East Ayrshire Council has provided almost £3million worth of financial support to families in the past two years, according to a new report.

A paper presented to cabinet for consideration set out the initial response to the cost of living crisis, including the £3.1m investment made by the council.

Back in 2022, the council's response to the cost of living crisis included a key focus on food and the council helped to support the development of 17 community larders across East Ayrshire. 

Moving forward, a Food Larder Forum will be established with community groups and partners to further develop this work and Catering Services are scoping the possibility of collecting surplus food from supermarkets on behalf of the larders.

Cumnock Chronicle: East Ayrshire Council headquarters.East Ayrshire Council headquarters. (Image: Street view)

Eight Financial Inclusion Officers (FIO) were recruited and based in schools in East Ayrshire, along with two dedicated officers within Early Years.

According to the report, the team has generated financial gains of £2.965m for local families.

Thanks to the success of these projects, cabinet agreed to extend both by six months.

Cabinet also agreed that £200,000 would be allocated to ensure the continuation of free toast for all primary schools and the development of the community van initiative.

Moving forward, it was agreed that an additional £50,000 be provided to support community groups and individuals access grant funding. 

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of the council, said: "Investment in our communities during the Cost of Living crisis was essential to ensure that our most vulnerable people were warm and well-fed.

"The range of investment made by the council has been extensive.

"A Tenant Support Fund of £500,000 received Cabinet approval in June 2023 and has since helped prevent homelessness by sustaining tenancies and helped reduce the impact of fuel poverty and child poverty.

"The Council has also been working in partnership with Lemon-Aid, helping to alleviate high energy costs and provide relief to vulnerable households."

Cumnock Chronicle: East Ayrshire Council leader, Douglas Reid.East Ayrshire Council leader, Douglas Reid. (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

Cllr Reid added: "It is quite incredible what has been achieved in such a short time.

"I have spoken to a number of the FIO’s and what is clear is that it isn’t just the relief of having income to support their families, but for our parents and carers, it also removes the stress and worry about how to fill in forms properly, which can be a real barrier to many people.

"Removing this stress alone greatly improves family life."