It’s been revealed that Carmarthenshire County Council has helped more than 5,700 residents to claim a total of over £7.5m in support and benefit payments during the past 18 months.
Caerfyrddin MP Ann Davies has praised the Plaid-led council for its initiative in helping people to get through the cost-of-livingcrisis.
‘While Labour First Minister Eluned Morgan can do no more than complain about the callous cuts to benefits being introduced by the Labour Government in Westminster, Plaid Cymru in Carmarthenshire is making a real difference to people’s lives by helping them to get the support they need and deserve.
‘I’m delighted that thousands of people have been helped by the council’s dedicated team, not only on the phone and on-line, but also at the drop-in Hwbs in Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen, and the innovative Hwb Bach y Wlad rural service. Rural poverty is often hidden, and this new service goes a long way to address that.’
Deputy Leader of the Council, Plaid’s Cllr. Linda Evans said:
‘We want to make sure that all our residents are aware of the financial help and household support that is available to them.Many people find the usual form-filling process of applying for support daunting and overwhelming, especially if they are going through a difficult time themselves.
‘The fact that the three town Hwbs and Hwb Bach y Wlad have had almost 90,000 visits from people seeking advice reflects the need for this service by the county council. We work with over 50 partner organisations and are grateful for their co-operation in proving a wraparound delivery of an exceptional holistic service to residents.’
NOTE: Hwb advisors have supported applications for a range of council and third-party support schemes, including blue badges for disabled parking, council tax discounts, personal independence payments (PIP) and grants to help parents purchase school essentials, such as school uniforms.
