A CAMPAIGN encouraging people to check what financial support they are entitled to has ensured residents are more than £100,000 better off.

The month-long targeted campaign was launched by East Lothian Council in response to the increased cost of living and aimed to encourage benefits take-up.

The initiative was run along with partner agencies, including Citizens Advice Bureau.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, council leader and cabinet spokesperson for revenues and benefits, said: “We know that increases in bills and the cost of living is a huge worry for many of our residents so it’s great to hear that many are now getting the full support they are entitled to.

“The campaign particularly targeted areas where we knew the uptake was relatively low, including pension credit, council tax reduction and child benefits including free school meals.

“I would advise anyone worried about their household budget to visit our website or get in touch with our financial inclusion team right away.”

'Delighted to support'

The campaign, which ran from early September into October, saw 64 people able to claim additional support, resulting in a total increase to them of £124,763.

Dedicated advisers were based at Citizens Advice Bureau in Haddington, supporting the ad campaign which included an information leaflet available in print and online, accompanied by social media posts, press articles and radio advertising.

Gayle Bell, bureau manager, said: “Haddington CAB were delighted to support the benefits campaign.

“We were able to support and offer much-needed advice in relation to boosting income and ensuring that people were given accurate information on their personal circumstances.”

Information on the Boost your Income campaign can be found on the council website.

East Lothian Council’s financial inclusion team can be contacted on 01620 827827 and CAB Haddington on 01620 824471.