Finance-help scheme 'unlocks £1.4m' for residents

More than 200 people have been helped to access unclaimed benefits, grants and other income as part of a new scheme, a council has said.

Wolverhampton City Council said its Boost project, which launched at the start of the year, helped residents access nearly £1.4m in total.

It had also helped people save £64,468 in annual reductions in bills and expenditure.

Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton has now joined as a partner, in a move which is hoped will increase the number of people helped.

The scheme also aims to help people take better control of their finances.

"Boosting income can transform lives, it creates life opportunities and helps people thrive not just survive," said city council leader, Stephen Simkins.

He said the figures showed "just how many of our residents" were missing out on income they were entitled to.

"Boost is there for everyone, people who work hard, people who've paid into the system for years and people who just don't realise what they're entitled to have," he added.

Nikki Saunders, director of services at Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton, said they saw first-hand the difference that accessing the right support can make to people's lives and were pleased to be part of Boost.

"Too often, residents miss out on benefits and financial assistance simply because they are unaware of what they may be entitled to, or find the process difficult to navigate," Saunders said.