Overview of Money Advice Amy Harrison – Money Advice Team Leader

Introducing Money Advice Money Advice Team created in 2013 Within Customer Finance Service – alongside rent/income collection teams 4 x Money Advisors, Apprentice and Team Leader Pro-active and re-active service Money Advisors – carry out home visits, office appointments, pre-court appointments Complements Debt Advice SLA with SMBC

What do Money Advice do? Financial assessment Check for additional benefit entitlement and assist with claims Challenge and appeal benefit decisions Apply for grants and trust funds Assist with water charge savings Help with managing debts and budgeting Work closely with Energy Advisors, Employment Support, Pantries, Credit Union, Foodbanks, SLAS, SMBC Debt Team

Referrals Staff - Rents Officers, Housing Officers, Support Workers Customer self referrals Pro-active contact at court warning stage to prevent rent arrears action Pro-active contact in response to benefit changes eg. Under-occupancy, Benefit Cap Attend customer events

Outcomes 2016/17 2647 referrals in total 1209 home visits completed successfully and 511 office appointments £5.2 million additional income gains 40 evictions prevented 103 successful benefit Mandatory Reconsiderations and appeals Improved rent collection and low arrears

Current Issues Benefit Cap (Reduced Dec 2016) Under Occupancy Deductions Universal Credit DLA to PIP Transition ESA assessments and WRAG removal Removal of extra element for third child

How to Refer? By Phone - 0161 474 4609 By E-mail moneyadvice@stockporthomes.org

Amy Harrison - Money Advice Team Leader