A RETIREMENT housing provider has helped residents claim back an £8.2 million through its financial rights and energy advice service.

Hanover Housing Association, which managed Hanover Court in Runcorn, has just celebrated its fifth birthday.

Its pioneering Be Wise service has provided free, practical help to more than 2,500 elderly tenants.

A specialist team provides free and confidential advice on how best to save money on energy bills, helps secure essential adaptations to households.

It also provides information on tailor-made contents insurance.

Dame Clare Tickell, chief executive of Hanover, said: “To be able to help residents to the tune of an incredible £8.2m in entitlements that they would not otherwise have got is a fantastic achievement, especially when many older people are facing greater hardship and poverty because of prices rising well above inflation.

“We know from speaking with residents that many often struggle on very little income and at times can’t afford even the most basic of necessities. “