At its budget meeting last week, the council agreed to invest a further £200,000 in cost-of-living support in a bid to tackle poverty across the authority.
The Tackling Poverty Team provides free income maximisation services for residents and conducts benefit checks to ensure residents receive what they are entitled to.
This additional funding coincides with the anticipated Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026–31, where the council will set out plans to support individuals and families over the next five years.
Commenting, Convener of Tackling Poverty Councillor Chris Costello said: “I am very pleased that council supported the administration’s budget, which prioritised tackling poverty and investing in our communities.
“Our Tackling Poverty Team generates tens of millions of pounds every year through income maximisation, and our sector-leading cash-first approach sees families supported directly in the face of cost-of-living pressures.
“This additional funding will give the team more security over the coming year to continue their excellent work and will ensure residents facing food and fuel poverty are supported.
"I am proud of this investment, which reaffirms our commitment to tackling poverty and making North Lanarkshire a better place to grow up, live and work.”