Fife Council are putting an extra £1.8 million into their winter assistance programme to help the most vulnerable people. 

The cabinet committee approved the investment, which is on top of a previously agreed package of support totalling £4.3m, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. 

The additional funds will help people with fuel top ups, mould and damp issues and winter warmer packs. 

Council leader, Councillor David Ross, said: "The cost of living crisis has impacted on so many people, some of whom have always managed before but can no longer make ends meet.

"We made it our mission in Fife to try to protect people as much as we can with a variety of help and support to help those most in need.

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“Last year we gave fuel support to 5,000 struggling households, provided over 42,000 meals at Café Inc in October and December alone and helped support 72 community warm spaces.

"It’s clear that people are still struggling and support will be needed again this year.”

Although the outlook for this winter season looks slightly better than last year,  councillors ultimately agreed to fund the programme for a second time. 

“There is preliminary evidence from our systems that measures, particularly benefits maximisation, are lifting people out of relative poverty,” a committee report said. 

“Nonetheless, a significant level of need remains and the Trussell Trust are reporting new groups where the demand for food bank support is high.” 

Despite the persistent need, councillors were warned that the “cocktail of temporary funding” for a winter cost of living programme is going to be difficult to sustain over consecutive years. 

The money will help with energy advice and crisis fuel support, mould and damp issues in housing, provision of warm community spaces and food pantries, help with small works and insulation and provision of household items. 

Cllr Ross added: “With these measures in place, Fife is committed to ensuring that residents receive the support they need during the challenging winter months.

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"The council is actively working to enhance support services, maximise income and provide assistance where it’s needed most, reaffirming our commitment to community wellbeing.”

Advice and support on the cost of living can be found at https://our.fife.scot/gethelp