The cost of living is affecting us all and East Lothian Council wants to make sure that everyone in East Lothian is getting the financial support they’re entitled to.
As well as a range of other measures in place to help people with the rising costs of living, we are running a month-long, targeted general information and benefits take-up campaign, along with external partner agencies, which was launched at the Volunteer Centre East Lothian conference on Thursday 8th September and will run until the end of National Poverty Week on 9th October.
The campaign is specifically aimed at raising awareness of the benefits and financial support available, and encouraging everyone to check what they’re entitled to and to maximise their income wherever possible.
Council Leader and Cabinet Spokesperson for Revenues and Benefits, Councillor Norman Hampshire, said: “We know that people are worried about the cost of living increases and are seeing their bills go up. It’s a concerning time for everyone. We are also aware that many people are not claiming the financial support that they’re entitled to, particularly pensioners and families with children. It’s easy to check and make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to and the council and Citizens’ Advice Bureau are working together to help with this. I would urge everyone in East Lothian to take a look at the resources available on the council website and get in touch if they need more advice or support.”
The campaign includes advertising in the local press and on local radio, a financial support leaflet available online and in print, and a series of social media information posts, linking back to dedicated financial support pages on the council website.
In addition to advice online and via council teams like the Financial Inclusion Team, Citizens Advice Bureau Haddington also has a dedicated advisor helping us with this campaign, who can take people through a benefits check, and direct them to the income or other support that is available.
CAB Haddington can be contacted through benefits@haddingtoncab.org.uk and 01620 824471.
East Lothian Council’s Financial Inclusion Team can be contacted through financialinclusion@eastlothian.gov.uk and 01620 827 827.
Everyone can check that they’re getting the financial support they’re entitled to. We particularly want to make sure that under-claimed benefits are claimed. These include:
- Pension Credit (part of Universal Credit)
- Council Tax Reduction
- Child benefits (including Best Start Grants, Free School Meals, etc)
We know that more people are entitled to these benefits than are currently claiming them. We want to change this, so if you think you might be eligible – don’t delay in getting in touch.