1. Overview of Money Advice Amy Harrison – Money Advice Team Leader

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. How to Refer?
By Phone By

8. Amy Harrison - Money Advice Team Leader