Launch of Benefits Campaign

10.38.53pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 24th Apr 2005

Milton Keynes Liberal Democrat Council is launching a two-week Benefit Take-up campaign from 25 April to 6 May. The Council will be combining forces with the Citizens' Advice Bureau and the Housing Benefit service to run the campaign for council tenants. The aim is to advise and encourage tenants to claim all the benefits they are entitled to.

The Council's Rent First team is offering free "benefit health-checks" to ensure that all tenants are receiving the welfare benefits they are entitled to. An adviser from the Citizens' Advice Bureau will be available by appointment at an advice desk at the Council's Saxon Court offices during the campaign. The adviser will be on hand to help tenants find out if they are able to claim any extra cash, and to provide advice on how to apply for benefits.

Irene Henderson, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "I would encourage any tenant who is unsure of whether they are entitled to extra money to come on down - you've got nothing to lose! The Council wants to help people before they get into trouble with their finances, particularly their rent. This is a good way for us to make sure that people are getting any extra cash they can to help prevent them falling behind with their rent payments."

Tenants who would like to come in for a benefit health-check, or who are not sure how to apply for a benefit, can ring the Council on 01908 253830 to make an appointment to see an adviser.

For more information contact John Bate on 01908 253945 or e-mail john.bate@milton-keynes.gov.uk.