Following the publication of Achieving Our Potential - A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland , the Scottish Government has committed £5 million of funding for income maximisation activity for the period 2009-2011.
Income maximisation work will include; ensuring that people claim for the financial support that they are entitled to, reducing expenditure - for example, by providing advice on the best fuel tariffs, home insulation or helping the people of Scotland to manage their debts. It will take a holistic view of people's circumstances and refer them to a joined-up range of supportive services.
The income maximisation programme has 4 strands:
· Developing and piloting new models for income maximisation which will have national or local application, and generating evidence of what works;
· Developing local infrastructure and capability;
· Enhancing national infrastructure, such as supporting and developing national help-lines and providing training and resources;
· Raising awareness of entitlements, through targeted publicity and campaigning.