Highland Council Tackles £70 Million Unclaimed Benefits, Creates Commission

Highland Council wants to aid people in accessing cash. About £70 million in benefits went unclaimed. This includes pension credits affecting 3,000 people. These people could have received winter fuel payments.

Research shows £70 million in benefits weren’t claimed. That figure includes £6.9 million in unclaimed pension credits. Changes cut the winter fuel payment program. Now, only those with pension credits can claim.

Highland winters are harsh, contributing to the second-highest fuel poverty rate in the UK. Many elderly people live there, and the region was affected a lot.

People miss out on help they deserve, and getting this money helps them live well. The Council will start a commission to tackle poverty. They will offer in-person help for those not claiming benefits.

The council will use reserves to fund this work. It aims to improve services and intervention. They will also tackle inequality. Their work connects to other Council goals, including housing and health.

The Council will invest to support tackling poverty, with more funding aiding welfare services. This helps people get entitled benefits. They will also invest more in schools to support families struggling with poverty.The goal is to help them claim benefits.