At its meeting on Thursday 3 November, East Dunbartonshire Council agreed a further set of measures to support the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis as part of the £2.1 million committed in September.
Speaking after the meeting, Council Leader Gordan Low explained, “We continue to look at all the ways in which we can support the most vulnerable in our communities during these incredibly difficult financial times.
“We have extended the measures we brought in to include an allocation of £102k to enhance payment to pensioners on top of that which has been allocated by Scottish Government, and all eligible pensioners will now receive £100. We are also providing £30k in grant funding for organisations who can offer warm spaces for those in need in our communities across the winter months.”
“We have already begun conversations with Community Planning Partners and other organisations who can offer warm spaces across the area to support those struggling to keep their homes heated, and the grant application process for up to £1000 per group will launch in the coming week.”
"These additional measures to support the Cost of Living crisis, a key priority for the Council, are on top of the commitments already in place, including additional winter support payments for eligible children, additional food vouchers for those most in need, energy support measures for our tenants and the swim and gym provision for our school pupils.”
Councillor Low continued, “As I’ve previously emphasised, I wish these additional measures were not necessary, but the ongoing escalating inflation and increasing prices mean that our hard-pressed residents are facing difficult choices. Our extended measures mean that there is support in place right across our communities.”