28th August 2026
Almost 25,000 customers were assisted by the Council’s Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice during 2025/26 for support with welfare, debt and housing issues. As a result, financial gains for clients exceeded £30.3 million, representing a £18.84 return for every £1 allocated to these services by the Council.
Members of the Corporate Resources Committee, when presented with the annual performance report today (27 August 2026), praised the work of Council-funded advice and information services and the high level of commitment demonstrated in assisting Highland residents.
The report illustrated that a total of £10.714m of debt (including £0.583m relating to mortgage/other secured loans) was presented by households seeking support to prioritise their bills, reduce and manage their debts, and wherever possible to lower the interest charges they were due to pay.
Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Cllr Paul Oldham, commented: “The Council's investment in advice services continues to make a real difference to people and families across the Highlands. Through the combined efforts of our Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice, thousands of residents are receiving support to navigate welfare, debt and housing issues, helping them access the assistance they are entitled to and improve their financial wellbeing.
Councillor Oldham continued: "These results demonstrate the value of this partnership approach and the significant impact that high-quality advice services can have in tackling poverty and inequalities. Achieving more than £30 million in financial gains for residents represents an excellent return on the Council's investment and highlights the importance of ensuring support is available when people need it most."
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chief Executive of Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau and Highland Council’s Leader of the Opposition, said: “The long-standing partnership between the Council and Citizens Advice continues to deliver real benefits for people and communities across the Highlands. By working together, we are helping thousands of residents access expert advice and support with welfare, debt and housing issues, often at a time when they are facing significant financial pressures.
"Early intervention is key – providing advice and support before problems reach crisis point can make a lasting difference for individuals and families, helping them improve their financial situation and build greater resilience. The financial gains achieved over the past year demonstrate both the value of these services and the positive impact they have on reducing poverty and inequality across the Highlands."
Separately, the committee report also provided members with an update on the Better Off Calculator. Since launching earlier this summer, the online tool – which is free to use and available on the Council’s website – has helped households across Highland identify financial support they may be entitled to.
Of the 191 households that have used the service so far, 160 (84%) were found to be potentially eligible for additional financial assistance worth a combined £187,566. The results also suggest that 138 households may be missing out on benefits, with an estimated £87,774 in unclaimed support identified to date.
The Better Off Calculator enables households to compare their financial position before and after life changes, such as starting work, changing hours, or claiming additional benefits, and to check what entitlements may be due to them. By providing clear, personalised information, this digital solution helps residents understand their options and to make informed decisions with confidence. The Better Off Calculator is free to use and enables individuals to self-serve at a time that is convenient to them.
It can be accessed on the Councill’s website here: https://www.highland.gov.uk/benefits-money-help/find-benefits-may-entitled
Households seeking support are encouraged to make early contact with the Council’s Welfare Support Team on 0800 090 1040 or local Citizens Advice.