Craven District Council’s Benefits Team is reminding local residents and businesses that help is on hand for those who are struggling to cope in the present financial climate.

The services available include:

• Experienced and knowledgeable staff to discuss with residents what assistance they may be entitled to
• Help in completing forms that may be required as part of this process. Such help could even be given at the resident’s own home if required

local businesses are closing at an increasing rate. It can be daunting and confusing for people to make the transition from paid employment to claiming benefits.

Richard Welch - Craven District Council

The Council’s Benefits Team can give advice to businesses facing job losses or closure. Support for those facing job losses over moving on to benefits will be given to employees in Craven businesses. The team will visit workplaces and offer advice on entitlement.

Councillor Richard Welch (Conservative), Lead Member for Stronger Communities at the Council, said: “It’s a harsh reality of the economic climate that local businesses are closing at an increasing rate. It can be daunting and confusing for people to make the transition from paid employment to claiming benefits. The Council’s Benefits Team has the skills and knowledge to help people during this difficult time and I would encourage people who are struggling to take them up on their offer of support.”

For further information please call 01756 700600 or visit Customer Services at the Town Halls in Skipton and Settle.

You can write to the Benefits Team at: Town Hall, High Street, Skipton BD23 1AH or visit www.cravendc.gov.uk.