Financial inclusion

Council helps residents apply for financial aid

Recent research shows that across the UK, up to £23 billion of benefits are going unclaimed, meaning potentially hundreds of people in Runnymede could be missing out.

To tackle this, Runnymede Borough Council has invested in a new Financial Inclusion and Welfare Support Officer, whose role it is to work with financially vulnerable residents and help them to apply for the benefits they’re entitled to.

The Co-Leaders of Runnymede Borough Council said:

The cost of living crisis may have eased, but times are still tough for many people in Runnymede, and the benefits landscape can be difficult to negotiate. We’re delighted to have recently appointed a dedicated, experienced and very approachable staff member who is supporting local people to help them claim all the grants, benefits and discounts they are due. For some families in the Borough, finding out that they’re eligible to claim even an extra £50 a month can give them huge peace of mind. We are so proud to be able to offer this important new service. The Council has also recently released a new benefits calculator, which residents can anonymously use to calculate if they may be entitled to any unclaimed funds.

Financial calculator

 

The main benefits and grants which people may be entitled to more of than they expect are primarily funded by Central Government. Runnymede Borough Council can also offer financial support to residents through Council Tax rebates or by writing off certain debts.

To find out more, contact the Financial Inclusion Officer on 01932 838383.