CASH-STRAPPED North Ayrshire Council's package of support measures for people struggling during the cost of living crisis has helped save the region millions of pounds, a new report has revealed.

Yesterday's cabinet meeting highlighted the efforts going into supporting people facing difficult times, and the measures that have been put in place from community larders to helping residents with their energy bills and ensuring they are entitled to their benefits.

As recently reported, the council is facing budget cuts of £16 million, but elected members were keen to showcase the support services available from the local authority.

In June 2022, the cabinet agreed to set up a new board, chaired by the leader of the council and comprising senior NAC officers, NHS and representatives of the third sector to tackle child poverty. With the escalation in cost-of-living concerns this board was expanded to oversee the council’s response to the cost-of-living crisis.

During 2023/24 the North Ayrshire money matters team supported residents to access more than £20m in financial gains from 5,739 referrals.

The council is funding two additional school welfare rights officers providing financial advice and assistance to parents and carers.

This is based on strong evidence, with the current school welfare rights officer obtaining £560,509 for secondary school parents during 2023/24. This is an average of £5,387 per referral.

The council has made 'substantial investments' in tackling child poverty and the cost of living crisis.

Extension of the £50 early years clothing grant for eligible families, and the expansion of the Winter Warmer Breakfast initiative in secondary schools for 2024/25 which has been offered over the last two winter periods and is free to all secondary school pupils, were also highlighted in the cabinet report.

A total of £1.7m was secured from the North Ayrshire Council budget for the Energy Smart Scheme in 2022 to provide financial assistance over the winter periods.

The scheme offers roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, floor insulation, LED bulbs, draft proofing, temperature controls, and/or electric storage heating.

Meanwhile, a total of 20,037 young people have a valid Young Scot National Entitlement Card in North Ayrshire. This represents 90 per cent of the estimated population of 11 to 25-year-olds in the area. The council says that this is a high level of uptake and enables access to free bus transport and a range of discounts on products and services.

A network of community food larders has also been established with North Ayrshire Fairer Food branding. The council has provided support in food safety, health and safety and other regulations, with two new larders at Largs Library and Millport Community Shop setting up this year, taking the total to 16 larders across the authority.

Planning with community larder network and partners is ongoing to address the particular issues created by the cost-of-living crisis, with a model agreed which 'should' sustain current demand for three years, supported by the allocation of £500,000 from cabinet.

To date £75,000 has been allocated to 15 providers across North Ayrshire. It was also agreed that £100,000 of the £500,000 be held in reserve to support any new larder set-ups and infrastructure development.

David Hammond, NAC's executive director for communities and housing, said: "Addressing poverty and inequalities is a key priority for North Ayrshire Council. The council continues to develop and deliver a range of supports to mitigate the impacts of the current cost-of-living crisis for residents.

"Energy Smart advice not only helps residents to reduce their utilities bills but also to reduce their use of energy potentially reducing carbon emissions from their household.

"The proposals within the report help to deliver the North Ayrshire Council plan priority of wellbeing through ensuring that people have access to the support and advice they need."