Our Welfare Benefits and Money Advice team have delivered a strong year of support for customers, achieving £1,311,454 in financial gains during 2025/26.

This includes £620,129 in housing related gains and £819,842 in non housing related gains, helping customers improve affordability, manage financial pressures, and sustain their tenancies.

Throughout the year, the team supported 1,104 customers, representing a 10 per cent increase compared to last year. By working closely with customers, the team helps ensure people are receiving the welfare benefits they are entitled to, while offering practical advice to improve financial resilience.

Support delivered this year covered a wide range of needs. The team issued 490 Torus vouchers to customers experiencing fuel poverty, providing a total of £10,486 to help with energy costs.

As part of the Capped Gas campaign, 162 customers who had chosen to cap their gas supply were contacted. This ensured customers understood the impact of having no gas supply and were offered support around affordability, debts, and alternative options.

The team also supported families by assisting 180 customers with school uniform costs, helping reduce pressure during an expensive time for households.

During the year, 46 customers were referred to Money Wellness for specialist debt advice and insolvency support, ensuring customers received expert help where it was needed.

The Hardship Fund was used to support 8 customers to downsize, helping with removal costs and low level rent arrears. This support enabled customers to move into more affordable homes, improved tenancy sustainability, and helped free up larger properties for families in need.

The team also achieved an official partnership with the Illegal Money Lending Team, strengthening protections for customers and increasing access to safe and trusted financial advice.

In addition, a new, more targeted approach to Keep Warm Keep Well was introduced, making sure winter support is focused on customers most affected by rising living costs.

Claire Creed, Welfare Benefits and Money Advice Manager, said: “These results show just how much of a difference the team is making to customers’ lives. Supporting people to access the right benefits, manage their money, and feel more secure in their homes is at the heart of what we do. I am incredibly proud of the team and the positive impact they continue to have across our communities.”

These results highlight the important role the Welfare Benefits and Money Advice team plays in supporting customers through financial challenges and helping people maintain safe, secure, and affordable homes.

An infographic summarising the teams gains can be seen below.