Advice and welfare rights Function
Benefits advice and assessment (190) Service
Advisors offering benefit assessment and providing advice about entitlement to welfare benefits to individuals in receipt of benefit or claiming benefit.
Bereavement support (328) Service
Provision of information about how and where to get support and advice after a bereavement
Credit unions (352) Service
A credit union is a profit sharing, democratically run financial co-operative which offers convenient savings and low interest loans to its members. The local authority may offer support to local credit unions by providing advice and information to help them get started and manage their affairs in a legal and efficient way.
Debt counselling (651) Service
Local authorities may publish information about local providers of confidential debt counselling service to citizens. They can advise on different types of debt such as rent and mortgage arrears, credit card debts and bank loans.
Debt enforcement (1520) Service
Where money is owed to a local administration they have the right to pursue repayment of the debt. Such activities are usually carried out under the authority of an enforcement officer who may, if all other options have failed, seize assets of the debtor to cover the debt.
Financial advice and support (1815) Service
Local and national organisations and businesses which can provide financial advice and support both to those in financial difficulties and those who would like to manage their finances efficiently.
Food banks (1818) Service
Emergency food supplies for those who find themselves in poverty for whatever reason. Those in need of help are referred by GPs, Health visitors, CAB, clergy, Community Workers etc�and any professionals who are likely to come into contact with people in real need.
Funeral expenses payment (671) Service
Those in receipt of certain benefits may be entitled to apply for a funeral expenses payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Local authorities may provide information about entitlement and the application process for the funeral expenses payment
Legal advice (676) Service
Local authorities may provide information about local or national organisations where citizens may obtain legal advice..
Welfare rights advice (189) Service
Information and advice about entitlement to welfare benefits, other allowances, grants and general financial difficulties.
Witness support (688) Service
Support and advice to victims of crime and people who are witnesses to crimes.