Midlands not-for-profit grants and welfare provider, Auriga Services, provided financial support services to more than half a million people in need across the UK over the last year.

Auriga Services, based in Sutton Coldfield, partners with direct-to-consumer organisations including private companies, local authorities, charities and the NHS, to manage and deliver financial and non-financial support schemes.

According to the organisation’s latest figures, more than half a million (552,575) people across the UK have benefitted from its financial support services – an increase of over 30% year-on-year.

The number of emergency fuel vouchers issued by Auriga also increased, by 54.5%. The total distributed in FY 23-24 was worth more than £18.6m, reflecting the prevailing cost-of-living crisis.

Jill Wheeler, chief executive at Auriga Services said: “We’re extremely proud of the number of people we’ve been able to help over the last financial year, however it’s a stark reminder of the scale of the cost-of-living crisis. There are still so many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet so direct-to-consumer organisations really need to consider how they can better support them.”

Auriga also identified £5.5m in savings for consumers through its income maximisation services. This includes assisting with a wide range of applications, including benefit claims, mandatory reconsiderations and appeal tribunals.

Jill said: “Income maximisation has the potential to positively impact households and the wider community. More income means households can better afford essentials like food and heating, creating warmer, healthier homes, easing mental and physical stress and associated strain on the NHS and other local services.”

For further information on how your business can help those in financial crisis, contact clientsolutions@aurigaservices.co.uk or 0121 362 3607.

If you’re an individual seeking impartial advice, please visit: www.askbill.org.uk