Mark Flynn

Compared to the previous year, there has been a 37% increase in the total amount of money put back into people’s pockets. This is largely a result of increased collaborative partnership working and more proactive community engagement.

Significant financial gains and benefit claims were made in several key areas over the past year, including:

• Maximising benefit uptake with Macmillan Cancer Support – over £2m  
• Working with Midwives and Health Visitors to identify and support people eligible for financial support – over £500,000
• Pension Credit Take-Up campaign – over £2m  
• Partnership work with GP surgeries – over £3m

In addition, the council’s money advisers have been working with people who are struggling with debt, offering advice and assistance to help them regain financial stability.

As part of the proactive community engagement efforts, Council Advice Services has been holding clinics directly in local communities. These clinics are available in several locations, including Lochee Hub, Broughty Ferry Library, and St Mary’s Community Centre.

Convener of city governance, Mark Flynn, said: “Getting £17m into the pockets of people across the city is quite incredible, I know how important it will be to each family or individual to get more money, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

“The team at the council have been working with partners to extend their proactive outreach work and target people who may be entitled to benefits that they don’t know they are. The outcome of this work is proving hugely successful in improving the financial wellbeing across our communities.  

“I want to thank the team for all their hard work and would encourage anyone struggling or know of people who may need more help to get in touch with the council so we can see what support they may be entitled to and see how we can support them.”