Thousands set for lifeline after £285,000 boost for Leeds debt advice service
More than £280k boost to support some of the city’s poorest households
More than £280,000 has been allocated to a debt advice service helping some of the city’s poorest households.
Leeds City Council has awarded the cash to help Burmantofts Community Projects assist people struggling with financial problems.
The funding is expected to help around 1.800 people in the east Leeds community.
A council report said: “The proposal addresses the continuing need for timely support for low-income households experiencing financial hardship or sudden financial shocks, including unexpected costs, loss of income and rising housing or energy costs.”
The funding will help the Burmantofts Money Buddies service support people with household living costs and the benefits system.
The cash, some £285,000, comes from the government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The report said: “This will provide joined-up support across welfare benefits, debt, money guidance, energy advice and income maximisation, reaching around 1,800 individuals.
“It also supports ambitions to reduce poverty, inequality and financial hardship by targeting households most affected by deprivation and barriers to advice.”
The report said the funding would help people struggling to get access to support with financial problems.
It said: “Residents facing barriers to mainstream advice will be better able to resolve benefit issues, manage debt, access energy and money guidance, and receive face-to-face support in a way that is accessible and trusted.”