Residents struggling with the switch to Universal Credit can access new in-person advice at the Woolwich Centre as part of the council’s expansion of its cost of living support.
As pledged in Our Greenwich, the Council’s plan for the next four years, we want to ensure those in financial need can access the right support, advice and opportunities.
We know that residents have been increasingly concerned about the Government’s decision to switch working-age people to Universal Credit, and as more people receive the notice to switch, we want to help make sure everyone knows what the changes mean and what they need to do before legacy benefit payments stop.
The new hub will join a range of cost of living initiatives funded by the Household Support Fund.
A council spokesperson said: “More than 1,100 of you signed our petition to save vital cost of living support, along with other councils and organisations across the country, leading to a six-month extension of funding that we can put to good use by continuing vital schemes.
“The continuation of some of our great cost of living initiatives would not have been possible without our joint call for the extension of Household Support funding.
“We’re also proud to be able to use our own budgets to open a new Universal Credit Managed Migration hub, to strip back some of the confusion felt by claimants.”
Subject to government guidance and council approval, the funding will be allocated to:
Advice Hubs: We are continuing the work undertaken by our Advice Hubs which has supported hundreds of residents with issues from housing to council tax and benefits.
Holiday support: We will continue providing support for both the May and Summer holidays to ensure children are supported during school breaks.
Targeted payments: We continue vital payments to households in temporary hotel accommodation, as well as payments to care leavers and refugees with No Recourse to Public Funds.
Emergency Support Scheme: A share of the funding will be used to help residents facing emergency situations.
Money Advice Team: Our commitment to empowering residents with their own finances continues through additional funding to advice on managing debt and navigating welfare rights issues.
From April, the Universal Credit Managed Migration Hub will be at The Woolwich Centre every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm, supporting residents who receive a Managed Migration notice from the DWP.
The hub will run until December 2024, whilst residents are going through the managed migration process.
Need advice or support? Visit: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greenwich-supports
