Almost 25,000 people across the Highlands received help with welfare, debt and housing problems during 2025/26, with council funded advice services securing more than £30.3 million in financial gains for residents.
The figures represent a return of £18.84 for every £1 invested by Highland Council in its Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice services.
An annual performance report presented to the council’s Corporate Resources Committee on Thursday, 27 August, showed the scale of financial pressure being faced by households seeking support.
A total of £10.714 million of debt was presented by households looking for help to prioritise bills, reduce and manage what they owed and, where possible, lower the interest they were paying.
That total included £583,000 relating to mortgages and other secured loans.
Corporate Resources Committee chair Councillor Paul Oldham said:
“The Council’s investment in advice services continues to make a real difference to people and families across the Highlands.
“Through the combined efforts of our Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice, thousands of residents are receiving support to navigate welfare, debt and housing issues, helping them access the assistance they are entitled to and improve their financial wellbeing.
“These results demonstrate the value of this partnership approach and the significant impact that high-quality advice services can have in tackling poverty and inequalities.
“Achieving more than £30 million in financial gains for residents represents an excellent return on the Council’s investment and highlights the importance of ensuring support is available when people need it most.”
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chief Executive of Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau and Highland Council’s Leader of the Opposition, said:
“The long-standing partnership between the Council and Citizens Advice continues to deliver real benefits for people and communities across the Highlands.
“By working together, we are helping thousands of residents access expert advice and support with welfare, debt and housing issues, often at a time when they are facing significant financial pressures.
“Early intervention is key, providing advice and support before problems reach crisis point can make a lasting difference for individuals and families, helping them improve their financial situation and build greater resilience.
“The financial gains achieved over the past year demonstrate both the value of these services and the positive impact they have on reducing poverty and inequality across the Highlands.”
The committee also received an update on the council’s Better Off Calculator, which was launched earlier this summer to help households identify financial support they may be entitled to receive.
Of the 191 households to have used it so far, 160 were identified as potentially eligible for additional financial assistance worth a combined £187,566.
The results also suggest 138 households could be missing out on benefits, with an estimated £87,774 of unclaimed support identified.
The free calculator allows people to examine how changes including starting work, altering their hours or claiming additional benefits could affect their financial position.
Anyone needing further help can contact Highland Council’s Welfare Support Team on 0800 090 1040 or seek assistance from their local Citizens Advice service.
It can be accessed on the Council’s website by clicking here
