Council launches strategy to tackle poverty

The council recently launched its latest initiative to address the lasting effects of poverty on communities.

Around 150 delegates from various organisations gathered at Airdrie Town Hall for the launch of Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire which is the North Lanarkshire Council’s Tackling Poverty Strategy for 23 to 26.

The event saw various key speakers, workshops, and a performance from the St Ambrose Cluster Collective.

Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty committee, said: "The strategy aims to diminish the impact of inequality and inequity by providing support to families facing challenges in meeting basic needs.

"Our team can help people with money worries by carrying out free and confidential benefit checks on your behalf to make sure you are receiving the benefits to which you are entitled."

In the last three years, the Tackling Poverty Team has generated more than £99 million in extra benefit income for North Lanarkshire residents.

Along with the £22.6m secured by Citizens Advice Bureau, a total of more than £121m has been raised for people through the benefits system.

The strategy has four priorities and these are increasing income through employment, maximising income through social security benefits, reducing the cost of living for multi-generations of families, and providing holistic support.

Councillor Woods added: "This issue cannot be addressed by one organisation alone.

"Tackling poverty in our communities requires a collaborative effort and, together our partners, we are committed to doing everything we can to support people who need it most in our communities."

Those in need of financial advice are urged to contact the council's Tackling Poverty Team.

For more information, call 01698 332551 or email TPteam@northlan.gov.uk.