Benefits surgeries open in Lache and Blacon to give wide-ranging advice

Jan 19 2010 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

TWO benefits surgeries have opened in the Lache and Blacon areas of Chester, offering advice on a wide range of items including housing and council tax benefit, cold weather payments, child care costs and loft and cavity wall insulation grants.

Organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s “Everybody Benefits” team, a welfare benefit advisor will be available every Tuesday at Lache Area Housing Office on Cliveden Road between 9am and noon and at Blacon Area Housing Office at The Parade between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

“Advisors can help complete forms, advise customers on what help is available or arrange home visits or telephone call backs for any customer who prefers to discuss matters privately,” said finance executive member Les Ford.

“There are many ways in which the Welfare Benefits advisors can help so get in touch.”

This may also include maternity grants, pension credit, tax credits, managing debt, mortgage or rent arrears, free school meals, water meter charges for large families or help with costs of NHS prescriptions, dental treatment and eyesight tests.