Further support for low-income residents struggling with the cost of living will be discussed at next week’s Executive meeting.
Just under £1million in additional financial and in-kind support could help low-income households make ends meet, as well as encouraging the take-up of additional support to help improve household finances.
Tackling poverty
The Tackling Poverty in Falkirk report will be discussed by elected members on 21 June. If approved, it could see £250,000 added to the Household Support Fund and also:
- £192,000 per year for the next two years to increase resources and help people maximise their benefits and access to support
- Roughly £180,000 to provide access to free swimming to people on a low-income
- Around £344,000 to continue providing £3.50 per day payment in lieu of free school meals during the summer and October holidays for all pupils previously supported
Members will also be asked to consider to continue this package of measures in 2023/24 as part of the budget setting process.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of the Council said: “We know that low-income households are struggling with the cost of living crisis which has hit even harder following so closely on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We hope the range of measures outlined in the report can alleviate to some extent the pressures faced by many while promoting the uptake of advice and support to maximise benefits and support to those most in need.”
Tackling poverty is one of six themes within the Falkirk Plan. Falkirk Council works with partners across the public and third sector to reduce poverty and its impact on individuals, households and communities across Falkirk.
The plans will be discussed a meeting of Falkirk Council’s Executive on the 21 June (available to watch live via Falkirk Council’s You Tube channel). The report can be viewed online.