Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the news that the area around Banff is to be the home of one of two pilot schemes from Age Concern Scotland aimed at encouraging more pensioners to take up the benefits to which they are entitled.
An estimated £4.6 Billion in benefits across the UK, to which people are entitled, currently goes unclaimed. This pilot scheme, supported by Scottish Government and DWP funding, will provide information and support to pensioners in claiming what they are entitled to.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“I am delighted that older people in the area around Banff have been chosen to benefit from this new scheme. I know that many older people feel there is a stigma to claiming benefits or are unsure as to how to fill in the forms they need to, but this new support will help to change that.
“Given how much fuel, food and other bills have risen recently, it is vital that our most vulnerable citizens do not miss out on money to which they are entitled.
“By providing free benefit checks, information and support in applying for benefits, Age Concern Scotland will go a long way to helping older residents of Banff & Buchan claim what they are entitled and ensure they have all the government help they need.
“As such, I welcome this pilot scheme, and hope it will be successful enough to roll out in other parts of the country.”
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
