A financial inclusion service established by Govan Housing Association has been working hard to assist tenants and the wider community with welfare rights, money and debt advice since its formation almost a year ago.

The enhanced service has provided assistance to tenants in a variety of ways to try to mitigate the effects of welfare reform and with the introduction of Universal Credit full service roll out.

Most recently the Association had a particular case of a vulnerable, elderly tenant suffering from dementia and who did not have capacity, who was at risk of eviction due to the serious level of rent arrears. The team had to work with other partnering organisations in order to try and resolve the matter.

The team was successful in gaining a housing benefit backdate of £15, 327.30 and are currently still dealing with various other benefit backdates.

Fiona McTaggart, chief executive of Govan Housing Association, said: “We are really proud of our financial inclusion service and the wider support we are currently providing with this enhanced service for our local residents. This is one of many examples of the good work that our financial inclusion team do that supports the lives of local residents in Govan.”

Marina McCall, financial inclusion manager, added: “This example of great work proves the vital work that we do and the financial support and assistance to our residents in tenancy sustainment by offering our service.

“We make every effort to make sure our local residents keep their tenancies whilst providing a holistic service. The growth and development of the financial inclusion team has produced great results and fundamentally making a difference to the residents of Govan Housing Association.”