Almost 3000 North Ayrshire households could see benefits reduced as part of Government changes to the welfare system.

Nov 2 2012 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald

The UK Government is introducing major changes to the country’s welfare system that will affect how benefits are calculated, paid and received.

The wide-spread changes are set to effect North Ayrshire residents, with North Ayrshire Council staff being trained to offer support for the changes.

Welfare payments, including housing benefit, council tax benefit, community care grants and crisis loans are all affected by the changes.

More than 8000 households will also be paying their full rent directly to the Council for the first time under the new Universal Credit benefits system - to be introduced over four years from next October.

North Ayrshire Council leader, Willie Gibson said that the changes were the most significant to the benefits system in 60 years and will affect people across North Ayrshire.

“Council staff are working hard to minimalise the impact these changes have on our tenants and residents.

“We are also making sure that tenants affected by the changes know about the difference this could make to their benefits.”