More York residents claim their benefits
June 11, 2008 10:26 AM
At the Council's Corporate Services EMAP last night it was revealed that over 1,700 more York residents are now claiming benefits and allowances they are entitled to thanks to efforts by the Council's benefits team.
In 2006 the Lib Dems put forward plans to increase the number of older and low paid residents claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance for those aged over 60. Since then 1,773 people have either increased their claims or become new claimants.
The news follows final figures confirming that the Council is processing claims for new benefits and changes in personal circumstances in record time. In 2003 the average time taken to process new benefit claims was 86 days. During 2007-2008 the time taken to process new claims was 29 days. Over the same period the time taken to process changes in circumstances has fallen from 22 days to 12 days.
However, concerns have been raised by the Liberal Democrats about the long term availability of these benefits as the government reviews funding for older people's services.
Executive Member for Corporate Services, Cllr Ceredig Jamieson-Ball said: "I am pleased that so many more people are claiming the benefits they are entitled to as they can make a real difference to people's lives. But, in spite of a 20% increase in take-up in York since 2005, I am concerned that the Government will seek to restrict benefits like Attendance Allowance as they cast around for ways to fund services for older people in the future. This would have a huge impact on those who need extra care for everyday tasks like washing, cleaning and cooking."
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