Benefit campaign tackles Elephant in the Room

Plymouth City Council is launching an awareness campaign to remind people to inform them of any changes in circumstances for housing benefits.

The ‘It’s great to be up to date’ campaign - which has been grant funded by the Department of Work and Pensions - aims to encourage more people to come forward and tell the Council about important life changes.

Look out for our ‘elephant’ posters around the city and other promotional items.

Councillor Jon Taylor, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Transformation for Plymouth City Council, said: “The aim of our campaign is to help people in Plymouth understand when they need to tell us about any changes in their lives which would impact their housing benefit.

“It is a legal requirement to keep us up to date and there are a number of ways you can tell us, either by phone, email, or by filling out an online form on our website.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council said: “It is very important that people in receipt of benefits keep us informed so we can ensure they get what they are entitled to, and to make sure council funds are distributed fairly and correctly to those who need them.”

When should you tell the Council about changes in your circumstances?

• If you get married
• If your partner moves into your home
• If you move house
• If you start receiving jobseekers allowance
• If your salary changes
• Changes to other benefits such as incapacity or sickness benefits
• When any of your children turn 18

If you receive Housing Benefit make sure you tell us straight away about all of changes in your circumstances.  Go to www.plymouth.gov.uk to do it online, email revenues@plymouth.gov.uk, call us on 01752 668000.