This FIT team's working well for the benefit of everyone ...

Every penny counts for people who have to claim benefits and the council's financial inclusion team can helpEvery penny counts for people who have to claim benefits and the council's financial inclusion team can help
Every penny counts for people who have to claim benefits and the council's financial inclusion team can help
More than £29 million of benefits have been won for North Lanarkshire residents, thanks to expert advice from a specialist council team.

North Lanarkshire’s Financial Inclusion team (FIT) was formed to help people negotiate a very complicated benefits system which has seen massive changes in recent years.

It brought together the knowledge of the council’s welfare rights and debt management teams along with staff from health and social care.

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The result was council residents being able to claim £29,015,130 in additional benefit income.

Among the specialist services FIT provides and run in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support is The Macmillan Lanarkshire Advice Service which has helped claim £4,264,125 for people and families affected by cancer.

In addition, the Financial Inclusion Team’s appeals team has a success rate of 66.5 per cent at Social Security Appeals Tribunals – compared to the UK national average of 46 per cent.

Both of these services were set up by the council as it began to realise the far-reaching impact benefit changes would have on North Lanarkshire residents, many of whom are already on the poverty line.

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“The benefits system is very complex so completing the right forms with the appropriate information can be daunting for many people,” explained Councillor Michael McPake, convener of the infrastructure committee.

“Our staff know the system inside out and are able to help residents apply for the benefits that meet their needs and circumstances.

“The team offer full benefit checks to residents, making sure they receive all the benefits they are entitled to and maximising their income.

“They also provide advice and help with completing benefit applications and represent residents at appeals tribunals.

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