Council money will be available as Universal Credit arrives

Councillors have agreed a range of spending measures totalling almost £300,000 to protect some of the poorest in local communities.

The money will come on stream as the changes in the controversial Universal Credit scheme roll out, with responsibility for advising claimants passing from the council to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Figures released last month show that Universal Credit has had a big impact in the community and had pushed rent arrears up.

The bulk of the new spending, £113,000, has been earmarked to tackle child poverty,“where demand is higher”. The council has allocated £60,000 towards further developing opportunities and training for volunteering; £90,000 will go to help low income households with a five day advice and support service based at St John’s Hospital and a further £22,000 has been allocated help low income households maximise financial resources by working with foodbanks and Third Sector groups upcycling furniture.

In a report to West Lothian’s Councils Executive Elaine Nisbet, Anti-Poverty and Welfare Advice Manager said the spending strategy was based on what“people have told us is important to them”.

She added that there was a growing recognition of the need to raise awareness and to get the message out to people using Facebook and other social media about the help that is available and the services people can access. “Those in need help and speak to each other”, she told the committee.

She added:”Universal Credit has put an additional strain on all providers.”

She said that the Advice Shop had over 40 volunteers to support the most vulnerable and more were being trained.

Councillor Chris Horne said he welcomed the investment and added“Are we making the money as elastic as possible to help as many as possible?”

Depute leader councillor Kirsteen Sullivan said:“I’m very pleased to see these proposals coming forward. It shows we are putting money where it is most required.”