FAME Commercials Limited - A new Mobile Advice Centre built for The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA)

The thirteen Local Authorities that make up AGMA obtained funding from Central Government to purchase a Benefit Bus to be shared between the Authorities to help improve benefit take-up.

Two nearby Authorities have their own vehicles and both have been a success.

The vehicle is completely self-sufficient with a toilet, generator, air-conditioning and kitchen and incorporating three workstations and a private interview facility. The vehicle is DDA compliant with ramp and hearing loop on board. There is a waiting area, emergency exit and panic alarms for the operator's safety. A satellite system is fitted which allows IT connection to be made directly with the Authorities live systems which will allow information to be available immediately and benefit assessments can be made whilst on board. The vehicle also has a multifunction printer/fax/scanner/copier.

It is proposed that each member Authority will take the vehicle for four weeks each year and will use it for take-up events and advice sessions,working with other partners such as Landlords, the Pension Service, Welfare Rights Advisors, Community Groups and Disability Groups etc.

The vehicle has a full time driver/advisor who is responsible for the logistics of managing and sharing as well as assisting the host authority on their individual events.

 

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