Northumberland residents are missing out in millions of pounds in unclaimed benefits amid a cost of living crisis.
That's the word from a public health registrar Dr Kathryn Bush, following the completion of a report into benefits and debt advice in the county and its affect on the health of residents.
Speaking at Thursday's meeting of Northumberland County Council's health and wellbeing board, Dr Bush explained that many people didn't know what benefits they were entitled to, while there continued to be a "significant amount of stigma and shame" attached to claiming benefits.
However, she also explained how having mor e money in your pocket could significantly improve your health outcomes.
She said: "We know that people in our most deprived areas live shorter lives and live more of their life in poor health. We know that the health of our population is deteriorating.
"One aspect we're looking at is benefits and debt advice. If you have more money in your pocket you can afford to heat your home, you can afford to buy food - you can afford to live.
"Not having money issues has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mental health. It also makes it easier to engage with health services and do things like stop smoking and engage with exercise."
The board was told that in 2020, £7.1 billion worth of benefits went unclaimed in the UK. Using this figure, it was calculated that Northumberland residents could be claiming an additional £31.8 million.
Dr Bush continued: "We know at the current time the cost of living is going up. Previous economic crises have shown those on the lowest incomes are at the biggest risk to rising costs."
Citizens Advice remains the primary source of advice for those who want to know what benefits they can claim. However, the pressure on the service has grown exponentially since the Covid-19 pandemic, with an increase in the number of families who were previously just about managing but are now struggling financially.
The health needs assessment found that advice services in Northumberland were not meeting the needs of the population. As a result, the council have announced they will be upping investment in the service from £420,000 to £520,000 per year for the period of a new contract anticipated to start in October 2022.
Speaking prior to the meeting, council leader Glen Sanderson said: “Considering all the evidence highlighted in the Health Needs Assessment, the decision has been made to increase funding to enable better provision of advice services in Northumberland.
"Tackling inequalities in Northumberland is one of our top three priorities so this will place more resources to help make a difference to those who most need our help.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and the current rise in the cost of living, including food, fuel and energy bills, have led to an increase in the need for the services provided. We are working hard to ensure all our residents are supported and receiving all the help they are entitled to and providing advice is a key part of this.
“We will closely monitor the demand on the service to identify any ongoing unmet need in the future, and we will work with the NHS and our other partners to secure additional investment.”
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