Wolverhampton Age UK suspends advice service due to funding shortage
An advice service which helped older people claim the benefits they are entitled to has closed to a lack of funds.
Age UK Wolverhampton announced that its benefits advice service would be suspended from this month onwards.
The service provided older people with benefits checks and support with applications.
The news sparked concerns from Councillor Paul Singh, who is vice-chairman of Wolverhampton Council’s health scrutiny panel.
Councillor Singh, Conservative member for Penn ward, said the news came at a particularly difficult time for many people.
"With the cost of living crisis, changes to benefits, and rising bills, this is one of the most difficult times in decades for pensioners and older residents," he said.
"They need more support than ever to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
"Age UK provides a vital service, and its suspension will leave many vulnerable residents struggling to navigate the system."
Councillor Singh said he wanted to know when the service could be reinstated, and what support would be available to ensure older people in Wolverhampton did not miss out on the help they needed.
The charity said its information and advice telephone and online service would remain open, to provide information on its services and other issues that older people might need help with.
The charity has advised people to instead contact Wolverhampton Council's benefit helpline on 07966 292321 between 10am and midday Monday-Friday.
Alternatively, they can email wrs.benefitshelpline@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Age UK said it had informed the council of the suspension due to the potential impact on some of its services.
"We remain open to dialogue with them and have had recent discussions," a spokesman said.
