accordgroup.org.uk /value-for-money
6. Money Advisors
From the changes to benefits to the rise in utility bills, Accord understands that customers’ priorities and financial commitments
change frequently. The Group’s Money Advice Service provides free, confidential and independent support to help customers
assess and improve their financial situation.
During 2015-16 Money Advisers worked with over 200 customers. The impact of these interventions includes:
n Extra benefit received by customers as a result of support/applications made (backdated sum) is £99,197.
n This figure includes £62,000 of Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from Walsall MBC where due to the strong
relationship between the Money Adviser and Walsall Housing Benefit Department, payments were made to 63 customers
who were welfare reform affected and at risk of eviction action.
n Ongoing weekly gains in terms of benefits and payments received for customers of £4,240.
7. Birmingham City Charter for Social Responsibility
Parts of the Group have become accredited signatories to the Birmingham Charter for Social Responsibility, demonstrating
commitment to the local economy and i ts communities. The Charter aims to boost the local economy through support to the
local supply chain, creation of job opportunities and ensuring employees are paid a fair wage. The principles of the Charter
are Local Employment, Buy Birmingham First, Partners in Communities, Good Employer, Green and Sustainable and
Ethical Procurement.
Charter signatories pledge how they will improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of Birmingham and its citizens
and commit to producing an annual Social Charter Report. These principles have been reflected in the drafting of Accord’s Social
Value Policy and VFM Strategy where the Group commits to improved reporting to better understand how to maximise the social
value generated across all activities.
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Accord Group