We know many of our residents are worried about the increased cost of living and that’s why within the 2023/24 budget the Council agreed an additional £1.5 million cost of living package. This follows the £2.1 million that was allocated in 2022.
On this page you will find information on:
- Benefits and Money
- Children and Families
- Energy Bills
- Foodbanks
- Free period products
- Housing
- Business
Benefits and Money
Council Tax
Advice on whether you could be due a Council Tax discount or support if you’re finding it difficult to pay your Council Tax is available.
Information on Council Tax
Crisis Grants
The Scottish Welfare Fund is there to help you if you are on benefits, have a low income or are having problems in paying a one-off expense. Grants do not need to be paid back to the Council, but are intended to meet one-off needs rather than on-going expenses.
Information on the Scottish Welfare Fund
Income Maximisation
The East Dunbartonshire Income Maximisation Service is available to all East Dunbartonshire residents and provides free confidential advice if you are experiencing any financial worries or hardships.
Information on Income Maximisatiion
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a Social Security benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Universal Credit combines means-tested support for adults of working age, including those with children, into one benefit.
Information on Universal Credit
Children and Families
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme provides financial support for 16-19 year olds - from low income families - who stay on in full time, non-advanced education after their statutory school leaving date.
Information on the Education Maintenance Allowance
Free childcare
In Scotland, all children aged three and four, and eligible children aged two, have a statutory entitlement to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year.
Children will receive a funded meal whilst attending their funded hours.
School Clothing Grants and Free School Meals
The School Clothing Grant amounts being paid by East Dunbartonshire Council are:
- £240 for primary school pupils
- £300 for secondary school pupils
Information on school clothing grants and free school meals
Energy Bills
Free impartial advice on saving energy, keeping warm at home, renewable energy and cutting water waste is available from Home Energy Scotland [opens in a new window]
The Home Heating Support Fund [opens in a new window] is available for Scottish households struggling with energy costs.
Citizens Advice Bureau [opens in a new window] offers specific advice aimed at people struggling to pay their energy bills.
Foodbanks
East Dunbartonshire foodbank centres provide food for people who come with a referral from an agency.
The Food Bank has centres in Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs and Milngavie, but distribution can be arranged throughout East Dunbartonshire where required. For further help phone 07425 134131 or visit East Dunbartonshire Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis [opens in a new window]
Everyone who comes to the foodbank for emergency food should have a valid foodbank referral or voucher.
Opening hours and locations:
- Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, 52 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 1NL - Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2pm to 4pm.
- St Joseph's Church, Milngavie, Buchanan Street, Milngavie, G62 8DZ - Opening Hours: Friday 2pm to 3.30pm and Sunday 12.45pm to 1.30pm.
- Colston Wellpark Church, Colston Wellpark Church, 1378 Springburn Road, Glasgow, G21 1UX - Opening Hours: Monday and Friday 2pm to 4pm.
- Lennoxtown Free Church, Main Street,, Lennoxtown, G66 7DD - Opening Hours: Friday 11am to 1pm.
Free period products
Free period products have been available throughout East Dunbartonshire schools since 2018 and in community locations across the area since 2019 as part of a nation-wide commitment to tackling period poverty.
Information on where to find free period products
Housing
Discretionary Housing payment
Discretionary Housing Payments can give additional help to Housing Benefit claimants and Universal Credit claimants who have the housing element included in their award. This help can be to meet housing costs, or a one-off cost such as rent in advance, a rent deposit, or moving costs.
Information on the Discretionary Housing Payment
Homelessness services
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness you should contact the Council’s Homelessness Team as quickly as possible.
Information on Homelessness
Local housing allowance (LHA)
If you're renting a home from a private landlord and you're on a low income, you may be able to claim a Local Housing Allowance. A LHA can help towards the cost of rent, but it doesn't cover charges for heating, hot water, lighting, laundry or cooking.
Information on the Local Housing Allowance
Travel
People over 60, those who have a disability and all young people aged 5-21 are entitled to free bus travel.
Information on free bus travel including eligibility
Business
Support to Reduce Costs
Businesses are being offered support to help cope with rising costs.