More than £10 million has been paid out to vulnerable people across Birmingham who did not realise they were entitled to claim welfare benefits.

City council advice teams helped 3,000 applicants, including an 85-year-old who pocketed a £66,000 payout from the Pension Service.

Cabinet finance member Randal Brew said the payments could not have come at a better time.

Coun Brew (Con Northfield) added: “We recognise that times are tough at the moment for all citizens, but especially our most vulnerable.

“This means we have made a real effort to ensure that those with a legitimate benefits claim get all the money they are entitled to.

“As well as directly helping the households in question, the unlocked money offers the local economy a boost too.

“The more money people have in their pockets, the more they will spend, supporting businesses and services in Birmingham.”

The amount successfully claimed as a result of help from the advice teams – £10.2 million – represents an average of £64 for every Birmingham household.

Housing benefit claims worth £2.2 million were paid out along with council tax benefit worth £594,000.

Other benefits that people did not realise they were able to claim included pension credit, with £2 million being paid out, and attendance allowance, where £2.1 million was identified and paid.