Advice line to close

The Benefits Agency this week announced a date for the closure
of its free advice line.

From 12 July, customers will have to contact their local
benefits agency office instead of ringing the freephone number. A
benefit inquiry line will remain open for disabled people. The
agency estimates that approximately £28 million will be saved
over five years by the decision.

Chief executive Peter Mathison said the closure meant people
would receive information relating directly to their circumstances.
‘Freeline has no access to individual customer details and has
never been able to give information specific to claims – the very
reason why many people ring in the first place,’ he added.