126k gained in welfare benefits for residents

The Newtown Advice Project, ran by Citizens Advice Powys has gained £126,162 in welfare benefits for local residents.

Next week town councillors from the Resources Committee of the Town Council will discuss the report of the Newtown Advice Project, ran by Citizens Advice Powys for the last quarter. The project aims to provide residents of the five Local Authority (LA) Wards of Newtown with access to urgent advice appointments through dedicated adviser hours.

To qualify for the service, applicants must live within the boundaries of Newtown, and their advice needs are assessed for urgency before appointments are allocated. The project has limited capacity but has made a significant impact on the local community.

According to the report, over the past 12 months, the Newtown Advice Project has assisted a total of 166 residents, resulting in £126,162 gained in welfare benefits. The most common issues addressed by the service include benefits, debt, employment, and relationships.

In the last three months alone, the service has helped seven clients access £28,954 in welfare benefits. Six clients received new Personal Independent Awards, increasing their available income. This included £3,609 in backdated payments and £19,078 in ongoing payments.

The Newtown Advice Project is funded annually by Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council.