£1.2 million benefits boost for residents

6.40.37pm GMT Tue 6th Nov 2007

A mammoth £1.2 million in extra benefits is being claimed by residents in Richmond upon Thames - thanks to the efforts of a team dedicated to ensuring maximum benefit take-up.

The team is called the Richmond Community Partnership (RCP) and comprises Richmond Council, The Pension Service and Age Concern Richmond upon Thames. It aims to ensure that people over 60, and those under 60 referred through social services, are aware of all the benefits and services available to them. The service was launched in 2004 and has helped over 2,000 residents obtain vital benefits cash. During 2006-07 the team ensured that £1.2m in additional benefits were being claimed. They hope to beat that figure during the current financial year and, through working with other organisations, aim to reach those residents who are housebound and isolated and increase take-up still further.

Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, Cllr Denise Carr, said: "It is essential that older residents and their carers receive all the benefits they are entitled to. That is why the work of this team is so vitally important. And I am delighted that so many more benefits are being claimed and I can promise there will be no let-up in the efforts to achieve even greater take-up. Residents who aren't sure they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to should contact our helpline and arrange a home visit."