Funding for Older People Advice Service

Over £500,000 worth of benefits has been gained in the last year for individuals using a targeted welfare advice service for older people in the city.

The work of the service is being branded “more vital that ever” during the current cost of living crisis, as councillors are asked to extend a funding package to help it operate. 

The policy & resources committee is being recommended to extend funding of £30,000 per year to 2026 to help support a post within the Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau’s Older People Advice Service. 

Older people are assisted to claim financial help that they are entitled to, but may not be aware they are eligible for. 

The committee will also hear that the Older Peoples Advice Service will play a key part in the 2023/24 Older Peoples take-up campaign which looks  to  increase

claims for pension credit, attendance allowance and council  tax  reduction across Dundee. 

A report shows that the service helped 15 clients write off nearly £25,000 of debt, over and above fuel debts. 

Policy & resources convener Councillor John Alexander said: “The older people advice service is more vital than ever given the ongoing and spiralling cost of living crisis. This service provided support for nearly 800 Dundonians last year and increased their income to the tune of more than £500,000, equivalent to around £21 for each £1 spent.

 “It can really help older people realise the support that is available to them and also helps them to make claims. 

“This money could prove to be a life saver in some cases and at the very least, means that those Dundee pensioners who have benefited from the service have felt the impact in their bank account.”                                                                             

 More details on the Older People Advice Service can be found here         

 The policy & resources committee meets on Monday May 15.

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