Local people invited to take part in research project led by Citizens Advice

News from our partners Citizens Advice Shropshire

With recent suggested changes to Tax Credits and changes to Universal Credit making the headlines, Citizens Advice Shropshire are researching the potential impact that changes might have on working people in the local area.

The countywide charity, based in Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Ludlow offers free and confidential advice to anyone who needs help with issues such as benefits, debt, housing, consumer and more.

The research aims to find out how welfare reform might affect the incomes of working people

Local people are being invited to fill in a short survey to help Citizens Advice carry out the research.

The survey will consider factors such as employment, age and childcare costs. Participants will be asked how they might cope with a £100 reduction in income and how this might affect household spending, debt/borrowing and employment. There will also be an opportunity to take part in an in-depth interview for anyone who wishes to provide Citizens Advice with more information.

Jackie Jeffrey, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Shropshire, said:

“Families making the transition from Tax Credits to Universal Credit could see changes in the amount of money they receive.

“We help local people with lots of different issues, many of which are attributed to a drop or loss of income which places them under financial pressure. In these circumstances, some people may turn to payday lenders or credit cards as a “quick fix”, often leading to further financial troubles further down the line.”

Elizabeth Miller, Research & Campaigns Officer at Citizens Advice Shropshire, said:

“By understanding more about how working families might be affected by welfare reform, Citizens Advice will be able to campaign and influence government welfare policies – national and local – to respond to the needs of working families.”

Anyone can take part in the survey by visiting our main local Citizens Advice offices in Oswestry, Ludlow or Shrewsbury or fill it in online at: www.cabshropshire.org.uk.

Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice is available from Citizens Advice on a wide range of issues, including: benefits, debt, money, housing, consumer and more. Call Adviceline on 03444 111 444.