WIRRAL Council's leader is urging tenants struggling with welfare changes to apply for help with paying their rent.

A statement from the authority said the introduction of welfare reforms earlier this year has "impacted significantly" on  benefit claimants in Wirral as well as everywhere else in the country.

In an effort to lessen this impact, the Government has given local authorities some money to offer Discretionary Housing Payments to those who find themselves in particular difficulties with paying for their accommodation.

Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said the payments on offer are limited, but they can make a big difference in the short-term to those suffering the most hardship.

He said: “Some of the most vulnerable people in the community have been hit hardest by welfare reforms and many are falling into arrears with their rent as their housing benefits no longer covers what they need to pay.

“In these circumstances, Discretionary Housing Payments can help and I’d urge anyone that finds themselves in difficulties with their rent to get in touch and check if they’re eligible.

“The cash on offer is limited, but we are committed to making sure the money that we have been given finds its way to the people who really need it.”

To find out more, visit the council website here - or call into one of their One Stop Shops.