VULNERABLE individuals worried about welfare system reforms are seeking advice from a Moray helpline service.
With sweeping changes to the UK welfare system taking effect in the coming months, Moray branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau has already seen an increase in related enquiries.
“This is one of the biggest issues we have ever had to deal with,” said Moray CAB manager Sandra Dow.
Around 35% of the CAB's caseload already concerns welfare reform enquiries.
Moray CAB is there to offer free, impartial advice to people, pointing them in the direction of other agencies if it cannot fully deal with an enquiry.
Another major concern is that all state benefit applications must in future be done on-line, with the potential impact that may have on those who do not have Internet access at home.
To that end, Moray CAB has initiated a digital inclusion survey to paint a picture of how many people have access to the Internet, where they have that access, and whether it is dial-up or broadband.
The Elgin office is open from 9.30am to noon Monday to Friday and also 1pm-3.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
It also operates a telephone service on Mondays and Thursdays from 1-3pm, and 10am to 11.30am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The number is 01343 550088.
Read the full story only in 'The Northern Scot' - out tonight (Thursday).
