Fears over the potential impact of changes to the welfare system on residents of Tower Hamlets have prompted the borough council to launch a programme aiming to raise awareness.

The “Prepare and Act Now” campaign will see council officers and represenatives of the borough’s housing associations visit more than 1,500 social housing tenants and people in temporary accommodation.

Tower Hamlets council has consistently raised fears over the impact of the reforms, warning that thousands of residents could be adversely affected. Its latest step will include a series of workshops and consultations with residents to ensure as many people as possible are given access to advice.

Tower Hamlets Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, said after the launch of the campaign: “The welfare reforms will have a devastating effect on the borough’s most vulnerable people.

“I am absolutely committed to working with our housing associations, partners and the NHS, to ensure that residents and households in Tower Hamlets have the information that they need to prepare and act against the impact that the changes will have.”

For more information, visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/welfarereform or call an advisor on 020 7364 5001.