Community hubs, welfare and business support is a team focused clearly on the needs of our citizens. We are based in communities across the city providing support services to local people, as well as driving improvements for better integrated, effective and efficient services.

Community hubs and libraries 

We run community hubs and libraries in neighbourhoods across Leeds so that residents can access the support, advice and information they need in person. Through half a million face-to-face customer contacts each year, we give support on anything from benefits, housing and council tax to social services or environmental issues such as refuse and pest control.

Alongside this our library service is available across the city, offering books for leisure and learning, computer and internet access, and learning sessions and events for individuals and families. Some libraries share a space with a community hub so residents can access everything they need under one roof.

We want to make sure everyone within our diverse communities can access our services. We work closely with our local partners and our interpreting and translation team provide a service for the wider council, customers and external organisations.

Welfare and benefits 

Our aim is to provide accessible, targeted support for local people, especially those most in need of our services. Our 3 teams are: 

• Welfare Rights who provide free, confidential and impartial advice on benefits and help with claims 
• Benefits Service who administer claims for housing benefit, council tax support, free school meals and discretionary housing payments 
• Financial Inclusion who work with partners to help people on low incomes manage their finances, find support with living costs and access available welfare support provision across the city

Business development 

The business development team brings services together, so that greater integration and collaboration delivers efficiencies that benefit citizens and communities in Leeds. We focus on operational support, policy and performance, service improvement and change, people and culture.

Across our teams in community hubs, welfare and business support, there are roles for compassionate, customer focused people who are confident using digital systems and committed to supporting vulnerable members of the community.