COUNCIL tenants in Pendle are being offered financial advice as part of a new scheme run by the council and the Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB).

John Imeson, of Pendle Council's Housing Rents section, explained: "For some time we have informally referred appropriate tenants to the Citizens' Advice Bureau for money advice.

"We have now formalised our referral system and hope to help more tenants get good advice on debt matters, including identifying whether they can claim benefits they are eligible for and not currently claiming.

"The unit is for tenants that might want help to manage their day-to-day expenses. We find that tenants who take money advice are more likely to meet their rent commitments and remain in their tenancies."

The council organises appointments with the Money Advice Unit on behalf of their tenants. Appointments are held at the tenant's nearest CAB.

CAB District Manager Claire Strachan said: "It is a free service to the residents of Pendle. We can help tenants manage their day-to-day financial commitments as well as identifying if they are claiming benefits that they may be entitled to."