City to boost welfare advice services

The local authority hopes that by making it easier to access advice fewer families will get into dire financial straits with the knock-on impact on their health.

The initiative will see welfare advice provided in places such as GPs’ surgeries and children’s centres.

Bradford Council deputy leader Imran Hussain said: “The announcement by Bradford Council aims to target the link between poverty, debt and ill-health by offering greater access to welfare rights and debt advice within the communities they are based in.

“Tackling poverty health inequalities and supporting the vulnerable are council priorities and the part played by advice services has been recognised despite big spending cuts. We have protected funding since 2010.”

The additional money will come from public health funding given to councils last year.