MORE east Durham pensioners are better off thanks to a benefit boosting multi-agency approach.
County Durham Partnership Against Poverty (CDPAP) was set up in 2003 to help raise awareness of available benefits including pension Credit. To date, more than £1m has been brought into Easington District and the area has been ranked 37th out of 408 local authorities for people taking up Pension Credit.
CDPAP is made up of organisations including Easington District Council, Age Concern. Durham County Council's Welfare Rights and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Councillor Joan Freak, executive member for social inclusion, said: "Thanks to these agencies working together, we have brought £1.2m into our area and have helped put this valuable extra income into the pockets of those who need it most."
The next step to increase benefit take-up in the district will be for the CDPAP to take its message out into the community.
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