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Lobbying government, challenging and understanding policy:
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Understanding the implication of the Welfare bill and Universal Credit - many benefit
recipients will struggle to budget as they are not used to being paid monthly, and those
without internet access could struggle to complete the online applications.
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Zero hour contracts are exploitative and are not addressed by the benefit system
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Voicing the unspoken fears of older members of the community, helping to retain their
financial independence with the closure of high street bank branches and local post
offices, particularly in rural and semi rural areas.
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Understanding the bigger picture – i.e. the points of view of the government, service
users and benefit claimants
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Gathering a new vocabulary – a profound change is needed to help people understand
finance and economics
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Need to improve people’s awareness of how to get information from officials – who to
go to and what to ask
Training:
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Training people to become community mentors
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Engaging young people
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Debunking jargon
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Debt training as people have to wait a long time to see advisors
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Training on how to signpost people to appropriate agencies to help with benefit
problems and basic advice on debt problems
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Training on where to obtain cheaper utilities
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Clarification of the confusing jargon around ‘Financial inclusion’
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Long term training is needed - more effective than short term
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Peer support/supervision - training community mentors or ‘life coaches’
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Not just about having knowledge – it is just as important to have the skills to deliver
sessions
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Debt must not be seen as an isolated problem