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 the Council said:
"The cost-of-living crisis continues to impact Runnymede residents, with the higher prices of even the basics forcing many to go without. In this new municipal year, the Council seeks to further emphasise to our residents that they may not be receiving what they are entitled to in support. Research shows across the UK Council Tax Support is the most underclaimed local support mechanism for households, along with up to 1.2 million households missing out on Universal Credit payments.
“We are therefore delighted to have recently appointed a dedicated, experienced and approachable staff member who is there to support our residents to help them claim the grants, benefits and discounts that are due.
“For many families in the Borough, finding out that they’re eligible to claim even a further amount a month can give them some peace of mind. For households from vulnerable groups, greater financial support therefore enables them to recover some of their standard of living which has been eroded in recent years. In the coming months the Council will set out further proposals to improve the financial support offered to our residents. We are proud this municipal year to be taking these first steps, with this new initiative, to improve the lives of our residents.”
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. To find it, head to our website and search ‘benefits calculator’.
The main benefits and grants which people may be entitled are primarily funded by Central Government. The Council can also offer financial support to residents through Council Tax reductions or after a financial assessment may write off certain debts to help households get back on track and reduce the overall support cost to the authority
To find out more, contact the Financial Inclusion Officer on 01932 838383.
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