People in Stoke-on-Trent offered a free 'financial MOT'
It's to try and get people more support they're entitled to
Last updated 28th Sep 2023
A major campaign to support residents across the city through the cost of living crisis and winter months has launched, with the support of public services, community and voluntary sector groups.
The 'Help Is At Hand' campaign by Stoke-on-Trent City Council is part of a major push to get people claiming benefits and money they're entitled to, by bringing services together to offer targeted support with money, energy and food.
In the first phase of the campaign the city council has committed to ensuring every resident has access to a financial MoT.
Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded £175,000 to deliver a pilot scheme to target those who may not be accessing benefits and tax credits they are entitled to.
A team of trained advisors will work across Stoke-on-Trent, initially targeting wards with the highest number of claimants and potential claimants.
Their chief executive officer Simon Harris said:
“We are delighted to be working with the city council and other partners to bring as much of the £30m to £100m a year of benefits that local people are entitled to but not claiming into the city. We will do this by helping people to claim the benefits they are legally entitled to but are not receiving.
"This will be a welcome boost both for hard pressed families and the local shops and businesses they use.
“Our first stop is Meir and we will be moving on round the city from there over the next eighteen months.”
Councillor Desiree Elliott, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at the City Council said: “Accessing support when you need it should not be stigmatised. Many households are feeling anxious about energy bills as we approach winter. I encourage people to use the services and facilities that are available throughout the city as part of this campaign, and to visit welcoming spaces if they need to, there are many across all areas of the city.”
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