as well as from the government or other agencies.

The bus is fully equipped with office facilities and interview booths, and Revenues amp; Benefits officers will be able to answer queries on benefits including pension credit, housing benefit, council tax benefit, free school meals and secondary school uniform vouchers.

Cabinet member for finance, Councillor Greg Couzens said: “Do you know what benefits you are entitled to? A lot of people aren’t claiming what their full entitlement, so we’re going out on the road to try and increase awareness. Sometimes people just don’t know what is available to them – but it’s often the idea of filling out a form that puts people off. Our team will try to make the process as simple as possible and ensure you don’t miss out on financial help that’s due to you. This is one bus you do not want to miss!”

The mobile advice centre was bought through a joint-funding bid and is shared between thirteen local authorities in and around Greater Manchester. A satellite link to the Council IT system means that customers can have their benefit entitlement checked online.

Locations

• Monday 14 January 2008 - Asda, Rochdale.
• Tuesday 15 January 2008 - Morrisons, Newbold, Rochdale.
• Wednesday 16 January 2008 - Lidl, Heywood.
• Thursday 17 January 2008 - Tesco, Castleton, Rochdale.
• Friday 18 January 2008 - B&Q, Sandbrook Park, Rochdale.

Staff will be on hand each day between 10am and 3pm.