A Whole New World of Entitlements

19 May 2012

Over the previous few weeks we have seen a huge amount of change which, without any doubt, will greatly impact on almost all Northumbrians' household budgets. 

For months we've been warned that taxes and benefit entitlements could be altered - only now are we seeing how these changes are being put into practice and how people are affected.

Firstly, we saw changes to the rights of new fathers and also to housing benefits. Then last week new thresholds in the income tax system and rises in National Insurance contributions were introduced. And finally this week new state pension, carer's allowance and statutory maternity pay have come into play.

Each of these will have different outcomes for different people, so there is no easy way to forecast how our county will be affected. However, residents need to be aware that their financial situations may have changed over the previous few weeks.

With so many changes to entitlements and allowances to take on board people may justifiably find themselves totally out of their depth - not really knowing or understanding what these adjustments actually mean to them.

Nationally, we have already seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who are facing mental health issues as a result of debt and job worries.

Last year referrals for talking therapies rose four-fold and prescriptions for anti-depressants increased by more than 40 per cent over the past four years - while some of these cases will involve other factors, money matters can often push people to their absolute limit. 

No one should ever have to suffer in silence and seeking advice is the first step to breaking the cycle and changing the situation. All Northumberland residents can contact DAWN Advice for free support and legal advice on a range issues, including debt, housing, employment, welfare benefits and family law, through the new advice line on 0844 4111 309.