£12,000 of extra funding will be made available to Citizen’s Advice York (CAY) so it can run reinstate two half day advice surgeries each week for six months to help residents during the role out of the Universal Credit system in York.
The money, to be ratified in a decision session next week for the executive member for health and social care of the Conservative-led administration, has been provided because of a threatened shortfall in CAY income at a time when the new Universal Credit system is bedding in and when it is anticipated that residents will have questions regarding how the new system will work.
Universal credit, a monthly payment for people who are on low incomes or out of work is being introduced in stages nationwide. An accelerated roll-out started in York in July and will affect most new claimants from September onwards.
CYC already provides CAY with an annual grant of £122,500 each year and has pledged an extra £100,000 over two years from its ‘improving finances, improving lives fund’.
Council Leader David Carr, who has responsibility for finance and performance said:
“The work of Citizen’s Advice York is important to smooth over any concerns residents might have regarding this new system which promises a much more efficient and streamlined service for recipients, but like any new programme takes some getting used to and it is inevitable that people will have questions.
“The drop in sessions have been popular thus far and this extra financial support will ensure that people have access to the information they need.”