BOLTON Council's Welfare Rights team has won a two day hearing on behalf of a resident whose claim for benefit was turned down.

The victory now gives the man the right to challenge the decision and continue his fight against the Department of Work and Pensions, who had decreed he did not have the right of appeal.

Bolton's Welfare Rights experts argued the refusal to allow him to appeal had been an infringement of his human rights. Their argument was upheld in front of Social Security Commissioners in London. Cllr Cliff Morris, executive member for Social Services and Health said: "Social Security legislation is a complex area and this success underlines the important role the Welfare Rights team has in helping people in Bolton exercise their legal rights."

Their challenge to this ruling has won an important victory for this claimant."

Anyone seeking help from the Welfare Rights team should telephone the advice line on 01204 380460.