Suffolk: Knock-on effect of claimed �5m
VOLUNTARY services that give advice to disabled people in Suffolk have helped them to claim �5m in the last year, new figures show.And it is believed that much of this money could be helping to boost the local economy during the recession.
VOLUNTARY services that give advice to disabled people in Suffolk have helped them to claim �5m in the last year, new figures show.
And it is believed that much of this money could be helping to boost the local economy during the recession.
Suffolk's Advice Services, which include DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney, provide advice on disability benefits and related issues.
Surveys show that much of that money is pumped into the local economy, as disabled people spend more of their income in their hometown or village than people without disabilities.
You may also want to watch:
The other three disability advice services in Suffolk are Disability Advice Service (east Suffolk, based in Woodbridge), Optua Advice and Advocacy (west and mid Suffolk), and the Ipswich Disabled Advice Bureau.
Figures for the financial year 2008/09 published by Optua Advice and Advocacy show that in total the four services helped their clients to claim benefits worth �5.2m.
Most Read
- 1 New Tesco store to open in coastal town centre
- 2 Caravan owners furious after park suddenly blocks sales of properties
- 3 Traffic to be diverted with busy road in Lowestoft closed for 10 days
- 4 Seaside town to test flood defences to prepare for 'tidal surge'
- 5 Pizza branch to expand into another unit
- 6 Air ambulance responds after man suffers emergency in Lowestoft
- 7 Drive-in fireworks display with food village returning for 2021
- 8 New group offering specialist support to children and youngsters
- 9 Power tools stolen during Lowestoft shed burglary
- 10 Man caught with indecent images of children as young as two to be sentenced
Graham Keeble, chairman of the Suffolk Committee of Disability Advice Services, said: 'All of Suffolk's Disability Advice Services do a fantastic job helping disabled people. The figure of �5.2m in benefits gained by our clients is all money which disabled people can then spend within the county on goods and services so in a time of recession its good news for the economy as well.'
