Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins revealed the new approach called BOOST at last night’s Full Council meeting.

A team will take support right into the heart of communities helping maximise the income of working people, families, older people and those already accessing support.

The council’s Welfare Rights Service has already helped residents access £3.2 million in money they were entitled to but didn’t know they could have.

But with data currently showing £21 million is still currently unclaimed in Wolverhampton, accessing this money will transform lives.

Residents will be able to gain better control of their finances enabling them to plan for the future, manage their bills and any debts and have more money to spend in the local economy, which will benefit the whole city.

They’ll also have more choices in life, improving their physical and mental health and that of their families, while being able to also improve and heat their homes to keeping warm and secure.

Councillor Simkins said:

‘I’m proud of our long history of supporting our own in this city and leaving nobody behind. 

‘The last couple of years have been no exception, and we’ve come together as one city and done all we can to help our residents through the financial challenges of the pandemic and the cost of living. 

‘We’ve always believed in being there for our residents when they need us most and now is the time to build further on that tradition and dig deeper to help our residents when they need it most.

‘I’ve launched BOOST to build further on all the work we’ve done. It’s not right that people are struggling to make ends meet and they are just surviving not thriving in life.

‘There are millions going unclaimed by the decent people of this city, people who work hard, have children, people who’ve paid into the system for years and are now retired and others who are vulnerable through poor health or disabilities.

‘It’s our role to ensure we give them the right help to access this income and build brighter futures with more opportunities.’

The Leader said BOOST would go where people needed it mos - on their doorsteps, in their communities.

BOOST will be in trusted local venues such as Family Hubs, libraries, community centres, sports clubs, and faith buildings.

And it will harness the power of community experts with lived experience in the form of BOOST Community Navigators.

But those who need BOOST can access it in whatever way is best for them, so face to face in communities, on the phone or online.

Anyone who thinks they might be missing out on money they’re entitled to should look out for BOOST coming to a community near them soon.

There will be more information about how to access the service shortly – keep an eye on the council’s website and social media channels.