Residents in North Lanarkshire have been supported in claiming almost £58 million in additional benefits, with the help of council staff. This marks an increase of more than four per cent compared to the previous year.
Report to councillors
Councillors received a report on the recent work of the Tackling Poverty Team, which highlighted the substantial increase in benefit claims. Additionally, services commissioned by the council helped residents claim a further £6.8 million.
The council established a cost of living helpline in 2023, which saw a 41 per cent increase in benefits checks in its first year, and this trend has continued. The helpline is supported by funding from the health and social care partnership.
Challenges identified
Challenges to tackling poverty identified in the report include lingering effects from the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, energy costs, inflated prices for food and other goods, ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Iran, as well as changes to the welfare system at both the Westminster and Scottish levels of government.
Referrals to the tackling poverty team have continued to grow, increasing by seven per cent in the past year to over 1,300 per month.
Success in appeals
The team has achieved above average success rates in benefits appeals, with successful outcomes in 81 per cent of social security appeal tribunals.
At a recent meeting, councillors unanimously approved the report and agreed to forward it for information purposes.
