Innovative Partnership Brings Important Boost For Pensioners

An innovative partnership that will bring direct help and assistance for older people with all their benefit needs in their own homes was launched today, following an important agreement between Dover District Council and the Pension Service.

This exciting new partnership, which is the first of its kind in Kent, was officially launched at the Dover District Council @ Your Service offices in Castle Street. The launch was held with key representatives from DDC and the Pension Service, with guests from groups representing older people across the district. The partnership will provide a customer focussed visiting service for all residents of a pensionable age in the district, which will look at a range of benefit needs, including carers allowance, attendance allowance, Housing and Council Tax Benefit, and pension credit.

Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Citizenship said: "We are delighted to be able to work in partnership with the Pensions Service and to lead the way on this innovative scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a wide-ranging service to older people in their own homes. The scheme means we can provide expert advice on a whole range of benefits that could make a real difference to people's quality of life."

A spokesman for the Pension Service said: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to develop this joint working partnership enabling older people in Dover to access entitlements and services via a single interview."

For more information, please contact Mandie Kerry in the Benefits team at Dover District Council on (01304) 872191.