b'CASE STUDY: Financial Inclusion ServicesChoice is committed to supporting ourIf a tenant is struggling financially, we encourage customers with money management andour housing officers and income recovery maximise their income. Our financial inclusionofficers to intervene. They will look at their approach ensures that tenants can planhousehold budget and give practical advice and effectively for their futures as well as receiveguidance on budgeting. support and advice for any money concerns.All new tenants are also offered a benefit check As living costs continue to rise alongsideand advice on local charities and grants that concerns around the roll out of Universal Credit,could assist them when setting up home or we know that everyones budget is stretched. moving should they need it. The Financial Inclusion Team spend a lot ofThe Financial Inclusion Team also plan to time with clients, individually completing benefitbranch out into full in-house debt advice in the health checks and to confirm they are receivingfuture and are investigating a range of financial any benefits they are entitled to, as well asinclusion activities such advice on basic bank giving advice and guidance on all welfareaccounts, home contents insurance and access reforms, bedroom tax & benefit cap, helpingto affordable credit. We intend to expand our with claiming and renewing PIPs when they arepartnerships with local Credit Unions and migrated from the old DLA. The team also helppromote the Choice Savings Scheme for our with Universal Credit claims and advise on howtenants so residents can have savings set aside to maintain these online accounts successfully.and peace of mind.Getting the right advice and making some small changes in a daily routine can deliver big changes and enhance quality of life for our customers.MANDY McMORRISChoice TenantCARLEEN STEVENSON Financial Inclusion OfficerThanks to Choices support with benefits and even budgeting on a daily basis, I learnt about my rights and was able to avail of a 1000 discretionary payment, which enabled us to furnish our new home. 24 Choice Annual Report | 2018/19'