Hundreds of tenants are collectively more than £350,000 better off after being handed free financial advice.

Brighton and Hove City Council created its housing inclusion team in October 2012 to offer help to those affected by government changes to the benefits system.

The team has been working with the Money Advice and Community Support Service (MACS) since April 1 when the reforms were introduced.

Since then, more than 370 people living in council accommodation have received support.

This has seen them claim unclaimed or additional benefits, receive charitable payments, make savings on household bills and write-off or reschedule some debts.

Bill Randall, chairman of the council’s housing committee, said: “The government’s changes to housing benefit are having a profound effect on many of our low-income tenants.

“It’s essential that we collect rents that pay for housing services, but we always work with those tenants who can’t pay the rent to overcome their difficulties.

“The Housing Inclusion Team with MACS has answered a growing need for financial advice and guidance, and is bringing timely |relief, support and help to so many of our tenants and residents.”

Anyone struggling with budgets or affected by benefit changes should contact MACS on 01273 664 000.