COUNCIL TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN BRIGG AREA LOOKING FOR WORK

FROM SARAH HOWE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council is improving its discretionary housing scheme to offer extended financial support to those who are working with the council’s Action Station to help find a job.
Under the proposals, people whose housing benefit does not cover their full rent will be offered 18 weeks of financial support as opposed to six weeks currently.
If approved, the changes could come into force 1 October 2016.
Discretionary housing funds are provided annually by the Government to support those households that experience financial hardship and are unable to meet their full rent from housing benefit. The council decides how best to use the funding.
The new improved scheme will offer those who attend the Action Station:

• Six weeks at full shortfall between rental liability and housing benefit
• Six weeks at 50 per cent of the shortfall
• Six weeks at 25 per cent of the shortfall

Attendees will receive help in finding a job and free money management, childcare and health advice including smoking cessation. Attending the Action Station on Cole Street in Scunthorpe is part of the criteria for receiving financial support. 
They must demonstrate that they are making positive attempts to change their financial circumstances and find work.
Coun Richard Hannigan, Cabinet member for Governance and Transformation at North Lincolnshire Council, said: The council is proposing to offer an extra 12 weeks financial support and other support through advice and help through the Action Station, so that residents will get help in finding a job, childcare and health advice and how to better manage their finances.
“The extra support will go a long way in helping those who are actively looking for work.”