Following receipt of a one year grant from what was Communities Scotland, we were pleased to introduce this new service for our tenants. The aim was to provide a service which helped to maximise tenants' income, improve their access to financial services and raise financial literacy.

We appointed Willie Sinclair as Financial Inclusion Officer in April 2007. Following the initial success of the pilot year, we consulted with tenants in June 2008 and the resounding feedback was to make this a permanent service provided by us. We hope to develop this service further in 2009 and have a training project for two Financial Inclusion Assistants, which will help us reach more people.

Since the start of the project, Willie has now seen over 200 tenants in relation to welfare rights and tax & credit issues. Through his support, those tenants have increased income of over £220,000 in the 18 months to December 2008.

He has also helped other clients with debt advice - tenants who are faced with creditors chasing them for payments. Tenants with debt problems sometimes also have rent arrears. Through working with Willie, they have agreed action plans and often increased their income. Those who have followed his advice and worked with us have avoided eviction. Their creditors are often satisfied with the repayment plans he has helped develop for them too.

We are also developing closer working relationships with credit unions - which provide more affordable credit options and savings plans.

If you want to make an appointment to see Willie for help or advice, contact either your local office who will arrange a private and confidential meeting with him. Alternatively, you can email him direct by clicking here.

Willie also writes information leaflets and articles for our newsletters.