Welfare Reform Task Force offers support

On November 7 a new lower benefit cap was introduced in Barnet which will reduce the annual amount which households in London can receive from benefits from £26,000 per year to £23,000. Two new exemptions have been introduced for certain carers and guardians.

For those households being capped for the first time, the changes will come into effect from Monday 2 January 2017.  It is anticipated the lower benefit cap will affect around 1,000 households in Barnet.

Households who are affected are advised to contact the Welfare Reform Task Force on 0208 359 2442 or email welfarereformtaskforce@barnet.gov.uk for jobs, housing and financial support.

The Task Force provides support from officers from Barnet Homes, Revenues & Benefits, and Jobcentre Plus. Since its launch in August 2013, more than 800 people have been helped into work, with 98 per cent of those impacted by the benefit cap contacted and 12 per cent helped to move.

A wide range of support and financial help is available including: discretionary housing payment, council tax discretionary relief, crisis funds, free school meals, free childcare advice and free early education.

Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, said: “Our Task Force has already helped hundreds of people into work and off benefits by joining up different support groups. By pooling resources in this way I am confident we can continue to provide advice to every resident affected by the benefit cap.”

Information about the Welfare Reform Task Force can be found on Twitter at @barnettaskforce

and on Facebook at Barnet Welfare Reform