Contact/Cyswllt:  Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

As Powys Rights Welfare Forum comes under threat of closure, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates is calling for Powys council to reverse its decision and continue to provide funding for this vital service, which provides support services to the most vulnerable people in Powys.

The Powys Rights Welfare Forum was set up ten years ago to maximise the benefit income of Social Care and Children’s Services users and carers, to help the most vulnerable people in society. The Forum has branches in Machynlleth, Newtown and Welshpool, as well as three others in South Powys but due to shortages in funding the Forum has recently been forced to stop taking on new cases.

Commenting Lib Dem Mick Bates AM said: "The work undertaken by the Powys Welfare Rights service based in Welshpool has been second to none. Many constituents have benefited from the outstanding knowledge and professional services provided and I know countless people have had their lives improved as a result.

“I wrote to Powys Council last month regarding funding for this service but I am yet to receive a response. A huge amount of work went into developing this service which provides support to the most vulnerable people in Powys. It is a tremendous shame that due to shortages in funding it may now be forced to close."
 

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