People in North Yorkshire have seen their incomes boosted by more than £50 million over the last eight years as a result of work by council staff.

North Yorkshire Council has said its staff have helped residents secure the multi-million-pound figure in previously unclaimed financial support, which people were entitled to since the service was started in 2015.

A council spokesperson said this support is in addition to the work carried out by the authority to ensure people receiving social care services get the money they are entitled to as part of their care package.

Executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “We recognise the importance of financial wellbeing and do all we can to help ensure people get the income to which they are entitled.

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“The dedication and diligence of council staff in helping residents is illustrated in the scale of the success they have achieved.

“It is difficult to over-estimate the positive impact of this work on those who have received assistance.”

Team members also work with registrars to support people who have been bereaved and who find their weekly income dramatically reduced as a result.

For more information about the support available visit: northyorks.gov.uk