Liverpool City Council's Financial Inclusion Team has won the Welfare Team of the Year award at the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) Awards. The team was also Highly Commended in the Excellence in Social Inclusion category.

The team, formerly known as the Benefits Maximisation Service, supports residents experiencing financial hardship and helps people access financial assistance, advice and advocacy.

Three Years of Impact

Over the past three years, the team has managed 15,261 referrals and secured direct financial gains in 5,472 cases. This support delivered £28.5 million in additional income for Liverpool residents through benefits support, welfare assistance and specialist casework.

How the Team Works

The award recognises the team's person-centred approach. The service understands that financial difficulties are often linked to wider challenges including poor health, housing insecurity and social isolation.

A key factor in the team's success has been developing a wraparound support model integrated with Adult Social Care assessments. This ensures residents receive holistic help that improves outcomes and builds long-term financial resilience.

Council Investment

Liverpool City Council has invested significantly in the service, enabling it to expand its reach, develop specialist expertise and provide earlier intervention. This allows more residents to access support before reaching crisis point.

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."

Councillor Bennett added: "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."