Residents who are concerned about changes due to Welfare Reform can now access extra help from Leighton-Linslade Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
From June 4, the Bureau is increasing its opening hours by six hours per week and will now be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm in addition to its current hours.
This has been made possible by additional funding from Central Bedfordshire Council to all Citizens Advice Bureaux across Central Bedfordshire.
Both CAB and the Council have seen an increase in demand from residents for information and advice following the Welfare Reform changes that began in April and that will continue over the coming months.
These include changes to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support and the introduction of Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit.
Central Bedfordshire Council has established a Welfare Reform Task Force. Its prime responsibilities are to enable the Council to manage its resources effectively to implement the benefit changes resulting from the Welfare Reform Act.
It is also to monitor and understand the broader impact of the changes on residents and communities and help those affected to deal with the changes
The Council has engaged the CAB to provide a package of support that provides relevant and timely information and advice to those affected by the changes.
For anyone concerned about how they will be affected by benefit changes or in need of advice about managing their bills, visit www.leightonlinsladecab.org.uk for more details or go to Bossard House, West Street, Leighton Buzzard.