A BODY that manages housing for older people in North Yorkshire has launched a nationwide campaign to help residents save cash, particularly on energy bills.

With welfare reforms starting to take effect next month Hanover Housing Association, which manages Popple Well Springs extra care estate, in Tadcaster, has set up an initiative called Be Wise.

This helps residents to maximise their incomes, save money with their energy bills with adaptations to their homes and provide contents insurance designed for their particular circumstances.

Hanover set a target of improving residents’ finances by £1 million this year.

However, only two months into the campaign more than £700,000 has been made through increased income from benefits to which residents are entitled but did not know about, and savings through switching energy tariffs or supplier.

Hanover has employed specialist financial rights and energy advisers to take the programme out to estates.

A ten-minute DVD has also been produced for residents explaining all the relevant facts.

The service also provides free phone helplines to answer queries and give individual advice, alongside poster campaigns to raise awareness of key benefits and changes.