| The figure, revealed today by social work convener Councillor Helen Wright during a visit to a welfare rights surgery in Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, will help vulnerable residents in the city tackle £1.7 million of personal debt.
“Welfare rights officers have, over the past year, been working with vulnerable citizens to help them claim benefits they are entitled to and a total of £2,527,710 has been raised.
“Their efforts have also enabled almost £1.7 million of personal debt to be rescheduled, making it easier for people to repay what they owe.
“The officers have helped ease the personal trauma and distress experienced by many people who experience complex debt problems. This is, of course, a national problem with the need for money advice growing.
“By maximising people’s income and tackling personal debt, welfare rights officers are making a significant contribution to lifting people out of the cycle of debt and poverty.” |
