Service helping thousands of residents has contract extended
A service that helped more than 14,000 residents access advice and support last year will continue for at least another year after councillors approved an extension of the Ask Us Wirral contract.
Ask Us Wirral provides free advice and support on issues including benefits, debt, housing, employment, energy costs, health and wellbeing. The service is designed to help residents access practical support and information before problems escalate into crisis.
During 2025/26, the service recorded more than 143,000 contacts and supported over 2,700 complex cases and tribunals. Since the service began, it has also helped residents secure £25.2 million in benefit entitlements and supported the management or write-off of £27 million of debt. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Ask Us Wirral, which has supported residents across the borough since 2016.
The contract extension means residents will continue to have access to free, independent advice and support on issues including debt, benefits, housing, employment and the cost of living. By helping people access support early, the service can prevent problems from escalating and help residents improve their financial wellbeing and independence.
Ask Us Wirral provides a vital lifeline for residents who need support with everything from benefits and debt to housing and employment issues.
The service has already helped thousands of people across the borough access the advice and support they need, and we're pleased that this contract extension will allow that important work to continue.
Early support can make a real difference, helping people resolve issues before they escalate and ensuring residents can access the help they're entitled to.
Councillors approved a one-year extension of the contract at the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on Tuesday 13th October, enabling the service to continue supporting residents until March 2028. Residents can view the meeting recording and committee papers on the Wirral Council website: Agenda for Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, 6.00 p.m. | Wirral Council
