More than 200 residents in Wolverhampton have been helped to access unclaimed benefits, grants and other income as part of a new scheme, unlocking nearly £1.4m in total, according to Wolverhampton City Council.
Project Boost: Key Figures
The council said its Boost project, which launched at the start of the year, helped residents access nearly £1.4m in total. It also helped people save £64,468 in annual reductions in bills and expenditure. The scheme aims to help residents take better control of their finances.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Residents helped | More than 200 |
| Total income unlocked | Nearly £1.4m |
| Annual savings on bills | £64,468 |
Partnership with Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton has now joined as a partner, a move the council hopes will increase the number of people helped. The organisation will provide additional support and guidance to residents navigating the financial assistance system.
Nikki Saunders, director of services at Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton, said they see 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.
Quotes and Impact
Stephen Simkins, leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said: "Boosting income can transform lives, it creates life opportunities and helps people thrive not just survive." He said the figures showed "just how many of our residents" were missing out on income they were entitled to. Simkins added that 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."
The scheme's success demonstrates a model for local government initiatives aimed at improving household financial resilience through targeted support and partnership with advice charities.
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