February 14, 2012 2.44 pm This story is over 145 months old

Campaign makes pensioners £200k better off

Tax rebates: Council campaign helps 161 Lincoln pensioners claim back more than £200,000 in tax rebates and credits.
City Councillor Brent Charlesworth and Jo Crookes, Head of Customer Services and Revenues, show off bus advertising taken for the campaign

A City Council campaign helped 161 Lincoln pensioners claim back more than £200,000 in tax rebates and credits since October.

The campaign employs two dedicated advisors to help pensioners and other claimants receive the financial help they are entitled to.

The scheme has a success rate of 17.5%, and is giving back more than £200,000 annual value, broken down into more than £93,000 in council tax benefit, around £34,000 in housing benefit and some £73,000 in pension credits.

Jo Crookes, Head of Customer Services and Revenues at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “Our two advisors have contacted more than 1,200 people by letter and visited almost 100 people in their homes to talk them through the process.

“They’ve also held events in the community, and received hundreds of phone calls. If you think you may be eligible for financial support, or if you know someone who might – a neighbour or family member – please get in touch.”

City Councillor Brent added: “I am very pleased that the steps we have taken to improve income and reduce financial exclusion in the city is having such great success.”

Anyone who would like to speak to the advisors about financial assistance can call the City of Lincoln Council on 01522 881188.

Source: City of Lincoln Council