Published
Header image for article 5002

Many employees work on the front line with people who are vulnerable, experiencing poverty or are unsure how to access Council services.

To help tackle this, Falkirk Council has opened Advice Hubs in three locations, the newest being in Callendar Square in Falkirk (the others are in Denny and Grangemouth).

Specially trained advisers are on hand to give advice and help in a number of areas including:

  • Housing Benefit/Council Tax Reduction
  • Rent & Council Tax Enquires / Arrears
  • Discretionary Housing Payments
  • Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF)
  • Money advice
  • Debt advice
  • Welfare benefits
  • Housing options
  • Free School Meals and Clothing Grants

Central Hub Manager Karen Allan explained: “We know that many employees who regularly come into contact with the public will see them in difficult circumstances and we want them to be directed to their nearest Hub so we can give them the best possible service.

“Advisors are aware of services that can be accessed not just within Falkirk Council but also from other providers. This means that we can ensure that people are accessing the help available.

“Our Hubs have helped thousands over the past two years and we need all Council employees to be aware of how useful they could be. 

If someone you are working with mentions they have money worries, why not suggest that they visit a Hub or contact us via email or telephone to discuss their issues or employees could pass on their details and Hub staff could contact them directly.”

Online services are also available where residents can access a benefit calculator to help calculate what benefits they may be entitled to.

They can also visit My Falkirk where they can sign up for an account and carry out many different transactions with the Council such as apply for a different Council home, pay rent, ask for repairs to be carried out and report anti-social behaviour along with many other services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.