Financial health checks helped local pensioners receive an average of over £2,100 of additional payments in Pension Credit and other benefits per person, including support with rent, council tax, energy and health costs.

Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “I would encourage as many older people in West Lothian as possible to contact our Advice Shop for a financial health check.

“Recent figures from Age UK estimate that 1 in 3 older people in Scotland do not receive all the benefits they are due, which could include thousands of West Lothian residents. Our friendly and helpful advisors can check what you should be receiving, and with additional payments averaging at over £2,100, it can make a huge difference to your quality of life.

“The Advice Shop also offer a wide range of free, expert and impartial advice for anyone experiencing financial pressures, such as help with benefits, debts, access to food, energy and much more.”

To contact the Advice Shop, please visit Advice Shop, call 01506 283000 or email at advice.shop@westlothian.gov.uk.