Supporting Change in West Dunbartonshire (SCWD) aims to offer assistance to tenants suffering as a result of welfare reforms.

Under the scheme, residents will have access to confidential welfare advice and support. These services can help maximise their income, including assistance with appeals if benefits have been changed or suspended.

The scheme can also give out advice on money and debt for those residents who are struggling to manage their finances. Tenants who do not have bank accounts will be supported to open a credit union budgeting account which will act as a bank account.

Kevin Smith, project co-ordinator at SCWD, said: “The impact of welfare reform is hitting those most in need.

“We’ve seen a marked increase in people looking for advice and support with issues like the bedroom tax.

“There is a lack of understanding as some people aren’t sure how reforms may affect them and that increases levels of concern.

“If someone is sanctioned, they will not be receiving their money and won’t be able to pay their bills. We may be able to help with that.” “We can also help with filling in application forms, which are often complicated and hefty.” Reforms affecting residents include the introduction of the bedroom tax, which reduces someone’s benefits if they are considered to have a spare bedroom.

Plans are also afoot to alter the way benefits such as housing benefit, tax credit and in receipt of jobseekers’ allowance are paid, delivered as a single monthly payment known as universal credit.

It will then be the responsibility of the individual to pay all bills such as rent, bedroom tax, council tax and budget for the rest of the month.

Funded by the Lottery, the new scheme is a partnership between thirteen organisations including seven housing associations, three credit unions and two advice agencies. It is led by Knowes Housing Association (KHA).

Appointments can be made directly through a tenant’s housing association or by calling the Clydebank Independent Resource Centre: 0141 951 4040.