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Liverpool City Council’s Financial Inclusion Team has recently been honoured with national awards at the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) ceremony. Previously called the Benefits Maximisation Service, this team is dedicated to assisting residents who face financial difficulties by providing access to essential financial support, advice, and advocacy.
The team achieved significant accolades, including winning the prestigious Welfare Team of the Year award and receiving a Highly Commended recognition in the Excellence in Social Inclusion category. Over the last three years, they have handled 15,261 referrals and secured financial gains in 5,472 cases, resulting in an impressive total of £28.5 million additional income for Liverpool residents through a combination of benefit support, welfare aid, and specialist casework.
Central to their approach is a focus on the broader issues tied to financial hardship, such as housing instability, poor health, and social isolation. The team has created a wraparound support model aligned with Adult Social Care assessments, which enables them to offer holistic, personalised assistance. This method not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also builds long-term resilience and improves overall outcomes for individuals.
Significant investment from Liverpool City Council has been crucial to the team’s success, underscoring the commitment by elected officials to combat poverty, reduce inequality, and support citizens facing cost-of-living pressures. This funding has allowed the service to widen its reach, enhance specialist knowledge, and intervene earlier to help residents before their situations escalate to crisis points. By combining compassion, professional expertise, and collaboration, the team continues to make a positive impact in reducing disparities and empowering thousands of residents to attain greater financial security and independence.
Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Transformation, Councillor Ruth Bennett, praised the team, stating: “This team doesn’t just deliver a service; they change lives. Every day they support residents through some of their toughest moments with compassion, expertise and determination. Their commitment to tackling poverty and improving financial wellbeing makes them truly deserving of Welfare Team of the Year. The council’s continued investment in financial inclusion reflects our determination to support residents, reduce inequalities and create a fairer city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
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