Residents’ advice service generates millions extra for benefit claimants in one Barnsley district

A residents’ advice service for those living in south Barnsley has helped people claim almost £2.7m in benefits they might otherwise have not received since it was launched almost two years ago.
Coun Chris LambCoun Chris Lamb
Coun Chris Lamb

The service is operated by the Citizens Advice Bureau on behalf of Barnsley Council’s South Area Council, which works to improve conditions for residents in Birdwell, Hoyland, Wombwell, Darfield and surrounding communities.

CAB staff believe every £1 invested has brought a return of £31, but councillors believe a more accurate figure could be as high as £45 when all factors are taken into account.

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The statistics show more than 2,000 have been given help, some of them more than once, and more than half of those who have been assisted were classed as vulnerable.

In addition to helping with benefit claims, advisors have helped people sort out debts totalling almost £1m.

CAB spokesman David Handy told councillors that since July last year, advisors have helped 123 people who had benefit claims rejected take their cases to appeal, with a success rate estimated at 80 per cent.

Some of the money may be spent locally, providing a boost for businesses in the area, but some will also go on household staples such as paying utility bills.

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Coun Chris Lamb said: “Regardless of where the money is being spent, surely what we can all appreciate is where you have financially stable residents it will have an impact on their well being and health, which will be enhanced as a result of this.”

Numbers of older people using the service have been higher than CAB expects, compared to other services across Barnsley, with 42 per cent aged over 55, compared to the CAB’s general figure of 29 per cent for that age bracket.

In addition, 64 per cent of those using the service have long term health issues or disabilities, against 34 per cent for CAB’s borough wide client base, suggesting an aging population in the district.