Council axes benefits support service

A Herefordshire service giving advice and support to benefits claimants is being axed from the end of this month.

A letter sent by Herefordshire Council to claimants this month says: “With effect from 31 March 2024 the specialist welfare benefits and support services, including support with DWP mandatory reconsiderations and appeals [i.e. when claimants are unhappy about a benefits decision], will cease.”

The letter suggests claimants or potential claimants seek benefits information from the council-backed BetterOff Herefordshire and Talk Community websites, Citizens Advice, AgeUK or the government’s website instead.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “We have contacted all residents who are affected by these changes and information has been shared with them on where support can be found.

“Our welfare and financial assessment team will continue to support residents requesting help with care and support needs, including welfare benefit checks to maximise income.”

The council was asked how the decision to drop the service was arrived at as it does not appear to have been discussed by councillors, but it did not respond to this point.

Herefordshire Council is attempting to make savings of £19.5million across its services to balance its books in the financial year which starts next month.