Immediate Release: 11th December, 2023
Pension credit initiative pulls in £26k for residents
A new initiative aimed at increasing the income of pensioners in the Hull Road area has been a huge success, putting £26k into the pockets of elderly residents in the ward.
The Pension Credit Advice Bus was funded by Hull Road ward last year, running between November 2022 and April this year. The advice provided has resulted in a return of £15 for every £1 spent by the ward.
Hull Road Ward councillor Michael Pavlovic said:
“I’m delighted with how successful this pilot has been, and how much money it has provided for local residents entitled to this income. Some residents have benefited from annual Pension Credit payments totalling over £5k, while more significantly some will receive Attendance Allowance for personal care worth over £21k per year.
“The pilot was made possible due to great partnership working between the council’s Communities team, Explore York, who lent us the use of their mobile library bus, York Age UK and Older Citizens Advocacy York.
“As well as increasing income for residents, the pilot also helped advertise the services of these organisations, including Explore.
It has been so successful the Pension Credit Advice bus has since moved to Heworth ward, and I know other councillors are keen to see it in wards they represent across the city too.
“Ensuring residents claim what they are entitled to is important at any time but in a cost-of- living crisis, it’s crucial”.
In addition to the two benefits highlighted, other residents successfully claimed free TV licences, cold weather payments and warm homes and council tax discounts.
-ENDS-
Cllr Michael Pavlovic
Hull Road ward
Tel: 07490 693573
