Project to offer online help with welfare changes

A project designed to get more people online so they don't lose out on benefits and opportunities is to be discussed at the Growth and Prosperity Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday.

Plymouth Get IT Together was launched earlier this year by Plymouth City Council to target pockets of the city that are not yet internet savvy.

A project manager is currently being appointed to the scheme which will run for three years. Digital inclusion charity Citizens Online will run the project which is funded by the Council, Plymouth Community Homes, BT, Plymouth Health Community and Jobcentre Plus.

The timing of the scrutiny could not be more crucial with pilot schemes to test the huge welfare changes now underway in parts of the country. A key long-term aim of the Government is to make people go online more when applying for benefits.

Under the new welfare reforms, the government is pushing for all potential claimants of the new Universal Credit – which replaces current benefits such as Housing Benefit and Job Seeker's Allowance – to access the fund online.

Claimants will need an online account and email address to set up and access all benefits as will job seekers.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: "We've been acutely aware of the need to make sure those who do not have internet know-how do not miss out – not just benefits which they are entitled to, but opportunities and skills.

"This report is a timely reminder that we are all working to help people get the support they need."

The report highlights results that have emerged from recent welfare reform pilot projects where people are being encouraged to go online more as 'particularly worrying'.

A BBC report revealed 'Bron Afon community housing in South Wales said it had seen a 50 per cent increase in arrears, while pilot projects in Edinburgh, Oxford and Southwark are showing around 30 per cent increases in arrears. Southwark Council predicts it will incur £14 million in arrears if direct payment is introduced to all their tenants'.

The implications of the welfare reform create a sense of urgency. This project will coordinate and complement existing activities to increase regular internet users. But it also aims to equip people with skills, opportunities and education.

The report spells out how hi-tech industry is not the only sector to benefit from the web. Increased connectivity also enables increased home working. The internet is also playing an increasing role in healthcare and will allow people to become better informed about their conditions and the services open to them.

Taster 'Come and Try IT' sessions are in the pipeline which will take place in neighbourhoods with the emphasis on fun and finding something to entice people to sign up for more.

Further sessions will be held in day centres, community halls and public libraries and people will be encouraged to go for further training sessions.

The project will: