Glasgow Digital Inclusion Officer

Glasgow to hire a specialist worker to help street beggars claim benefits.

21:04 03 September 2018

Glasgow City Council is set to employ a digital inclusion officer to help street beggars claim benefits. The specialist will tour the city’s streets with a tablet computer and help people understand the welfare system, which many find complicated and confusing. The officer will also help them get official identification and set up bank accounts.

 

Councillor Allan Casey, chairman of Glasgow’s city centre begging strategy group, said: “The benefits system can be complicated and confusing – especially if you have a chaotic lifestyle and no access to technology or broadband.

 

“The application process can be daunting, but this new digital inclusion post will take financial and digital support directly to the most vulnerable to help ensure no one is missing out on the benefits they are entitled to.”

 

Robin Wallace, assistant director of Simon Community Scotland, said: “This type of assistance is exceptionally important for people living on the margins of society. It will ensure people who need help the most receive it.

 

“People can spend a large amount of time engaged in street begging, and less time connecting with staff and services, therefore it is imperative that we take this service to them.

 

“We will fund identification for those who need it to open bank accounts and help them apply for benefits. At the same time, we’ll encourage people to access other services on offer to help them improve their lives and their health.”