Residents of pension age in Cherwell claimed nearly £400,000 in support in 2025 thanks to council-run awareness campaigns.
Published: Thursday, 22nd January 2026
Last year, Cherwell District Council’s revenues and benefits team used Low-Income Family Tracker software to identify residents who were eligible but not claiming pension credit. This meant 113 residents were supported with applying for and receiving additional cost of living support.
Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property, and Regeneration, said: “The continuous hard work that goes on behind the scenes at the council is often overlooked. Our revenues and benefits team is constantly working with partners to ensure our residents are receiving the support they are entitled to. This can be key in giving people much-needed financial assistance, which can improve their wellbeing and provide a positive impact on their day-to-day living.
“Through contacting and helping residents to apply for their eligible pension credit, we’ve unlocked a potential £2,759,000 in benefits that they can receive over their lifetimes.”
The council ran several campaigns during 2025 to ensure as many pension-aged residents as possible were reached. The total amount of benefits claimed was £399,939, with the average household receiving an additional £2,760 per year.
Cherwell District Council worked with Age UK on various campaigns last year to ensure residents could access key information and support.
Further information about eligibility criteria and how to apply for pension credit can be found online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.