The importance of a new Moray Council information service established ahead of major changes to the benefits system later this year is being hailed by community groups.
Moray Council are reacting to the introduction of Universal Credit system in Moray from September with the UK Government welfare reform is set to replace six existing benefit schemes.
Anticipating a heavy demand for help and advice for those affected by Universal Credit, Moray Council is to set up their own internet site offering help and advise. Now four local community groups have also been provided with computer hardware that will help them provide access to the website.
The Forres Area Community Trust, disability charity Reach Out, Moray Step by Step and the Keith Cancer Link have been given computer equipment allowing their members to access information contained on the website.
Chair of the Keith Cancer Link, Adeline Reid, said: “We received a wireless printer – and as far as I’m concerned the welfare network is a goldmine of information.”