Group raises £300,000 to help out city tenants

A HOUSING association has raised more than £300,000 for tenants in need.

Wellhouse Housing Association, which have properties across the East End, secured around £340,000 in income for their tenants between April and October thanks to their hard-working welfare rights officer, Laura Reilly.

The service has been in place since 2018 and Laura has now assisted more than 500 people since it was established. Her work has seen her raise around £3.7 million over the last three years.

Laura has also represented families in tribunals to appeal benefit decisions and is keen to highlight the importance of the welfare advice service as gas and electricity prices rise and the £20 cut to universal credit continues to bite. She said: “I know it can be difficult for people but avoiding talking about money and finances can often mean people are missing out, not only on what they are entitled to, but they are also failing to get the financial backing they require to cover their essential living costs.

“I often find that just a quick chat with tenants can help us to figure out how we can make sure they are kept warm, have the correct benefits and know what they can and can’t challenge when it comes to benefit decisions.”

One tenant had their personal independence payment decision overturned and Laura found they were entitled to a higher amount, putting more money in their pocket.

Chairwoman of Wellhouse Housing Association, Maureen Morris, said: “Laura provides a vitally important service to our tenants and we know that as Christmas approaches and the colder weather sets in, many people will be experiencing financial anxiety, not to mention fuel and food poverty.

“I would urge all our tenants to speak to Laura as she has been invaluable in improving the lives of many tenants by providing assistance and expertise and helping them access what they are entitled to.”