Independent research shows that there is an estimated total of £70m of unclaimed benefits in the Highland area, including £6.9m unclaimed pension credits affecting 3000 people.

This means that thousands of people across Highland are currently missing out on additional financial help they are entitled to. Securing these additional sources of income will support people to live independently and well in their communities.

Convener Bill Lobban added: “We are proposing the establishment of a Commission, funded by £0.300m of Reserves, to accelerate our approach to tackling poverty by identifying direct actions to shape service delivery, improve early intervention and develop integrated approaches to tackling poverty and inequality in Highland. The work would also link to other Council Delivery Plan themes such as employability, housing and health and wellbeing.”

Leader of the council Raymond Bremner said: “Our proposed investment programme would target £0.870m to deliver direct support and consider ways to improve our collective approach to tackling poverty and inequality in the Highlands. This will be supported by increased funding of £0.250m to support new posts in existing Welfare services to help people draw down more of their entitled benefits.

“Proposals also include investing £0.320m to increase the provision of Pupil Equity Funding direct to schools and to provide targeted support within schools and the wider community to support those families experiencing poverty, as well as maximising the take-up of unclaimed welfare benefits.”