Benefits are top problem in county
People are turning to Citizens Advice
BENEFITS queries top the issues people in the county take to Citizens Advice for help.
Across Leicestershire there were 8,550 cases of someone needing support with Government handouts last year.
Behind this was debt with 3,700 cases, employment 3,500 cases, housing 3,200 cases and relation- ships at 2,500 issues.
People were most likely to seek help with the sickness and disability benefits Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) because the Work Capability Assessment, which determines people’s eligibility, is failing to deliver accurate decisions.
The poor quality of assessments means that people in genuine need of help can end up without any income while their application is reviewed.
Richard Evans, chief executive of Citizens Advice LeicesterShire, said: “We help thousands of people solve their problems every year and we’re in a unique position to know the big issues facing people in our communities.
“Not only do we help people solve their problems but our advice and education work can prevent issues escalating.
“Last year, we saw a notably high number of people who had experienced problems with the assessment for the sick- ness and disability benefits PIP and ESA, and we were able to assist them with the paperwork and appeals process.
“The Work Capability Assessment is unfit for purpose. The system fails sick and disabled people and problems related to ESA and PIP are now the biggest issue facing our clients.
“Anyone could suddenly become sick or disabled and it’s vital that we have a strong system in place to help people cope with the unexpected.”
The charity runs faceto-face sessions in various locations including Hinckley as well as a phone helpline.
There are also Money Advice, Macmillan and PenionWise advice sessions to make it easier for people to access free and impartial advice service.
Anyone requiring advice or support can get help online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk or from www.citizensadviceleicestershire.org
There is also a dedicated phone line on 0300 330 1025.