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Advice NI - AGM
25/11/2011
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Advice NI urges more help for people trying to cope with welfare cuts, recession and rising cost of living’
Advice NI held an event on Friday 25th November 2011 showcasing the hidden benefits of advice and highlighted the difficulties facing many households as they try to cope with the impact of the welfare cuts, the recession and the rising cost of living.
Advice NI dealt with over 260,000 enquires in the last year the majority of which were welfare benefit related, with housing and debt enquiries also to the fore. The social security benefit appeal workload was also highlighted as more and more people seek help to challenge benefit decisions particularly with regard to disability benefits.
Bob Stronge, Chief Executive, Advice NI explained:
‘Advice services provide a lifeline for people as they struggle to cope with a whole range of problems affecting their lives. Advisers are helping people, many of whom have never used advice services before, who are struggling to make ends meet.
The welfare cuts and recession have driven up demand, but now additional factors include the rising cost of living, rising fuel costs affecting people’s ability to adequately heat their homes, the uncertain financial climate, and the re-emergence of the phenomenon of negative equity.
Advisers have been able to assist people by undertaking income maximisation; negotiating with third parties representing people at tribunals and hearings. Beyond financial benefits, other outcomes that have been achieved for clients include improved health, less stress, improvements in family life, all leading to improved focus on improving employability prospects. Advice NI services impact on people’s lives in many ways and we will continue to work with all levels of government on grass-roots issues affecting households across Northern Ireland.
The Advice NI Membership Profile Report (2011) can report for the first time that the annual workload of its member organisations has surpassed the 260,000 milestone for the first time. This has surpassed the record high enquiry count of last year, and continues to evidence the fact that services are at the forefront in assisting people: whether they need help coping with welfare reform, the recession, dealing with debts or generally making ends meet.
The tribunal representation workload of Advice NI member organisations has continued to increase in 2011. Representation was provided at a record high 1, 467 hearings, amounting to an increase of 138 or 10% as compared to 2010. This figure represents a phenomenal 57% increase when compared to the representation undertaken in 2009.
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NOTES:
For further information contact Bob Stronge Chief Executive Mob: 07789756954 or alternatively Kevin Higgins (Head of Policy) Tel: Mob: 07743496957
1. Advice NI is the umbrella body for the independent advice network in Northern Ireland.and has approximately 70 members across NI who provide advice on debt, benefits, housing to name a few. Advice NI members deal with over 260, 000 enquiries, with the majority being social security benefits related and debt
2. If you would like to find out more visit Website www.adviceni.net. Or www.debtaction-ni.net
