Liverpool City Council’s Financial Inclusion Team has received national recognition at the recent Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) Awards.
Formerly known as the Benefits Maximisation Service, the team supports residents experiencing financial hardship and plays a vital role in helping people access the financial assistance, advice, and advocacy they need.
They have won the prestigious Welfare Team of the Year award and also being Highly Commended in the Excellence in Social Inclusion category.
Over the past three years, the team has managed 15,261 referrals and secured direct financial gains in 5,472 cases, delivering an impressive £28.5 million in additional income for Liverpool residents through benefits support, welfare assistance, and specialist casework.
The award recognises the team’s innovative and person-centred approach. Understanding that financial difficulties are often linked to wider challenges such as poor health, housing insecurity and social isolation, the team works closely with residents to provide tailored support that addresses their individual circumstances.
A key factor in their success has been the development of a wraparound support model integrated with Adult Social Care assessments, ensuring residents receive holistic help that improves outcomes and builds long-term financial resilience.
The team’s success has been underpinned by significant investment from Liverpool City Council, demonstrating the importance placed by elected members on tackling poverty, reducing inequalities and supporting residents through the cost-of-living challenges facing the city.
This investment has enabled the service to expand its reach, develop specialist expertise and provide earlier intervention, ensuring more residents can access the support they need before reaching crisis point.
Through compassion, expertise and strong partnership working, the team continues to reduce inequalities, prevent crisis and transform lives across the city, helping thousands of residents achieve greater financial stability, dignity and independence.
Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Transformation, Councillor Ruth Bennett, said: “This team doesn’t just deliver a service; they change lives. Every day they support residents through some of their toughest moments with compassion, expertise and determination.
“Their commitment to tackling poverty and improving financial wellbeing makes them truly deserving of Welfare Team of the Year.
“The council’s continued investment in financial inclusion reflects our determination to support residents, reduce inequalities and create a fairer city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
