Agenda Document Pack - Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee - 07/08/2026
North Lanarkshire Council · 7 August 2026
Back to Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee — 7 August 2026 and its agenda
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29 July 2026 Members of the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Chief Executive’s Office Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal, Democratic and Strategy) Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk Notice is given that a Meeting of the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee is to be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB on Friday, 07 August 2026 at 10:00 AM which you are requested to attend. The agenda of business is attached. Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal, Democratic and Strategy) Members : Clerk Name: Karen Swan Clerk Telephone: 07919 730272 Clerk Email: committee@northlan.gov.uk C Costello, K Harmon, C Barclay, B Baudo, H Brannan-McVey, G Currie, F Fotheringham, W Goldie, H Gray, J Jones, P Kelly, J Keltie, A Khan, J Leckie, A McCrory, L Mitchell, L Nolan, P Patton, D Robb, L Stubbs, C Williams. Page 1 of 66
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Agenda 1 Declarations of Interest In Terms of the Ethical Standards In Public Life Etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 Operational 2 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire - Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026 - 2030 Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) seeking approval of the new Tackling Poverty Strategy and supporting Action Plan: Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire 2026-31. 5 - 54 3 Tackling Poverty Team Activity Report 2025 to 2026 Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) detailing income maximisation work undertaken by the Tackling Poverty Team and Council Services during 2025/26. 55 - 66 Page 3 of 66
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref AG/JC Date 07/08/26 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026 to 2031 From Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) E-mail gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Executive Summary This report introduces and seeks endorsement of the new Tackling Poverty Strategy and supporting Action Plan: Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire 2026-31 North Lanarkshire has made significant progress in tackling poverty since the introduction of its first Tackling Poverty Strategy in 2020. The 2020 to 2023 strategy established a shared corporate framework focused on inclusive growth and addressing the key drivers of poverty: income from benefits, income from employment and reducing the cost of living. Delivery during this period was significantly shaped by the pandemic which required a necessary shift towards emergency and crisis responses and limited the pace of longer- term system change. The subsequent Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 to 2026 marked a transition towards delivery at scale informed by learning from the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. The strategy strengthened delivery across all tackling poverty drivers and introduced holistic supports as a fourth driver of poverty, enabling a more person-centred, whole-household approach. Governance and delivery arrangements have also evolved with deeper multi- agency integration, the adoption of the ‘No Wrong Door’ model and a strengthened commitment to co-production and lived experience. The Strategy provides a vehicle to support the council meet its statutory duties under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017, aligned with national and COSLA priorities and critically is also aligned with the wider Plan for North Lanarkshire and its key deliverables in particular forming a key part of the Resilient People programme, Whilst, as previously reported to Committee, we have seen a small but significant reduction in child poverty levels over the most recent period, the new Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026- 2031 has been developed in the context of sustained cost of living pressures, rising in-work poverty and increase demand for public services linked to financial vulnerability. Analysis of progress since 2020 highlights the need to move decisively from crisis-led responses towards prevention, resilience and long-term system change, with a focus on early intervention, cash first approaches, fair work progression, whole family support, community wealth building and the format embedding of lived experience with governance and performance arrangements. Item 2 Page 5 of 66
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1. Background 1.1 The ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire’ Tackling Poverty Strategy 2020-2023 and 2023-2026 and their associated Action Plans were approved at the Policy and Strategy Committee meetings on 11th June 2020 and 28th September 2023 respectively. Annual updates on achievements and challenges in delivery of the Tackling Poverty Action Plans have been submitted to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee throughout the last 6 years with interim reports providing additional insight into actions against specific drivers. 1.2 The Tackling Poverty Strategy 2020-2023 represented North Lanarkshire Council’s first formal, comprehensive strategic approach to addressing poverty. It established a framework focusing on inclusive growth, equality of opportunity and tackling structural drivers of poverty, with a priority given to income from employment, social security and the cost-of-living pressures. 1.3 Delivery of the 2020-2023 strategy coincided with the Covid 19 pandemic, resulting in a significant shift towards emergency response and crisis supports. While essential, this limited the ability to fully deliver the longer term, preventative system change originally envisaged. 1.4 The Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023-2026 was developed in the context of post pandemic recovery and the cost-of-living crisis and widening inequality and reflected a shift towards delivery at scale, informed by learning from emergency response activity and focusing on achieving tangible outcomes for households. 1.5 Both strategy periods recognised income from employment, social security and cost- of-living pressures as the primary drivers of poverty with the 2023–2026 strategy strengthening the delivery focus across these areas, including enhanced employability pathways, increased income maximisation activity and expanded cost-of-living mitigations 1.6 A significant development in the 2023-2026 strategy was the formal inclusion of holistic support as a fourth driver of poverty. This reflects evidence that poverty is often experienced through multiple, overlapping challenges such as poor health, caring Recommendations It is recommended that the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee: (1) Consider and endorse ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire’ Tackling Poverty Strategy and its associated Action Plan as set out in Appendix 1 of this report, noting that it will be submitted to the Policy and Strategy Committee for approval. (2) Note that the report will also be remitted to the North Lanarkshire Partnership Strategic Leadership Board for consideration. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement All ambition statements Programme of Work Resilient People Item 2 Page 6 of 66
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responsibilities, debt and housing instability, and that single‑issue interventions are insufficient to deliver sustained change. This shift has supported a more person- centred, needs-led approach, enabling services to respond more effectively to complexity and support longer term resilience for individuals and families. 1.7 The 2020–2023 strategy embedded partnership working across council services and Community Planning Partnership partners, with engagement with communities primarily consultative in nature. While coordination across services was evident, delivery was often service led and limited in its capacity to align activity at pace. The 2023–2026 strategy strengthened the delivery model through deeper multiagency integration, coordinated via the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group, and the adoption of a “No Wrong Door” approach, thus ensuring that residents could access more holistic and responsive supports. 1.8 The Child Poverty Act (Scotland) 2017, requires the Council to prepare and publish an annual Local Child Poverty Action Report in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire and this duty and supporting activity remains aligned and incorporated within the planning and delivery of our Strategy. 1.9 To ensure planning structures remain fit for purpose, the muti-agency Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group (TPOAG) reviewed and revised its membership and subgroups and the remits of each group in early 2026 and also agreed to change its name to the Tackling Poverty Steering Group, the new governance chart is outlined in Appendix 4. 2. Report 2.1 The development of our new Strategy has been informed by developments in the wider national strategic context but most importantly our local strategic needs analysis and priorities: Scottish Government 2.2 The Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026–2031 (Bringing Hope, Building Futures) is the Scottish Government’s final statutory delivery plan under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. It sets out the national approach to accelerating progress towards the legally binding 2030 targets to significantly reduce child poverty, at a time when many families continue to experience acute financial pressure from high living costs, housing challenges and labour market insecurity. 2.3 The Plan is built around four inter‑connected priorities: increasing earned incomes; reducing the cost of living; maximising income from social security and benefits; and supporting children and families to thrive. Central to its delivery is a commitment to Whole Family Support, recognising that poverty is experienced through a combination of low income, high household costs and wider social and wellbeing challenges. 2.4 Local authorities are identified as key system leaders in delivering the Plan’s ambitions, with responsibilities spanning housing, education, employability, welfare advice and community wellbeing. The Plan reinforces the importance of prevention, early intervention and joined‑up services at local level, aligned to place‑based needs and lived experience. UK Government 2.5 Our Children, Our Future sets out the UK Government’s ten-year strategy to substantially reduce child poverty by tackling its root causes and immediate impacts. Item 2 Page 7 of 66
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The report highlights that child poverty has risen sharply since 2010 and now affects around 4.5 million children across the UK, with most children in poverty living in working families. While this is a UK-wide strategy, it explicitly recognises that child poverty rates in Scotland are lower than in England and Wales. 2.6 The strategy is organised around three core levers: boosting family incomes, reducing the costs of essentials, and strengthening local support. UK-wide measures—many of which apply in Scotland—include increasing the National Living Wage, raising the basic rate of Universal Credit, improving employment rights, and removing the two-child limit, which is expected to lift thousands of children out of poverty across the UK. The strategy reflects that social security and employment policies introduced by the UK Government generally apply in England, Wales and Scotland, while recognising that Scotland operates a distinct, devolved social security system which can enhance or supplement UK provision. 2.7 Crucially, it emphasises devolution and partnership, explicitly situating the strategy alongside Scotland’s own child poverty framework. COSLA 2.8 Local government plays a central and long-standing role in tackling poverty across Scotland, working to maximise household incomes, reduce living costs, and coproduce local solutions with communities and third-sector partners. While significant progress was made in reducing child and pensioner poverty from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, this has since stalled, with poverty rates rising or plateauing across all groups due to factors such as higher housing costs, social security reforms, the impacts of COVID-19 and conflicts around the world impacting on household costs. The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 set statutory targets and placed duties on councils to report annually on local actions, reinforcing local government’s accountability and leadership within a complex national policy landscape. 2.9 COSLA has however identified that there is a timely opportunity to refresh and strengthen local government’s strategic approach, aligning with renewed UK and Scottish child poverty strategies launched in late 2025 and early 2026. COSLA is advocating for a coordinated, joint approach across all levels of government that moves beyond short-term pilots, rationalises funding streams, and embeds proportionate universalism. Emerging priorities include a stronger focus on family poverty, balancing universal and targeted interventions, recognising the role of place and community, improving policy coherence with economic growth, and securing sustainable funding. Convention members are invited to reflect on these priorities to help shape future collective action to accelerate progress on poverty reduction. North Lanarkshire Council Programme of Work 2.10 The Policy and Strategy Committee approved the ‘Programme of Work’ midpoint review – outcome and next steps report on 11th June 2026. 2.11 The report highlights that North Lanarkshire has made measurable progress across a wide range of areas with both people and place-based interventions contributing to more inclusive growth and addressing wider inequalities, with 68% of key indicators, including that for child poverty improving and 40% of planned programme deliverables achieved to date. This reflects positive movement in areas such as income, wellbeing, and service access. However, the report also confirms that deep-rooted and Item 2 Page 8 of 66
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intergenerational poverty persists, alongside widening inequalities between some communities and increasing demand for support. These outcomes show that while our programmes are delivering substantial positive impacts, this has not yet been sufficient to shift the underlying structural drivers of poverty on a scale. 2.12 The midpoint review finds that tackling poverty requires a more coordinated, preventative, and system-wide response. Current approaches are sometimes fragmented and reactive, limiting their ability to address the root causes of poverty such as low income, poor health, housing pressures, and unequal access to opportunity. The evidence points to growing complexity of need, and highlights gaps in targeting, integration, and long-term sustainability, identifying a clear need to strengthen partnership working, align services more effectively across people’s life stages, and embed tackling poverty across all council priorities. 2.13 The report sets out a refocused Programme of Work designed to accelerate poverty reduction through integrated, high-impact interventions. This builds on existing programme commitments such as early and accessible family support and includes new strategic deliverables including preventative public services, improved housing and education options and transformative connectivity. Alongside this, a council-wide service redesign programme will prioritise early intervention, simplify access to support, and target resources where they have greatest impact. The overall approach shifts toward prevention, whole-system delivery, and sustained improvement, aiming to deliver more meaningful, long-term outcomes for individuals, families, and communities experiencing poverty. Tackling Poverty 2.14 North Lanarkshire’s Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026–31 has been developed against a backdrop of sustained cost-of-living pressures and increasing demand for both preventative and crisis support. While poverty has long been a significant issue, recent economic conditions have intensified financial insecurity for many households, including an increase in in-work poverty and growing links between poverty, poor health, and demand for public services. 2.15 Since the introduction of the Council’s first Tackling Poverty Strategy in 2020, North Lanarkshire has made significant progress in moving from a shared strategic framework to a more mature, delivery-focused operating model. Poverty reduction is now established as a corporate priority, supported by integrated delivery across council services and partner organisations. Cash-First approaches, whole-household support and a “no wrong door” model have become embedded within practice, reflecting a clear recognition that poverty cannot be addressed by individual services in isolation. 2.16 The Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026–31 builds on this foundation, with a focus on consolidating what works, strengthening prevention and early intervention, and ensuring consistency and sustainability of delivery at scale. The strategy places greater emphasis on system leadership, proactive identification of financial vulnerability and the use of robust data and lived experience to inform decision-making. This approach is intended to ensure that resources are targeted effectively, demand for crisis services is reduced, and collective efforts are aligned to deliver improved outcomes for residents experiencing poverty. 2.17 Analysis of progress between 2020 and 2026 indicates that the next Tackling Poverty Strategy should incorporate: • Earlier intervention at key life stages and transition points. Item 2 Page 9 of 66
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• Cash-First approaches. • A stronger focus on in‑work poverty and fair work progression. • Full embedding of whole‑family and multi‑generational support models. • Stronger alignment between tackling poverty and community wealth building. • A shift from repeat crisis supports towards advice‑first and resilience‑building approaches. • Formalising lived‑experience involvement within governance, delivery and performance arrangements. 2.18 This strategy period presents an opportunity to build on this maturity by prioritising prevention and early intervention, strengthening system resilience and reducing reliance on emergency support. Next Step 2.19 The Tackling Poverty Officers Steering Group (TPOSG) will monitor the tackling poverty drivers to allow the group to track ’How we will know if are making a difference’. To support the effectiveness of this process each tackling poverty driver in rotation will be the focus of TPASG meetings, to allow TPOSG to analyse in detail each action, using national and local data (quantitative and qualitative) and to ensure that the Actions within the scope of each driver, and the outcomes set by Scottish Government and our Action Plan are being met and delivered. 2.20 The TPOSG will submit reports on these reviews and annual update of the tackling poverty drivers to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee throughout the lifespan of the strategy. 3. Measures of success 3.1 North Lanarkshire Council ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire’ Tackling Poverty Strategy will be delivered in a way that is consistent with the Councils’ Programme for Work – Resilient People delivering the whole family support locally when families need it, ensuring that we continue a “no wrong door” approach across all of our services, meaning that no matter where someone presents there will be a referral gateway to the services that a person or family require help them out of poverty. 3.2 The successful delivery and outcomes of the 2026 to 2031 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy – Action Plan. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 – Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026 to 2031 4.2 Appendix 2 – Equality Impact Assessment 4.3 Appendix 3 – Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) 4.4 Appendix 4 – Tackling Poverty Governance Chart Item 2 Page 10 of 66
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Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) 5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Tackling Poverty Strategy brings together work across the Council to ensure effective co-ordination and will encompass the statutory requirement of the Local Child Poverty Action Report. As such, and in particular given its broad focus on tackling poverty, empowerment and reducing barriers, in particular for priority groups, it is closely aligned with and supports the council in its Fairer Scotland Duty and the addressing of structural inequalities. As some protected groups such as people with disability are more likely than others to face poverty the strategy is also relevant to the Public Sector Equality Duty. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Strategy will be delivered within the available resources of the Council including specific additional funding provided by the UK/SG to tackle the cost of living. The Council has invested non-recurring funds of £200,000 in 2026/2027 to assist in supporting residents with the cost-of-living impacts. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Item 2 Page 11 of 66
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5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire - Tackling Poverty Strategy responds appropriately to all partner’s responsibilities and duties under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? A Tackling Poverty Communication and Engagement Subgroup oversees the communications activities of the Tackling Poverty Strategy Item 2 Page 12 of 66
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5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Tackling Poverty has been identified as a Corporate Risk, with the Head of Education & Families - Integrative Practice (CSWO) as the risk lead. Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire - Tackling Poverty Strategy sets out a planned approach which seeks to eliminate poverty or make very significant reductions in the level of poverty resulting in benefit to the residents and including improvement in the overall level of health and wellbeing of communities. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). In North Lanarkshire we recognise that tackling poverty and inequality does not fall to one Service, or one Sector, we must therefore work together to use our resources effectively and efficiently ensure that all our communities have access to opportunities that will lead to better outcomes for people in terms of employment, wellbeing and inclusive growth. If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☒ No ☐ Item 2 Page 13 of 66
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Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 Key TP Strategy Only Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2025/26 Baseline 2026/2027 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030/2031 Timescales Status Identify if applies to Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 North Lanarkshire to increase the number of people employed, working real living hours and receiving the real living wage Payment of the living wage together with employment of regular substantial hours by employers is amongst those interventions that can support people out of poverty and is part of wider Fair Work commitments There is an increase in the number of NL employers in public, business and community and voluntary sectors with real living wage and real living hours accreditation Workforce for the future Economic Regeneration Plan Brighter Futures 151 real living wage employers in North Lanarkshire 7,634 employees have received a wage uplift as a result 21 new accreditations 2025/26 8 Real Living hours employers in North Lanarkshire 19478 Employees have benefitted from Real Living Hours* * One employer is SSE with 19000 employees Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR NLC Employability VANL for CVS * Number of employers paying the living wage * Number of employees receiving the living wage * number of employers employing under real living hours conditions 2 Working for Families Support families who are in or at risk of poverty to support/ access into work. Refreshed publicity to partners and public required An increase in parents entering and progressing in employment * Workforce for the Future * Economic Regeneration Plan * Local Child Poverty Action Plan Brighter Futures 1,113 engaged with WFF employability services. 475 with WFF providers and 638 with RTW. 339 entered employment, 59 from provider programme and 280 from RTW Ongoing subject to annual funding from the SG - further activity planned for 2026/27 TP Strategy and LCPAR NLC Employability Number of parents entering and within target groups progressing in employment 3 Identify pathways within labour market growth sectors or areas of high replacement demand which will provide progression routes out of low pay in North Lanarkshire. As part of the Council's Workforce for the Future Strategy and associated plan, work progression pathways will be identified for key labour market growth sectors or those with high replacement demand. These will focus on progression routes out of Progression pathways identified for key growth sectors with qualifications and progression routes agreed, published and funded. Workforce for the Future Economic Regeneration Plan Developing the Young Workforce Brighter Futures 410 people engage. 35 people gained employment, 513 people supported to complete tng or gained a qualification. 25 people accessed basic skills course (Digital academy) Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise Team Number of people progressing to higher paid jobs within North Lanarkshire Noomis statistics for levels of qualifications within working age population and average weekly wage 4 Supported Enterprise Targeted employability support on people with disabilities or other significant barriers to help them secure fair and sustained work. Also support for disabled parents to enter employment. Reduction in the disability employment gap in NL Workforce for the Future Economic Regeneration Plan Developing the Young Workforce Brighter Futures Supported Employment Service supported 273 people on the 5- stage employment model, with 210 people receiving various levels of work support. 64 people in the job finding phase. Supported Employment are currently working with over 242 clients with 78 entering and employment. The service has seen an increase in referrels during 25/26 which has resulted in the service currently having a waiting list Ongoing Continued support planned for the next 3 years TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of people progressing to higher paid jobs within North Lanarkshire Noomis statistics for levels of qualifications within working age population and average weekly wage 5 No one Left Behind Targeted employability support for vulnerable young people who have mental health problems, the BAME community and over 50s, with delivery through CVS organisations. In addition funding identified to support 200 young people. Rise in employment figures in targeted groups. Targets met to support young people in gaining qualifications Workforce for the Future Economic Regeneration Plan Brighter Futures 1,575 people engaged. (718 from provider programme and 857 RTW). 527 entered employment (113 from provider programme and 414 from RTW) Ongoing Ongoind subject to annual funding from ScotGov TP Strategy Only Employability Number of people in employment. Number of economically inactive into positive destinations 6 Increase entrepreneurship, self- employment and the business birth rate in North Lanarkshire Deliver a range of interventions including school-based activities to increase the numbers of people considering or in self-employment in North Lanarkshire, to increase the business birth rate and to support those businesses to survive and grow An increase in the percentage of economically active in North Lanarkshire in self- employment, an increase in the number of new business starts per 10,000 working age population and an increase in the 3-year business survival rate Workforce for the future Economic Regeneration Brighter Futures Invest in North Lanarkshire NL prestart customers 1186 and 339 starts in 2025-26. annual ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise and Development ONS annual population survey (Self employment statistics) Business Birth and Survival Rates – ONS Business Demography 7 SHERU research into No One Left Behind Project Use Research findings to analyse how social and economic factors are driving inequality in NL, particularly for single men To be developed when research is published (due Summer 2026) Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability and Justice reports from SHERU INCREASE INCOME VIA EMPLOYENT Item 2 Page 14 of 66
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8 Map and scope Child Care provision, inclusive of Breakfast Clubs in North Lanarkshire Capacity and reach of Child Care Provision in preparation for national breakfast club offer from ScotGov (Aug 2027), Completion of the Mapping and Scoping Exercise and identifying opportunities to expand the offer of accessible child care N/A Mar-27 ongoing TP Strategy Only 9 Parental Transport - utilise ScotGov Funding to provide support with transport for parents utilise ScotGov Funding to provide support with transport for parents No of parents assisted and number entering employment and other positive destinations N/A Delivered over 2026-27 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of parent supported. No of parents from priority groups supported 10 Raising Income through Skills and Education (RISE) funding utilised to support access to skills and education developing/expanding training opportunities for parents in the College Sector No of parents assisted and number entering employment and other positive destinations N/A Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR New College Lanarkshire Number of parent supported. No of parents from priority groups supported 11 New Training Access Fund utilised to support access to skills and education developing/expanding training opportunities for individuals within the college sector No of Individuals assisted and number entering employment and other positive destinations N/A Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR New College Lanarkshire Number of parent supported. No of parents from priority groups supported 12 NHSL - additional funding for jobs Develop and expand on NHSL capacity to create work placements and jobs for parents No of parents assisted into work placements and employment Workforce for the future Economic Regeneration Brighter Futures Invest in North Lanarkshire N/A Item 2 Page 15 of 66
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Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 Key TP Strategy Only Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2025/26 Baseline 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030 / 31 Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 New Affordable Homes by NLC and in collaboration with partners Deliver 6000 new affordable homes by 2035 through NLC building programme and in partnership with housing association and co- operative partners and the Open Market Purchase Scheme reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficient, affordable homes Local Housing Strategy Transforming Places April 2025- March 2026. 144 new homes in total. 29 new build completed this year plus 115 OMPS. 300 homes under construction just now. Total Wheelchair Standard Homes (NLC & RSL) = 80 2035 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing New Supply Number of new homes built 2 Fuel Efficiency for Homes Area Based Schemes NLC homes and owner occupied homes are assisted with Energy Efficiency measures Number of households assisted Local Housing Strategy and Housing Asset Management Plan, climate Action plan Sustainable Futures 99.5% of all NLC housing stock is rated EPC D or above, £2m of EES:ABS funding claimed. £2.9m allocated for 2025/26 Ongoing subject to Scot Gov funding allocations Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Solutions ABS spend 3 Fuel Poverty Assistance for individuals Individuals are assisted with energy assistance, advice and energy debt Number of referrals dealt with by CAB Network Energy Projects Climate Action Plan Resilient People 3,394 clients were supported with energy related queries £709,598 in new energy debt. 29 referrals to Home Energy Scotland. £370,448 of income generated for energy debt refs (£2,724 of client financial gain was through debts written off) 2,740 Fuel Vouchers were distributed to clients. Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR CAB Network and Tackling Poverty Team No of individuals accessing advice and support 4 Continue to deliver Debt Advice to residents in North Lanarkshire Advice and support in relation to debt and budgeting advice provided by Council and Externally commissioned advice services assist people out of debt and provide them with the tools to budget accordingly Financial Inclusion for Scotland Strategy Resilient People 2025/26 NLC TPT received 1834 referrals for debt advice (estimated till end March 2026).Total debt dealt with 25/26 is £3,372, 966.81(estimated till end March) CAB 2,579 clients dealt with £3million of debt Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to the Debt Advice Team Level of debt assisted 5 Tackle the Issue of Public Debt Public Debt owed to DWP for loans and advances, NLC for rent and council tax should be collected in a fair and consistent way without causing additional financial hardship. TPOAG to address this issue via the Reduce the Cost of Living Sub Group Progression of a corporate debt approach including holistic early intervention and provision of income maximisation and debt advice for those with public debt Local Housing Strategy, Aberlour Scotlands public scot debt recovery scotland bill (proposal) Financial Inclusion For Scotland Strategy Resilient People £1, 051, 323 of public debt was presented to NLC Debt Advice Service Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Amount of Public Debt presenting 6 Affordable Credit To promote credit unions across North Lanarkshire employers and communities to encourage more people to join to increase access to affordable credit. To widen access to payroll deduction for credit unions and access to affordable credit. Establish a Credit Union Forum in North Lanarkshire Credit union membership numbers *Local Employers signing up to CU payroll deductions Financial Inclusion for Scotland Strategy Resilient People 12 affiliated Credit Unions for those living or working in North Lanarkshire 23,452 adult members * 1,798 junior members 26,156,019 current loans for North Lanarkshire Members 59 affordable credit sessions delivered by Sum it Up Debt Advisers with 547 people attending * Membership fluctuates but across the board both savings and loans are increasing ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team The number of employers promoting payslip deductions The number of people joining the credit union 7 Rent Assistance Fund (moved from Income from Benefits Driver Rent Assistance Fund – to assist people who have experienced/are experiencing financial difficulty due to the increase in the cost of living. If tenant has received a previous award of funding from SG – TGF or SC Lacer Fund – they will not be eligible. Tenants can receive a maximum award of £2250 and this funding is not re-payable (fund allocation £1,000,000) Numbers of Tenants accessing the fund. Rent arrears covered by the fund Local Housing Strategy Resilient People 88 RAF awards processed in 2025/26 to date Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Services number of tenants accessing the fund, payments made and rent arrears covered 8 Universal Credit Assistance Fund (moved from Income from Benefits Driver UCAF award is to assist tenants who have fallen behind with their rent due to the 5 week waiting period, and tenants who are in receipt of Universal credit are eligible to apply People can access the fund, it requires to be paid back, however, this is at an affordable level - the fund ensures that people can remain in their own home with their arrears being managed. Local Housing Strategy Local Housing Strategy 3,414 UCAF awards processed in 2025/26 to date Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Services number of tenants accessing the fund, payments made and rent arrears covered 9 Increase take up of Free School Meals In situ Increase the number of children who are entitled to a Free School Meal either through universal entitlement or on means tested grounds, who actually take up the offer Percentage of Children taking up free school meals when they have entitlement is increased Poverty Proofing in Schools, Population Health Framework Resilient People 2026-27 40% of Secondary Pupils take up the offer of FSM. 63% of Primary Pupils take up their FSM Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Facilities Support Services & Education Take up rates for Free School Meals 10 Free Transport for Under 22's Promote and Maximise uptake of Free Bus Travel for 5-21 year olds Number of travel cards issued and in use Active Travel Strategy Resilient People 82% take up in 2025/2026. 85, 306 cards issued ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR CLD number of travel cards provided Item 2 Page 16 of 66
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11 Address Period Poverty Provide women with access to period products within education and other public buildings Develop Peer Support Programme Expand number of council building access points-expand community group partnerships from 8- 10 areas- develop recording to better understand demand and distribution- consider period card scheme. Distribution across all of North Lanarkshire. Number of products distributed The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 1,250,000 products, covering all North Lanarkshire Council public-facing buildings and education establishments. local residents accessed free period products from over 100 North Lanarkshire Council public-facing buildings and 180 education establishments Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise and Communities Number of products delivered. 12 Support people to stop smoking to reduce outgoings Stopping smoking can have a positive impact of finances as well as health. Brief intervention and referral to the Quit Your Way service in Lanarkshire can support people to successfully quit smoking. Pregnant women are a particularly key target group. Measurements expanded to include smoking prevalence, children’s exposure to second-hand smoke (SIMD1 areas), the number of quit dates set and the number of people who reach the 12-week quit stage. Referral pathwayas to be established and developed in partnership with Council and Partner agencies. This workwill be taken forward as part of the TPOAG sub group on reducing the cost of living NHS Cost of Living Strategy Resilient People N/A* measurements expanded from initial targets re pregnant women Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way Service Referral numbers Number of people supported to stop smoking. 13 Restorative Justice - Tackling Poverty Individuals subject to unpaid work work within Restorative Justice settings including bike workshop, woodworking and community allottments Practical measures e.g number of hours worked in allottments, no of bikes distributed to children, no of items of play equipment provided for schools Justice Partnership Resilient People 2025-26 figures not yet available ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Restorative Justice Practical assistance provided to local community Item 2 Page 17 of 66
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2025/26 BASELINE 2026/27 2027/28 2028/2029 2029/2030 2030/2031 Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 The Tackling Poverty Team and other council services to continue to maximise the income of the residents of North Lanarkshire All residents are offered income maximisation and we continue to promote the "no wrong door" approach Residents will be directed to the tackling poverty team to ensure income is fully maximised The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People An average of 1319 referrals per month in 2025/26 generating income of £57,706,881 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 2 MacMillan Advice Service Maximise the income of cancer patients, their families and carers Provide an income maximisation and debt advice service The Cancer Strategy Resilient People 865 referrals generating £2,415,676 in 2025/26 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 3 Work with the community and Services to encourage challenges to benefit decisions via Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals to Upper Tribunal level Encourage residents to exhaust all challenges to benefit decisions number of mandatory reconsiderations / number of appeals lodged / income generated via MR and Appeal The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 287 mandatory reconsiderations generating £1,681,138 150 appeals generating £1,288,823 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Team number of mandatory reconsiderations / number of appeals lodged / income generated via MR and Appeal 4 Work with all social work services to ensure income maximisation is carried out for all vulnerable client groups Social Work staff refer people to the Tackling Poverty Team who will carry out all income maximisation work Referrals to the tackling poverty team from all social work staff The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 1848 claims made generating £7,283,0083 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 5 Increase the uptake of education related benefits such as Free School Meals, EMA and Clothing Grants education and tackling poverty team to promote and assist in maximising income via education related benefits uptake of education related benefits The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 10,621 - free school meals 11387 - clothing grants 745 - EMA payments awarded ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education and The Tackling Poverty Team number of claims and successful outcomes 6 Continue welfare rights provision within ASN schools and extend to all educational setting providing ASN provision classes Welfare Rights Officer to deliver income maximisation to families and carers Number of benefit checks / income generated The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People £1,414,011 income generated project extended for a further year project extended to June 2026 TP Strategy and LCPAR Education and The Tackling Poverty Team Number of people accessing the service / income generated 7 Commissioned Services - Income Maximiation via Benefit Uptake All residents are offered income maximisation and we continue to promote the "no wrong door" approach the successful commissioned service offer income maximisation to the residents of North Lanarkshire NHS Cost of Living Resilient People based on first 6 months figures - projection is £7,575,924 income generated for NL residents Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 8 Improvement Service Project - GP Practices GP Practices identified by the Improvement Service have a welfare rights officer in situ, with access to GP records The welfare rights service is integrated into the GP Practice The Plan for North Lanarkshire The Plan for North Lanarkshire £244,198 income generated in 2025/26 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 9 Child Poverty Accelerator Fund Project - Provision of income maxiisation services via pharmacy CPAF funding to provide income maximisation services with pharmacies specidically within Bellshill locality welfare rights services become integrated into pharmacy provision. The number of referrals and income maximiation The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People N/A - project to start late 2026 Later Summer 2026 TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Team / NHS Lanakrshire number of referrals / income generated 10 2027 - campaign around the uptake of Scottish Child Payment with the introduction of the higher payment for under 1s work with registrars and health, as well as campaign work when the additional benefit is introduced uptake of the scottish child payment The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People N/A Start Date 2027 2027 TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team uptake in benefits 11 Reducing the need for emergency food provision, through income maximisation and cash first approaches Mitigate the need for foodbank use by ensuring access to advice services and claims to crisis grants, and where possible operate Cash First not Cash Only approach A decrease in the use of foodbanks - income maximisation and prevention interventions The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People £3,524,303 generated in additional benefits for people Ongoing, however, cash payments administered by the TPT will end in November 25 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to foodbanks Number of Crisis Grant applications 12 Welfare Reform Subgroup NLAN to lead onThe welfare reform group to ensure serviceds, elected members etc are kept fully abreast of welfare reform changes and their impact on our communities updates are provided and action taken when necessary The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People Welfare Reform promoting the advice around Managed Migration has been the biggest piece of work since 2023 ensuring income is maximised prior to migrating and raising awareness and providing support with issues pre and post migration. Beyond this we have had the NLAN event to promote the work ongoing across all the partners in North Lanarkshire. Elected Members pack produced and circulated Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR North Lanarkshire Advice Network Issues raised / campaigns 13 Improve Health Referral Gateways - increasing access to income maximisation and advice services Health Staff will ensure money issues are addressed and referrals are made to the tackling poverty team Identify the source of referral / number of referrals and income generated NHS Cost of Living Resilient People £3,387,195 income generated via health referrals Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated / Number of health teams or services referring Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 INCREASE INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY Item 2 Page 18 of 66
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030/31 Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 Whole Family Support To create a flexible, reliable and integrated support for families to ensure that every famly who needs support gets the right support at the right time. People have access to income maximisation, employability and money advice services at the right time. Childrens Services Plan Resilient People 510 referrals received by FHANS service (potentially higher as does not include March 26 figures) 2023 - 26 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Children and Families inter service referrals 2 Fairer Futures Project Tackling child poverty focussing on children with ASN, working in collaboration with Carers Toghether and Early Years Ensuring families with ASN children receive early intervention services via whole family support and tackling poverty The Plan For North Lanarkshire Resilient People 54 claims for benefit made - generating £453,774 project ends June 2026 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Carers Together, Children and Families, Early Years, Tackling Poverty Team Number of families assisted 3 Cash First not Cash Only Cash first with income maximisation and budgeting advice approach to be used as a preventative tool people accessing the service at earlier stages, preventing crisis and a need for more intensive services The Plan For North Lanarkshire Resilient People no baseline ends 2027 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Team number of people assisted - provision and income generated 3 Financial Education (Adults) The Multiply Project is a government initiative helping adults to improve their numeracy skills, people can access numeracy qualifications with the access of the Community Learning and Development Service and will be able to access financial education from the Tackling Poverty Team. people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to manage money well and make informed decisions. The Plan for North Lan Resilient People 240 sessions delivered to 130 groups - with 1000 people attending Project ends March 2025 On going TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of courses delivered / number of attendees 4 Financial Education (children and young people) Implentation of finnacial education in the classroom develop financial education and introduction of the Smart Spending Challenge The Plan for North Lan Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Tackling Poverty Team number of schools paticipating in Smart Spending Challenge/ number of children d5 Poverty Awareness Training Bespoke poverty awareness sessions for council, NHS and third sector partners. Introduction of Digital Platform - consideration to include this as mandatory training schedule Number of people attending the sessions and ultimately the number of referrals this leads to The Plan for North Lan Resilient People 620 staff attended poverty awareness sessions - NQSW, social work staff, Barnardos, Carers Together, NLADP and education onggoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions delivered / number of people attending / referrals following the training 6 The Three Questions Continue to gather the voice of lived expereince from our communties experiencing poverty and inequality using the Three Questions Number of events / number of schools / number of people participating The Plan for North Lan Resilient People 93 events completed - all schools completed Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of sessions / number of comments 7 Cost of the School Day Each school will have a bespoke Cost of the School Day poverty proofing document for staff, pupils and their families Number of schools with COSD / number of reviews of document The Plan for North Lan Resilient People n/a TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Tackling Poverty Team Number of schools with the document 8 Social Values awaiting stacey improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of our communities The Plan for North Lan transforming places ongoing ongoing TP Strategy Only Enterprise and Communities Number of Tackling Poverty Interventions 9 Community Solutions Programme Wide ranging community supports provided by Community and Voluntary Sector organisations to support residents wellbeing including those in poverty or at risk of poverty including; food, mental health and wellbeing improved wellbeing Community Solutions Strategy and Investment Plan 2023 and HSCNL Commissioning Plan 2023 - 26 Resilient People 7280 children and young people supported (VANL) ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR VANL Learning and impact reports 10 Local Outcome Improvemenjt Plans - Focus on Poverty Interventions The LOIP is currently under review with outocmes expected in 2027 - the strategy will reflect the community boards expectations on tackling poverty Those representing communities understand their roles and responsibilities in raising awareness of key poverty messages, challenging stigma The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Local Planning Partnership Teams Community Board Sub Groups Reports 11 Collaboration with New College Lanarkshire (NCL) in terms of both operational and strategic planning Explore research opportunities with NCL regarding the impact of poverty in our communities, together with practical and operational support via the College Poverty Centre Research Ptogrammes / operational inputs The Plan for North Lanarkshire New College Lanarkshire Strategy 2030 Resilient People n/a starting late 2026 TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Steering Group New College Lanarkshire Research and operational inputs Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 HOLISTIC SUPPORTS Item 2 Page 19 of 66
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Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 Key TP Strategy Only Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2025/26 Baseline 2026/2027 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030/2031 Timescales Status Identify if applies to Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 North Lanarkshire to increase the number of people employed, working real living hours and receiving the real living wage Payment of the living wage together with employment of regular substantial hours by employers is amongst those interventions that can support people out of poverty and is part of wider Fair Work commitments There is an increase in the number of NL employers in public, business and community and voluntary sectors with real living wage and real living hours accreditation Workforce for the future Economic Regeneration Plan Brighter Futures 151 real living wage employers in North Lanarkshire 7,634 employees have received a wage uplift as a result 21 new accreditations 2025/26 8 Real Living hours employers in North Lanarkshire 19478 Employees have benefitted from Real Living Hours* * One employer is SSE with 19000 employees Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR NLC Employability VANL for CVS * Number of employers paying the living wage * Number of employees receiving the living wage * number of employers employing under real living hours conditions 2 Working for Families Support families who are in or at risk of poverty to support/ access into work. Refreshed publicity to partners and public required An increase in parents entering and progressing in employment * Workforce for the Future * Economic Regeneration Plan * Local Child Poverty Action Plan Brighter Futures 1,113 engaged with WFF employability services. 475 with WFF providers and 638 with RTW. 339 entered employment, 59 from provider programme and 280 from RTW Ongoing subject to annual funding from the SG - further activity planned for 2026/27 TP Strategy and LCPAR NLC Employability Number of parents entering and within target groups progressing in employment 3 Identify pathways within labour market growth sectors or areas of high replacement demand which will provide progression routes out of low pay in North Lanarkshire. As part of the Council's Workforce for the Future Strategy and associated plan, work progression pathways will be identified for key labour market growth sectors or those with high replacement demand. These will focus on progression routes out of low pay and strategies for engaging Progression pathways identified for key growth sectors with qualifications and progression routes agreed, published and funded. Workforce for the Future Economic Regeneration Plan Developing the Young Workforce Brighter Futures 410 people engage. 35 people gained employment, 513 people supported to complete tng or gained a qualification. 25 people accessed basic skills course (Digital academy) Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise Team Number of people progressing to higher paid jobs within North Lanarkshire Noomis statistics for levels of qualifications within working age population and average weekly wage 4 Supported Enterprise Targeted employability support on people with disabilities or other significant barriers to help them secure fair and sustained work. Also support for disabled parents to enter employment. Reduction in the disability employment gap in NL Workforce for the Future Economic Regeneration Plan Developing the Young Workforce Brighter Futures Supported Employment Service supported 273 people on the 5- stage employment model, with 210 people receiving various levels of work support. 64 people in the job finding phase. Supported Employment are currently working with over 242 clients with 78 entering and employment. The service has seen an increase in referrels during 25/26 which has resulted in the service currently having a waiting list Ongoing Continued support planned for the next 3 years TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of people progressing to higher paid jobs within North Lanarkshire Noomis statistics for levels of qualifications within working age population and average weekly wage 5 No one Left Behind Targeted employability support for vulnerable young people who have mental health problems, the BAME community and over 50s, with delivery through CVS organisations. In addition funding identified to support 200 young people. Rise in employment figures in targeted groups. Targets met to support young people in gaining qualifications Workforce for the Future Economic Regeneration Plan Brighter Futures 1,575 people engaged. (718 from provider programme and 857 RTW). 527 entered employment (113 from provider programme and 414 from RTW) Ongoing Ongoind subject to annual funding from ScotGov TP Strategy Only Employability Number of people in employment. Number of economically inactive into positive destinations 6 Increase entrepreneurship, self- employment and the business birth rate in North Lanarkshire Deliver a range of interventions including school-based activities to increase the numbers of people considering or in self-employment in North Lanarkshire, to increase the business birth rate and to support those businesses to survive and grow An increase in the percentage of economically active in North Lanarkshire in self- employment, an increase in the number of new business starts per 10,000 working age population and an increase in the 3-year business survival rate Workforce for the future Economic Regeneration Brighter Futures Invest in North Lanarkshire NL prestart customers 1186 and 339 starts in 2025-26. annual ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise and Development ONS annual population survey (Self employment statistics) Business Birth and Survival Rates – ONS Business Demography 7 SHERU research into No One Left Behind Project Use Research findings to analyse how social and economic factors are driving inequality in NL, particularly for single men To be developed when research is published (due Summer 2026) Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability and Justice reports from SHERU INCREASE INCOME VIA EMPLOYENT Item 2 Page 20 of 66
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8 Map and scope Child Care provision, inclusive of Breakfast Clubs in North Lanarkshire Capacity and reach of Child Care Provision in preparation for national breakfast club offer from ScotGov (Aug 2027), Completion of the Mapping and Scoping Exercise and identifying opportunities to expand the offer of accessible child care N/A Mar-27 ongoing TP Strategy Only 9 Parental Transport - utilise ScotGov Funding to provide support with transport for parents utilise ScotGov Funding to provide support with transport for parents No of parents assisted and number entering employment and other positive destinations N/A Delivered over 2026-27 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of parent supported. No of parents from priority groups supported 10 Raising Income through Skills and Education (RISE) funding utilised to support access to skills and education developing/expanding training opportunities for parents in the College Sector No of parents assisted and number entering employment and other positive destinations N/A Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR New College Lanarkshire Number of parent supported. No of parents from priority groups supported 11 New Training Access Fund utilised to support access to skills and education developing/expanding training opportunities for individuals within the college sector No of Individuals assisted and number entering employment and other positive destinations N/A Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR New College Lanarkshire Number of parent supported. No of parents from priority groups supported 12 NHSL - additional funding for jobs Develop and expand on NHSL capacity to create work placements and jobs for parents No of parents assisted into work placements and employment Workforce for the future Economic Regeneration Brighter Futures Invest in North Lanarkshire N/A Item 2 Page 21 of 66
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Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 Key TP Strategy Only Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2025/26 Baseline 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030 / 31 Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 New Affordable Homes by NLC and in collaboration with partners Deliver 6000 new affordable homes by 2035 through NLC building programme and in partnership with housing association and co-operative partners and the Open Market Purchase Scheme reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficient, affordable homes Local Housing Strategy Transforming Places April 2025- March 2026. 144 new homes in total. 29 new build completed this year plus 115 OMPS. 300 homes under construction just now. Total Wheelchair Standard Homes (NLC & RSL) = 80 2035 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing New Supply Number of new homes built 2 Fuel Efficiency for Homes Area Based Schemes NLC homes and owner occupied homes are assisted with Energy Efficiency measures Number of households assisted Local Housing Strategy and Housing Asset Management Plan, climate Action plan Sustainable Futures 99.5% of all NLC housing stock is rated EPC D or above, £2m of EES:ABS funding claimed. £2.9m allocated for 2025/26 Ongoing subject to Scot Gov funding allocations Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Solutions ABS spend 3 Fuel Poverty Assistance for individuals Individuals are assisted with energy assistance, advice and energy debt Number of referrals dealt with by CAB Network Energy Projects Climate Action Plan Resilient People 3,394 clients were supported with energy related queries £709,598 in new energy debt. 29 referrals to Home Energy Scotland. £370,448 of income generated for energy debt refs (£2,724 of client financial gain was through debts written off) 2,740 Fuel Vouchers were distributed to clients. Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR CAB Network and Tackling Poverty Team No of individuals accessing advice and support 4 Continue to deliver Debt Advice to residents in North Lanarkshire Advice and support in relation to debt and budgeting advice provided by Council and Externally commissioned advice services assist people out of debt and provide them with the tools to budget accordingly Financial Inclusion for Scotland Strategy Resilient People 2025/26 NLC TPT received 1834 referrals for debt advice (estimated till end March 2026).Total debt dealt with 25/26 is £3,372, 966.81(estimated till end March) CAB 2,579 clients dealt with £3million of debt Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to the Debt Advice Team Level of debt assisted 5 Tackle the Issue of Public Debt Public Debt owed to DWP for loans and advances, NLC for rent and council tax should be collected in a fair and consistent way without causing additional financial hardship. TPOAG to address this issue via the Reduce the Cost of Living Sub Group Progression of a corporate debt approach including holistic early intervention and provision of income maximisation and debt advice for those with public debt Local Housing Strategy, Aberlour Scotlands public scot debt recovery scotland bill (proposal) Financial Inclusion For Scotland Strategy Resilient People £1, 051, 323 of public debt was presented to NLC Debt Advice Service Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Amount of Public Debt presenting 6 Affordable Credit To promote credit unions across North Lanarkshire employers and communities to encourage more people to join to increase access to affordable credit. To widen access to payroll deduction for credit unions and access to affordable credit. Establish a Credit Union Forum in North Lanarkshire Credit union membership numbers *Local Employers signing up to CU payroll deductions Financial Inclusion for Scotland Strategy Resilient People 12 affiliated Credit Unions for those living or working in North Lanarkshire 23,452 adult members * 1,798 junior members 26,156,019 current loans for North Lanarkshire Members 59 affordable credit sessions delivered by Sum it Up Debt Advisers with 547 people attending * Membership fluctuates but across the board both savings and loans are increasing ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team The number of employers promoting payslip deductions The number of people joining the credit union 7 Rent Assistance Fund (moved from Income from Benefits Driver Rent Assistance Fund – to assist people who have experienced/are experiencing financial difficulty due to the increase in the cost of living. If tenant has received a previous award of funding from SG – TGF or SC Lacer Fund – they will not be eligible. Tenants can receive a maximum award of £2250 and this funding is not re-payable (fund allocation £1,000,000) Numbers of Tenants accessing the fund. Rent arrears covered by the fund Local Housing Strategy Resilient People 88 RAF awards processed in 2025/26 to date Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Services number of tenants accessing the fund, payments made and rent arrears covered 8 Universal Credit Assistance Fund (moved from Income from Benefits Driver UCAF award is to assist tenants who have fallen behind with their rent due to the 5 week waiting period, and tenants who are in receipt of Universal credit are eligible to apply People can access the fund, it requires to be paid back, however, this is at an affordable level - the fund ensures that people can remain in their own home with their arrears being managed. Local Housing Strategy Local Housing Strategy 3,414 UCAF awards processed in 2025/26 to date Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Services number of tenants accessing the fund, payments made and rent arrears covered 9 Increase take up of Free School Meals In situ Increase the number of children who are entitled to a Free School Meal either through universal entitlement or on means tested grounds, who actually take up the offer Percentage of Children taking up free school meals when they have entitlement is increased Poverty Proofing in Schools, Population Health Framework Resilient People 2026-27 40% of Secondary Pupils take up the offer of FSM. 63% of Primary Pupils take up their FSM Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Facilities Support Services & Education Take up rates for Free School Meals 10 Free Transport for Under 22's Promote and Maximise uptake of Free Bus Travel for 5-21 year olds Number of travel cards issued and in use Active Travel Strategy Resilient People 82% take up in 2025/2026. 85, 306 cards issued ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR CLD number of travel cards provided Item 2 Page 22 of 66
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11 Address Period Poverty Provide women with access to period products within education and other public buildings Develop Peer Support Programme Expand number of council building access points-expand community group partnerships from 8- 10 areas- develop recording to better understand demand and distribution- consider period card scheme. Distribution across all of North Lanarkshire. Number of products distributed The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 1,250,000 products, covering all North Lanarkshire Council public-facing buildings and education establishments. local residents accessed free period products from over 100 North Lanarkshire Council public-facing buildings and 180 education establishments Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Enterprise and Communities Number of products delivered. 12 Support people to stop smoking to reduce outgoings Stopping smoking can have a positive impact of finances as well as health. Brief intervention and referral to the Quit Your Way service in Lanarkshire can support people to successfully quit smoking. Pregnant women are a particularly key target group. Measurements expanded to include smoking prevalence, children’s exposure to second-hand smoke (SIMD1 areas), the number of quit dates set and the number of people who reach the 12-week quit stage. Referral pathwayas to be established and developed in partnership with Council and Partner agencies. This workwill be taken forward as part of the TPOAG sub group on reducing the cost of living NHS Cost of Living Strategy Resilient People N/A* measurements expanded from initial targets re pregnant women Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way Service Referral numbers Number of people supported to stop smoking. 13 Restorative Justice - Tackling Poverty Individuals subject to unpaid work work within Restorative Justice settings including bike workshop, woodworking and community allottments Practical measures e.g number of hours worked in allottments, no of bikes distributed to children, no of items of play equipment provided for schools Justice Partnership Resilient People 2025-26 figures not yet available ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Restorative Justice Practical assistance provided to local community Item 2 Page 23 of 66
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work 2025/26 BASELINE 2026/27 2027/28 2028/2029 2029/2030 2030/2031 Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 The Tackling Poverty Team and other council services to continue to maximise the income of the residents of North Lanarkshire All residents are offered income maximisation and we continue to promote the "no wrong door" approach Residents will be directed to the tackling poverty team to ensure income is fully maximised The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People An average of 1319 referrals per month in 2025/26 generating income of £57,706,881 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 2 MacMillan Advice Service Maximise the income of cancer patients, their families and carers Provide an income maximisation and debt advice service The Cancer Strategy Resilient People 865 referrals generating £2,415,676 in 2025/26 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 3 Work with the community and Services to encourage challenges to benefit decisions via Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals to Upper Tribunal level Encourage residents to exhaust all challenges to benefit decisions number of mandatory reconsiderations / number of appeals lodged / income generated via MR and Appeal The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 287 mandatory reconsiderations generating £1,681,138 150 appeals generating £1,288,823 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Team number of mandatory reconsiderations / number of appeals lodged / income generated via MR and Appeal 4 Work with all social work services to ensure income maximisation is carried out for all vulnerable client groups Social Work staff refer people to the Tackling Poverty Team who will carry out all income maximisation work Referrals to the tackling poverty team from all social work staff The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 1848 claims made generating £7,283,0083 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 5 Increase the uptake of education related benefits such as Free School Meals, EMA and Clothing Grants education and tackling poverty team to promote and assist in maximising income via education related benefits uptake of education related benefits The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People 10,621 - free school meals 11387 - clothing grants 745 - EMA payments awarded ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education and The Tackling Poverty Team number of claims and successful outcomes 6 Continue welfare rights provision within ASN schools and extend to all educational setting providing ASN provision classes Welfare Rights Officer to deliver income maximisation to families and carers Number of benefit checks / income generated The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People £1,414,011 income generated project extended for a further year project extended to June 2026 TP Strategy and LCPAR Education and The Tackling Poverty Team Number of people accessing the service / income generated 7 Commissioned Services - Income Maximiation via Benefit Uptake All residents are offered income maximisation and we continue to promote the "no wrong door" approach the successful commissioned service offer income maximisation to the residents of North Lanarkshire NHS Cost of Living Resilient People based on first 6 months figures - projection is £7,575,924 income generated for NL residents Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 8 Improvement Service Project - GP Practices GP Practices identified by the Improvement Service have a welfare rights officer in situ, with access to GP records The welfare rights service is integrated into the GP Practice The Plan for North Lanarkshire The Plan for North Lanarkshire £244,198 income generated in 2025/26 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 9 Child Poverty Accelerator Fund Project - Provision of income maxiisation services via pharmacy CPAF funding to provide income maximisation services with pharmacies specidically within Bellshill locality welfare rights services become integrated into pharmacy provision. The number of referrals and income maximiation The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People N/A - project to start late 2026 Later Summer 2026 TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Team / NHS Lanakrshire number of referrals / income generated 10 2027 - campaign around the uptake of Scottish Child Payment with the introduction of the higher payment for under 1s work with registrars and health, as well as campaign work when the additional benefit is introduced uptake of the scottish child payment The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People N/A Start Date 2027 2027 TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team uptake in benefits 11 Reducing the need for emergency food provision, through income maximisation and cash first approaches Mitigate the need for foodbank use by ensuring access to advice services and claims to crisis grants, and where possible operate Cash First not Cash Only approach A decrease in the use of foodbanks - income maximisation and prevention interventions The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People £3,524,303 generated in additional benefits for people Ongoing, however, cash payments administered by the TPT will end in November 25 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to foodbanks Number of Crisis Grant applications 12 Welfare Reform Subgroup NLAN to lead onThe welfare reform group to ensure serviceds, elected members etc are kept fully abreast of welfare reform changes and their impact on our communities updates are provided and action taken when necessary The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People Welfare Reform promoting the advice around Managed Migration has been the biggest piece of work since 2023 ensuring income is maximised prior to migrating and raising awareness and providing support with issues pre and post migration. Beyond this we have had the NLAN event to promote the work ongoing across all the partners in North Lanarkshire. Elected Members pack produced and circulated Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR North Lanarkshire Advice Network Issues raised / campaigns 13 Improve Health Referral Gateways - increasing access to income maximisation and advice services Health Staff will ensure money issues are addressed and referrals are made to the tackling poverty team Identify the source of referral / number of referrals and income generated NHS Cost of Living Resilient People £3,387,195 income generated via health referrals Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated / Number of health teams or services referring Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 INCREASE INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY Item 2 Page 24 of 66
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Number Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30 2030/31 Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 1 Whole Family Support To create a flexible, reliable and integrated support for families to ensure that every famly who needs support gets the right support at the right time. People have access to income maximisation, employability and money advice services at the right time. Childrens Services Plan Resilient People 510 referrals received by FHANS service (potentially higher as does not include March 26 figures) 2023 - 26 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Children and Families inter service referrals 2 Fairer Futures Project Tackling child poverty focussing on children with ASN, working in collaboration with Carers Toghether and Early Years Ensuring families with ASN children receive early intervention services via whole family support and tackling poverty The Plan For North Lanarkshire Resilient People 54 claims for benefit made - generating £453,774 project ends June 2026 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Carers Together, Children and Families, Early Years, Tackling Poverty Team Number of families assisted 3 Cash First not Cash Only Cash first with income maximisation and budgeting advice approach to be used as a preventative tool people accessing the service at earlier stages, preventing crisis and a need for more intensive services The Plan For North Lanarkshire Resilient People no baseline ends 2027 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Team number of people assisted - provision and income generated 3 Financial Education (Adults) The Multiply Project is a government initiative helping adults to improve their numeracy skills, people can access numeracy qualifications with the access of the Community Learning and Development Service and will be able to access financial education from the Tackling Poverty Team. people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to manage money well and make informed decisions. The Plan for North Lan Resilient People 240 sessions delivered to 130 groups - with 1000 people attending Project ends March 2025 On going TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of courses delivered / number of attendees 4 Financial Education (children and young people) Implentation of finnacial education in the classroom develop financial education and introduction of the Smart Spending Challenge The Plan for North Lan Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Tackling Poverty Team number of schools paticipating in Smart Spending Challenge/ number of children receiivng Fin Ed5 Poverty Awareness Training Bespoke poverty awareness sessions for council, NHS and third sector partners. Introduction of Digital Platform - consideration to include this as mandatory training schedule Number of people attending the sessions and ultimately the number of referrals this leads to The Plan for North Lan Resilient People 620 staff attended poverty awareness sessions - NQSW, social work staff, Barnardos, Carers Together, NLADP and education onggoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions delivered / number of people attending / referrals following the training 6 The Three Questions Continue to gather the voice of lived expereince from our communties experiencing poverty and inequality using the Three Questions Number of events / number of schools / number of people participating The Plan for North Lan Resilient People 93 events completed - all schools completed Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of sessions / number of comments 7 Cost of the School Day Each school will have a bespoke Cost of the School Day poverty proofing document for staff, pupils and their families Number of schools with COSD / number of reviews of document The Plan for North Lan Resilient People n/a TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Tackling Poverty Team Number of schools with the document 8 Social Values awaiting stacey improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of our communities The Plan for North Lan transforming places ongoing ongoing TP Strategy Only Enterprise and Communities Number of Tackling Poverty Interventions 9 Community Solutions Programme Wide ranging community supports provided by Community and Voluntary Sector organisations to support residents wellbeing including those in poverty or at risk of poverty including; food, mental health and wellbeing improved wellbeing Community Solutions Strategy and Investment Plan 2023 and HSCNL Commissioning Plan 2023 - 26 Resilient People 7280 children and young people supported (VANL) ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR VANL Learning and impact reports 10 Local Outcome Improvemenjt Plans - Focus on Poverty Interventions The LOIP is currently under review with outocmes expected in 2027 - the strategy will reflect the community boards expectations on tackling poverty Those representing communities understand their roles and responsibilities in raising awareness of key poverty messages, challenging stigma The Plan for North Lanarkshire Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Local Planning Partnership Teams Community Board Sub Groups Reports 11 Collaboration with New College Lanarkshire (NCL) in terms of both operational and strategic planning Explore research opportunities with NCL regarding the impact of poverty in our communities, together with practical and operational support via the College Poverty Centre Research Ptogrammes / operational inputs The Plan for North Lanarkshire New College Lanarkshire Strategy 2030 Resilient People n/a starting late 2026 TP Strategy and LCPAR Tackling Poverty Steering Group New College Lanarkshire Research and operational inputs Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2031 HOLISTIC SUPPORTS Item 2 Page 25 of 66
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Appendix 2 NLC Interim Impact Assessment form Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Section 1. About the Policy 1.1 Name of the policy / strategy / function / procedure: Tackling Poverty Strategy – Forward to a Fairer North Lanarkshire/Action Plan Is this a: - A new policy /strategy / function / procedure / service Budget saving Review of policy /strategy / function / procedure Review of Service Other (please specify) – Outcome of Operational and Service Review of Community Learning and Development – Workforce Change Implementation Plan Is this a key strategic decision subject to the Fairer Scotland Duty Yes No 1.2 Person Responsible for the policy etc. Name: Job Title and Service / Team: John Campbell Business Manager Tackling Poverty 1.3 What is the scope of the assessment? Detail where appropriate Whole of the organisation All Council Services, CPP’s and External Services Service specific Discipline specific Other Wider Partners including Third Sector, Community Groups and residents. 1.4 What is the policy/ strategy/ function/ saving trying to achieve / do? Poverty is a significant feature of Scottish society and affects many people in different ways. Whilst low income and material deprivation are issues rightly at the forefront of the poverty debate, we recognise that poverty should not merely be reduced to a question of income or material well-being alone; it is also a matter of health and well-being. There is a complex, interlinking relationship between factors that define and influence poverty and these cannot be considered in isolation. The Tackling Poverty Strategy brings together the work across the Council to ensure effective co-ordination, so that we can achieve our shared ambition. North Lanarkshire will encompass the statutory requirement of the Local Child Poverty Action Report within this Item 2 Page 26 of 66
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Appendix 2 overarching Strategy thus underpinning our One Plan for North Lanarkshire. To deliver this shared ambition of inclusive growth our work will be focused on five complementary priorities: • Improve economic opportunities and outcomes • Support all children and young people to realise their full potential • Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities • Enhance participation, capacity and empowerment across our communities • Improve North Lanarkshire’s resource base In delivering these priorities we will ensure that our policies and procedures have been “poverty proofed” to ensure maximum impact and avoid unintended consequences in line with our Fairer Scotland duties and effective and co-ordinated approach to tackling poverty. The Strategy will focus Tackling Poverty Actions around 4 Drivers which influence poverty: • Income From Employment • Income From Benefit • Cost of Living • Holistic Supports 1.5 If this is a budget saving, how will the saving be achieved? N/A Section 2. What do I know now? 2.1 Who are the stakeholders and beneficiaries? All Residents in North Lanarkshire, All Council Services, staff and elected members, NHS Lanarkshire, Community Boards and Planning Partners, Third Sector and Private Businesses, CARERS 2.2 What data, consultation, research and other evidence or information is available relevant to this assessment? (This is a desktop exercise) North Lanarkshire is situated in the heart of Scotland with connectivity to the rest of Scotland. As the fifth most densely populated council area, North Lanarkshire is divided into 21 wards which are represented by 77 elected members. North Lanarkshire is the fourth largest authority area within Scotland, with a population of 340, 920, which is projected to increase to 341,174 by 2028. 51.4% of the population in NL are female and 48.6% are male. Since the 2011 Census, the 0 to 15 age group is projected to see the largest percentage decrease (-9.8%) between 2018 and 2028. However, in general, the population is aging with 18% aged 65 and over. By 2037, this demographic will have increased by 68.4% from 2012. The 75 and over age group is projected to see the largest percentage increase (+21.8%). In terms of size, however, 45 to 64 is projected to remain the largest age group. (Scottish Government Mid-2024 Population Estimates (NRS, 2025) Historically the local authority has experienced higher than average levels of deprivation with the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) published in January 2020 identified that across North Lanarkshire, 50,897 people are income deprived, that equates to 15% of our population as opposed to the Scottish average of 12%. Of the 50,897 income deprived population; Item 2 Page 27 of 66
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Appendix 2 28,426 live in the 20% most deprived datazones and 18,251 live in the 15% most deprived datazones 22,426 income deprived people live outside the 20% most deprived datazones 32,646 income deprived people live outside the 15% most deprived datazones. North Lanarkshire is ranked 6th in terms of its share of datazones in the 20% most deprived, sitting behind; Inverclyde, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire and Dundee. 5 North Lanarkshire datazones are within the 1% most deprived areas of Scotland. Two of these datazones have moved into the worst 1% from their position in the 2016 SIMD; Greenend (SO1011609) and Coatbridge Time Capsule (SO1011561) Other data considered were, Child Poverty Rates, Housing data, Educational data, Employability data, internal data for income maximisation, economic data and Health and Wellbeing data. 2.3 Considering the information in Section 1 and 2.1 and 2.2 2.3.1 If this policy is subject to the FSD what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage? (please refer to FSD Interim Guidance) Low income The Tackling Poverty Strategy aims to maximise the income of both economically active and inactive residents of all ages in North Lanarkshire. Low wealth The Strategy will increase wealth via income from benefits and income from employment and will aspire to provide financial inclusion for all residents. Material deprivation The Strategy will tackle material deprivation through income maximisation, debt advice and building financial resilience through education. Tackling poverty initiatives will be coordinated and promoted throughout council services, NHSL and partner agencies including Fuel Poverty measures, affordable credit, tackling health inequalities, free period products and free transport. Area deprivation Data together with local information will be used to target services to areas known to have highest levels of poverty and deprivation. 2.3.2 Are any of the people/communities listed below likely to be more affected by this policy than others? People who share one or more of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 Yes Details No Details Don’t Know Age (a particular age or range of ages) Whilst in Scotland, older people are least likely to be in poverty at 15% in 2024 compared with working age adults at 20% and Children at 24%, there are still 15% of Scottish pensioners in poverty. It’s thought that the “Triple lock” safeguarding pension rates may be responsible for lower rates of poverty, however its estimated that around a third of those entitled to Pension Credit, the main means tested benefit for older people, do not claim it. Item 2 Page 28 of 66
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Appendix 2 Welfare benefits advice and support for older people is crucial in maximising their income. Income Policy – Age Concern Scotland Poverty is a lived experience that can shape young peoples outlook and opportunities and has been linked to increased risk-taking behaviours in children and young including substance abuse, early sexual activity and criminal activity. Young people living in poverty often experience chronic stress due to financial instability, food insecurity, unsafe living environments, and family strain. Fast Forward – Supporting young people to make informed decisions Disabled people and people with long term health conditions 40, 165 people in NL were receiving Adult Disability Payment at 31st October 2025. Adult Disability Payment - to 31 October 2025 - Tables.xlsx 7, 030 children were in receipt of Child Disability Payment at 30th Sept 2025 Child-Disability-Payment-Statistics-to-30- September-2025-tables.xlsx When comparing the difference in the standard of living between disabled and non-disabled households, the poorest disabled households face extra costs equivalent to 202% of household income after housing costs, or £1,042 a month, on average, to have the same standard of living as equivalent non-disabled households Disability Price Tag 2025 | Disability charity Scope UK Women and men, girls and boys WOMEN: There are many factors contributing to the higher likelihood of women experiencing poverty. Women are more likely to be in part-time and lower paid jobs and therefore more reliant on welfare benefits, which present systemic barriers including the benefits cap which deepen inequalities for women. Women, in particular single mothers fulfil the caring role and manage strained budgets within the home with ever increasing costs for food and fuel. Poverty rates for women with dependent children are higher than any other group in Scotland at 35.6% Women in Scotland: the gendered impact of care on financial stability and well-being | IPPR Poverty Full Report 2024 The incidence of Domestic Abuse and Poverty are intertwined. Further, fleeing an abusive situation can put women at risk of falling into poverty, Item 2 Page 29 of 66
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Appendix 2 especially when becoming lone parents, with limited capacity to earn independently. Women in this situation are more likely to report financial challenges. Organisation MEN: The Scottish Health Equity Research Unit found a “persistent policy blind spot” affecting a group of younger men particularly at risk of premature death through drugs, alcohol or suicide and that this was linked to a disproportionately high incidence of poverty in single males. Single adult men not living with children are not often prioritised in service delivery. It is thought that poverty is a significant factor in associated inequalities including health determinants and homelessness. We know that homeless rates in Scotland are higher amongst men than women. This is also the case in North Lanarkshire where in 2024-2025 42% of homeless applicants were single males, followed by single females (18%) and single female parents (17%). Single male parents made up 11%, and couples with children 5%. 2025 Inequality Landscape People defined by their race, colour and nationality, ethnic or national origins. Approximately 4.03% of NL population are Black or from a minority ethnic group (non-white). Since the last census the population of BME people has increased by 85%. The largest minority ethnic group is the Asian population who make up 71% of the total BME population. The Black African population has more than trebled in numbers since the 2011 Census. The Polish population has also increased by over 78% while the overall white population has decreased by 1.05%. The Gypsy Traveller community has decreased by 36% from 205 to 131 people. Despite increasing employment levels, ethnic minority workers in Scotland on average experience both a lower quantity and poorer quality of work, with consistently lower median hourly earnings and higher levels of insecure work. Equality and Human Rights Monitor: Is Scotland Fairer? “Our lives” research carried out in North Lanarkshire confirmed this view with participants perceiving that racial discrimination and lack of opportunities for Item 2 Page 30 of 66
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Appendix 2 BAME people in the labour market contributed to unemployment and confinement to low level jobs Our Lives SUMMARY Document Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that Minority ethnic families make up just 1 in 10 children in poverty in Scotland in 2021–24. However nearly half (47%) of children in minority ethnic families are trapped in poverty in 2021–24. This means that they make up 1 in 5 children in poverty. View PDF Married people and civil partners The welfare reform changes, in particular Universal Credit and the cost of living crisis will impact people of all marital status including married people and civil partners. Pregnant women and new mothers Women’s health is often impacted by poverty and low income; this impact is particularly significant in pregnancy. Healthy behaviours in pregnancy are more difficult when experiencing poverty. Mental Health, isolation and stress are increased due to low income. All these factors can decrease chances of conception, safe healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. RCOG position statement: Poverty, deprivation and women’s health | RCOG Scottish Government recognises “families with a child under one” as a priority group, more at risk of poverty. Joseph Rowntree Foundation in Scotland found that the poverty rate within this group had risen from 24% in 2010-2013 to 35% in the most recent figures. Poverty in Scotland 2025 | Joseph Rowntree Foundation Lesbian, gay and bisexual people 2.5% of all people living in North Lanarkshire over the age of 16 are lesbian, gay or bisexual amounting to 7119 people. The national average is 3.5%. Research across the UK shows Gay men are more likely to claim all working-age benefits than heterosexual men. Bisexuals are more likely to claim disability-related benefits, even when comparing disabled bisexuals with disabled heterosexuals. LGBT+ people can sometimes feel they are not eligible for social security benefits. This is particularly the case with young LGBT+ people, and queer parents. LGBT+ people can sometimes feel anxious about accessing places like Job Centre Plus. LGBT-poverty-equalities-impact-assessment- guide.pdf Item 2 Page 31 of 66
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Appendix 2 People transitioning from one gender to another The census in 2022 asked people for the first time about their trans experience. In North Lanarkshire 811 (0.28%) of people over aged 16 have a Trans History. (Scottish average is 0.4%) The Benefits System may feel stigmatising and confusing for Trans people as it only recognises binary gender. Many Trans people may feel apprehensive when dealing with Government agencies who administer welfare benefits and may also be less likely to access help from advice agencies. Guide-for-trans-claimants.pdf People of different religions or beliefs or non-beliefs The latest poverty statistics for Scotland indicate striking levels of poverty within Scottish Muslim communities, where 63% of Muslims in Scotland are estimated to be living in poverty, a rate of poverty that is three times the average of 21% across Scotland. Poverty rates amongst specific religions can of course be compounded by other factors e,g disability or carer status. Other groups Children and families 70,579 children aged 15 and below in North Lanarkshire. 16,892 of those children live in poverty (24.9%). 8902 children live in areas where the poverty figure is over the national average of 22%. 2716 of those children live in poverty where levels are over 30%. In NL there are 1,910 families with 6,610 children in receipt of Universal Credit and or Council Tax Reduction who would have been affected by 2 child limit. However, the effects of this have been mitigated by measures put in place by Scottish Government. The UK Gov will remove the 2-child limit within means tested benefits, effective from April 2026, however it is uncertain how many of these families could be adversely affected by the overall benefit cap. Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Analysis of the latest Poverty statistics show Poverty is deepening with nearly 1 in 10 people in Scotland are in very deep poverty with incomes below 40% of the median (the standard poverty line is below 60%). In-work poverty is increasingly common with nearly three-quarters of children in poverty living in a working household. View PDF Item 2 Page 32 of 66
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Appendix 2 In North Lanarkshire in 2023-24 60.6% (8,404 children) in relative poverty lived in homes with at least one working adult. Child poverty dashboard - still under development Homeless people Poverty and Homelessness are closely linked. In North Lanarkshire the overall trend in numbers of Homeless applications post COVID is upwards, although recently there has been a slight decrease in homelessness applications in North Lanarkshire, falling from 2,227 in 2023-24 to 2,185 in 2024-225. These trends directly exacerbate health inequalities, as unstable housing is closely linked to poor physical and mental health There is also a link between tenure type and poverty with tenants in Registered Social Housing and in private tenancies at higher risk of poverty. In 2023/24, around 4 in 10 social renters (40%) and over a third of private renters (37%) were in poverty after housing costs (AHC). Homelessness statistics - gov.scot Looked after and accommodated people An independent care review by the Scottish Government produced “The Promise” which recognises that poverty can be the reason that a child enters a care setting and can also worsen financial circumstances of families where children have been removed to a care setting. the-promise.pdf Care leavers Whilst the wider term “Care Experienced” is more commonly used to define anyone who has at any point in their life spent time in a care setting, the term ‘Care Leavers’ describes those who have recently left care and from whom there are still specific legal duties in place. (Social Work Act (Scotland) 1968, and Children (Scotland) Act 1995) Care leavers are over-represented in the numbers of young people who on leaving school, are not in Education, Employment or Training. There are complex reasons behind this statistic including underachievement at school, previous trauma and a high occurrence of mental health issues - factors which contribute to pushing many care leavers into poverty. Care leavers in general are expected for be financially independent from the age of 18 – whereas young people in general are now not leaving the family home until the age of 24, but often do not have the financial safety net that a Item 2 Page 33 of 66
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Appendix 2 parent/carer can provide and are often living in their own tenancies managing tight budgets with little financial resilience to enable them to deal with emergencies. Young people under 25 are also paid lower rates of means tested benefits including Universal Credit. Scottish Government have made some financial provision for care leavers in Scotland including draft “Care leaver payment (Scotland) regulations 2025)”, Care Experienced bursary and exemptions to council tax. Good quality advice and support to maximise incomes for care leavers is crucial in Tackling Poverty. Carers – paid / unpaid, family members Informal carers are more likely than those with no caring responsibilities to be living in poverty (23% compared with 20%). In the UK in 2023/24, 1 in 10 adults (5.2 million) were informal carers, with 6 in 10 of these carers living in families where someone was disabled. Their reduced ability to work means informal carers face a financial penalty, with analysis in 2023 showing unpaid social-care givers experiencing an average pay penalty of £414 a month (nearly £5,000 a year). UK Poverty 2026: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK | Joseph Rowntree Foundation Asylum seekers In North Lanarkshire at 30th Sept 2025 there were 95 Asylum Seekers in receipt of Home Office Support. People seeking asylum are very limited in their ability to access benefits and employment with limited rights so are at great risk to extreme poverty. support-local-authority-datasets-sep-2025.xlsx Employees – full and part time. Including SES, MAs etc. Employees on various employment programmes including Summer Placement, Moderne apprentices, Digital, Care and Built Environment Academies are more likely to need income maximsation advice. Dependent on personal circumstances, NLC employees may be entitled to Universal credit due to income levels. Employees in need of welfare benefits or debt advice whilst in employment or when leaving employment e.g due to ill health or retirement can be referred to Tackling Poverty Team for assistance. Workforce for the Future Strategy Others Item 2 Page 34 of 66
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Appendix 2 2.4 Do you have evidence or reason to believe that this policy will or may potentially affect the Council’s duty to: (Please tick all that apply). Yes No Don’t Know 1. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010? 2.Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not 3. Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not? 4. Protect and promote human rights? 5. Reduce socio-economic disadvantage The purpose of the Tackling Poverty Strategy is to ensure that there is an overall strategic approach to tackling poverty and inequality across North Lanarkshire. Historically although good work was carried out by services and partners this was not wholly co- ordinated, leading to duplication but also potentially gaps in service provision. This Tackling Poverty Strategy (TPS) 2026 – 2031 “Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire” builds on work started in the first TPS 2020- 2023 and expanded on and carried through the second TPS 2023- 2026. North Lanarkshire also has a duty to produce Local Child Poverty Action Reports (LCPAR) and 2025 saw the 7th LCPAR published, reporting on actions and measures specifically for Children and their families. The Tackling Poverty Strategy will ensure the one council approach within the Plan for North Lanarkshire is being delivered, with all tackling poverty initiatives falling under the umbrella of this strategy and associated policies and plans; Plan for Northlan: Brighter Futures, Resilient People, Transforming Places, Invest in NL, Digital NL, Sustainable Futures, One Service workstreams Communication and Engagement Strategy Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan Children’s Services Plan Active Travel Strategy Developing the Young Workforce Plan Digital and IT Strategy Equality Strategy Health and Social Care Strategic Plan Local Housing Strategy Section 3. What else do I need to know /find out? 3.1 Further consultation – Please use the table directly below to say who you will consult with (tick Yes or No). Consider those groups from section 2.3 where you ticked yes or don’t know. Once consultation has taken place provide the details below. People and communities Yes No Describe what you did, with whom and when. Please provide a brief summary of the responses gained Item 2 Page 35 of 66
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Appendix 2 and links to relevant documents, as well as any actions Age (a particular age or range of ages) Age 5-17 years. Over the lifetime of the TPS 2023- 26, all Schools in North Lanarkshire, both primary and secondary were visited by staff from Tackling Poverty Team who gave a brief presentation and then engaged with the children and young people by asking 3 questions around poverty and how it affected them in their own lives and asking how NLC can help. In December 2024 staff from across the Children’s Services Partnership participated in a workshop to identify children and young people furthers away from their rights and to explore where rights may be at risk. North Lanarkshire Local Child Poverty Action Report 2024-25 Disabled people and people with long term health conditions Women and men, girls and boys People defined by their race, colour and nationality, ethnic or national origins. The Council underwent an extensive community engagement exercise into the lived experiences of the BME communities of North Lanarkshire and this will continue to inform our Tackling Poverty strategy. This engagement also had the added benefit of being disaggregated by age, sex and religion. Married people and civil partners Pregnant women and new mothers Lesbian, gay and bisexual people People transitioning from one gender to another People of different religions or beliefs or non-beliefs Other groups / general consultation Children and families Homeless people Item 2 Page 36 of 66
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Appendix 2 Looked after and accommodated people Care leavers Carers – paid / unpaid, family members North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Service engaged with 73 unpaid carers across NL to check on their experience of the Carer Strategy 2024-27. Questions included the topic “Financial Wellbeing”. Financial vulnerability remains a concern. A combined 36.9% of carers showed unmet need regarding proactive financial advice, 17.8% had not been asked but would find advice helpful; 5.5% had been referred but could not follow through. Others reported different barriers. 34.2% said they did not need help and knew how to access it. Only 13.7% found a referred financial service “very helpful.” 11% described their financial situation as private. What this means: embedding proactive financial checks and sensitive conversations into Adult Carer Support Plans and other conversations delivered by trusted local organisations will support income maximisation and reduce hidden hardship. Trade Unions Employee Equality Forum Others 3.2 What additional research or data is required? A consortium of 3 organisations headed by NL Disability Forum and involving Lanarkshire Links and Voice of Experience. The NLDF led Forum funds around 20 or so grass roots community organisations through the “Growth Fund” to help amplify the community voice in NL around Council policy and strategy. Early conversations are being held with this Forum to consult on success of the previous TPS 2023-26 and on shaping the new TPS 2026- 31. These grass roots organisations will engage with citizens and communities, many within the protected groups. 3.3 What does the additional research and data tell you about potential or known effects? The research into the lived experiences of NLs BAME people and communities confirmed the following: >Language is a key barrier in making effective use of services especially for those who have little or no proficiency in the English language. >There are concerns about the ability of the older generation to cope with the increase in services provided online since the pandemic. Older BAME women in particular lack digital skills and experience exclusion. Item 2 Page 37 of 66
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Appendix 2 >The cost-of-living crisis is of great concern to the Afro-Caribbean community – Black African males in NL have the highest rates of unemployment of all ethnicities. This tells us that any actions to tackle poverty need to: • Recognise that where language is a barrier people may be excluded from accessing support and information. • Where people are excluded digitally, information and access to support will need to be provided in ways that meet needs. • Recognise that poverty among some ethnicities will further reduce their access to digital inclusion. • For some groups the exclusion can be tripled because of all of the above - language barriers, lack of digital access and lack of wealth. We will include the recommendations for action from the community engagement and research into the Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan. Section 4. Assessing the impact and strengthening the policy Considering all the evidence you now have from section 1-3, how will the policy affect different people and communities in relation to equality, socio-economic disadvantage and human rights? 4.1 How does/will the policy and resulting activity affect those with the characteristics listed below (including employees)? Please use the table below to provide details. Detail any Positive impact Detail any adverse impact If adverse how can we mitigate this? Where no mitigating action is planned please say why not Age (a particular age or range of ages) We expect people in all groups across our communities in North Lanarkshire to benefit from the work coordinated by the Tackling Poverty Strategy. We have focused on 4 key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from Social Security benefits, income from employment, reduce the cost of living and Holistic Supports. Therefore, we would expect low income families to see an increase in their income either via employment, income from social security benefits, reducing their cost of living and delivery of Holistic Supports. Delivery of actions under each of the 4 Drivers of poverty will be detailed in the associated Tackling Poverty Action plan and delivered via Sub groups of the Tackling Poverty Action Item 2 Page 38 of 66
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Appendix 2 Group – Affordable Credit Group, Data Group, Writers Group, Fuel Poverty Group, Welfare Reform Group, Communications Group. Disabled people and people with long term health conditions As Above Women and men, girls and boys As Above People defined by their race, colour and nationality, ethnic or national origins. As Above Married people and civil partners As Above Pregnant women and new mothers As Above Lesbian, gay and bisexual people As Above People transitioning from one gender to another As Above People of different religions or beliefs or non- beliefs As Above Other groups As Above Children and families As Above Homeless people As Above Looked after and accommodated people As Above Care leavers As Above Item 2 Page 39 of 66
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Appendix 2 Carers – paid / unpaid, family members As Above Employees – full and part time. Including SES, MAs etc. As Above Others N/A 4.2 What measures could be taken to strengthen the policy / strategy to help advance equality of opportunity, foster good relations, promote human rights and reduce socio-economic disadvantage. Whilst it is clear that North Lanarkshire must take measures to tackle poverty, current and upcoming research and data both on a national and local level will be considered through the period of the strategy to make certain that Services and Supports are appropriate and targeted in innovative and flexible ways. The multi-agency Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group, is responsible for Governance of the Tackling Poverty Strategy and associated action plan. This group regularly meets to shape direction of the strategy, progress actions, monitor effectiveness and address identified gaps. Engagement with particular protected characteristics groups will be considered to ensure that services are delivered in a way which meets their needs. This will be done in partnership with North Lanarkshire Advice Network, Local Outcome Improvement Plans and the membership of the poverty subgroups. 4.3 Considering questions 4.1 and 4.2 what actions / measures will be put in place before introducing this policy please provide details. Action Timescales Responsible Officer Review details (include timescales) The Strategy will have an Action Plan that outlines the actions required to reduce poverty in North Lanarkshire 2026 John Campbell Business Manger Tackling Poverty Yearly (March 2027) Item 2 Page 40 of 66
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Appendix 2 Section 5. Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing 5.1. How will you monitor the impact and effectiveness of the new policy? Performance measurements as part of the Plan for NL Programme of Work are regularly reported on and updates on each of the actions within the Action plan are regularly reported to Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group and the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee. How will we know we are making a difference? An improvement in the health of our residents Fewer people with no qualifications or skills Fewer households living in poverty Fewer households in fuel poverty Reduction in child poverty Maximised income through social security benefits Fewer people unemployed and in receipt of out of work benefits Maximised income via new Scottish social security benefits for children Reduction in the number of people economically active More people with numeracy skills enabling them to manage their money An increase in the number of people paid at least the living wage Reduced number of people in debt An increase in the number of affordable homes Increased number of people who have access to affordable credit Fewer young people who are not in education employment or training Effective heat maps to inform residents of access to services Improved educational attainment Increase community consultation Section 6. Making a decision and sign-off Recommendation Tick Comment (where applicable, please give more information e.g. where to pilot, what modifications, etc.) Timescales Item 2 Page 41 of 66
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Appendix 2 Introduce the policy August 2026 Adjust the policy then introduce Introduce the policy with justification regarding potential adverse impact Stop and withdraw the policy Name of Policy Tackling Poverty Strategy – Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Head of Service /Senior Manager sign-off: Name Job title and division/ team Date Signature Alison Gordon Education & Families Chief Social Work Officer (Children, Families, Justice & Integration For further information please contact: Name: John Campbell Job title: Business Manager Tackling Poverty Service: Education and Families Contact details: campbelljohn@northlan.gov.uk 01698-332566 Item 2 Page 42 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council If having read the Report template guidance you have identified that your report has an impact on children and young people’s rights and wellbeing, the following Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) template should be completed. Where an impact has been identified, a summary of the impact identified following completion of the impact assessment (and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)) requires to be included in the Report at section 5.11. Where an impact has been identified, a copy of the last section in this template (i.e. the CRWIA - Stage 3 Publication Template summary) should be as an Appendix to your report. If you require further support or guidance in order to complete this section of the report template - or to complete the Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) template - please e-mail the Community Learning and Development team at CLD@northlan.gov.uk 1. Name the policy and describe its overall aims. North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy “Toward a Fairer North Lanarkshire” This is a high level plan outlining the focus and priorities for NL and its partners for 2026-2031; • To tackle poverty across our communities using the 4 drivers; Increase income from employment, reduce the costs of living, increase income from social security benefits and holistic supports • To reduce child poverty across North Lanarkshire 2. What aspects of the policy/measure will affect children and young people up to the age of 18? The Articles of the UNCRC and the child wellbeing indicators under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 apply to all children and young people up to the age of 18, including noncitizen and undocumented children and young people. The Tackling Poverty Strategy is relevant to all children, young people and families in North Lanarkshire. This includes non-citizen and undocumented children and young people. The Tackling Poverty Strategy incorporates the Local Child Poverty Action Report and the work being done across North Lanarkshire to eradicate poverty in our Appendix Three Item 2 Page 43 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council communities, working with partners in NHSL and the third sector to achieve the outcomes detailed within the Action Plan. 3. What likely impact – direct or indirect – will the policy/measure have on children and young people? ‘Direct’ impact refers to policies/measures where children and young people are directly affected by the proposed changes, e.g. in early years, education, child protection or relevant to care experienced children. ‘Indirect’ impact refers to policies/measures that are not directly aimed at children but will have an impact on them. Examples include: welfare reforms, parental leave, housing supply, or local transport schemes. The priorities and actions seek to improve the experience of services and outcomes for all children and young people. Although relevant to all children and young people, in the most part, target those who are identified as disadvantaged or in need of additional support. Through the fourth driver “holistic supports” there is clear legislative and strategy links with the Childrens Services Plan. Direct Impact – work identified within the action plan in relation to income maximisation, The Three Questions and financial education will have a direct impact on children and young people. Indirect Impact – the Tackling Poverty Strategy identifies areas within the action plan, such as parental support to employment initiatives, house building programmes which are not directly aimed at children but will have an impact on them. 4. Which groups of children and young people will be affected? Under the UNCRC, ‘children’ can refer to: individual children, groups of children, or children in general. Some groups of children will relate to the groups with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010: disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. ‘Groups’ can also refer to children by age band or setting, or those who are eligible for special protection or assistance: e.g. preschool children, children in hospital, children in rural areas, looked after children, young people who offend, victims of abuse or exploitation, child migrants, or children living in poverty. All children and young people in North Lanarkshire, and a small number of children and young people who live outside of NL that have connections e.g. through family, placement or education. We know that children and young people who have protected characteristics under the Equalities Act are more likely to require additional or intensive supports at stages in their lives or throughout their lives. An Equalities Impact Assessment process has taken place alongside the development of the planning process. Item 2 Page 44 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council There is information in the JSNA about particular groups of children and young people that are known to encounter barriers to their wellbeing and realising their rights. This is not exhaustive or exclusive and children and young people can associate with multiple ‘groups’ or experience disadvantage. Local research and data tell us that there are persistent and pronounced inequalities in some health and wellbeing outcomes among children and young people in North Lanarkshire. Poor outcomes in one area of wellbeing are often accompanied – and potentially compounded – by poor outcomes in another. All children and young people including ‘groups’ of children and young people are supported by our GIRFEC approach and keeps children at the heart. As part of this approach the Tackling Poverty Strategy works to ensure that the systems, processes and pathways that are in place (and continually improving) in universal servicers to identify at the earliest possible stage if the needs of a child are core, additional or intensive. When support is planned each child is considered within their individual circumstances. 5. Will this require a CRWIA? Explain your reasons. CRWIA Declaration-Tick the relevant section and complete the form CRWIA required. YES- the plan will impact on children and young people in NL CRWIA not required. Authorisation-Policy lead Name, title, division (or equivalent) Date Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer, Education and Families Person or group completing paperwork. John Campbell, Manager Tackling Poverty Team On behalf of Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group CRWIA Stage 2 The CRWIA – key questions 1. Which UNCRC Articles are relevant to the policy/measure? List all relevant Articles of the UNCRC - All UNCRC rights are underpinned by the four general principles: non-discrimination; the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and the child’s right to have their views given due weight. The articles can be viewed here: UNCRC_summary-1_1.pdf (unicef.org.uk) Article Four – The state must do all it can, through passing legislation and creating administrative systems, to promote and protect children’s rights. With regard to economic social and cultural rights. Parties shall undertake such measures to the maximum extent of their available resources. Item 2 Page 45 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council Article Six – Right to life, survival and development Article 12 – Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of child being given due weight in accordance with age and maturity of the child. Article Eighteen - Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that children of working parents have the right to benefit from childcare services and facilities for which they are eligible. Article Twenty Three – A child with a disability has rights to live and a full and decent life with dignity and, as far as possible, independence and to play in an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to support disabled children and their families. Article Twenty Four – Right to the highest attainable standard of health Article Twenty Six – Right to benefit from social security Article Twenty Seven – Right to a standard of living adequate for a child’s physical, mental, moral and social development Article Twenty Eight – Every child has the right to education. Primary education must be free and different forms of secondary education must be available to every child. Article Twenty Nine – Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to their full, it must encourage the child’s human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment. Article Thirty One – Right to rest and leisure and to engage in play and recreational activities and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts Article Thirty Two – The right to be protected from economic exploitation and performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education or be harmful to the child’s health 2. What impact will the policy/measure have on children’s rights? Positive/negative/neutral. The Tackling Poverty Strategy will have a positive impact on children’s rights. The Tackling Poverty Strategy incorporates the principles of the Bringing Hope, Building Futures (final delivery plan 2026- 2031) policy to reduce child poverty across Scotland by 2030. The Strategy augments the commitments made in The Promise and Whole Family Support to ensure that children will not grow up in poverty. Item 2 Page 46 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council Implementation of the Tackling Poverty Strategy will be progressed by task groups and working groups. We will continue to ask these groups to consider the articles most relevant to their actions and the impact on children’s rights as part of the planning and reporting process. Where appropriate, Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments will be undertaken. As a partnership we promote the use of Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIA) to support partners and partnerships to apply these in all areas of policy, strategy and development. 3. Will there be different impacts on different groups of children and young people? Which groups of children will be affected by the policy/measure? Are there competing interests between different groups of children and young people, or between children and young people and other groups? There is potential for competing interests and exclusions. The priorities and actions seek to improve outcomes for all children and young people, and, although relevant to all children and young people, on the most part, target those who are identified as disadvantaged or in need of additional support. Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is the national approach that is embedded in practice across the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group. This approach includes preventative measures and working to identify those who may need additional support at the earliest possible stage. In identifying the priorities that are included in the Strategy there are competing demands on what should be included and finite capacity and resources to deliver. The processes to arrive at the priorities encourage broad representation and consultation. Despite best efforts, not all groups and voices will be represented and reflection on the process will identify improvements. The children and young people that are most vulnerable are often least visible and seldom heard. Although the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group recognises and applies practices to promote inclusion there remains unmet and hidden needs. 4. If a negative impact is assessed for any area of rights or any group of children and young people, what options have you considered to modify the proposal, or mitigate the impact? If options to modify the policy/measure are included here, include associated resource implications where relevant. Item 2 Page 47 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council The Tackling Poverty Strategy includes priorities and actions that will amplify the incorporation of children and young people’s voices in the planning and decision-making processes for individual children and young people and representative groups. Members of the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group are represented on the Childrens Services Partnership and work together in raising awareness and making sure everybody is aware of UNCRC and children’s rights, this will lead to an increased awareness of where children’s rights are not being upheld and therefore opportunities to act on this. Where issues arise, these will be monitored through the Childrens Services Partnership Continuous Improvement Group and reporting on children’s rights. 5. How will the policy/measure contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland? Outline how the implementation of the policy/measure will support our duties to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of children in their area, with wellbeing defined by eight wellbeing indicators. The indicators are: Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, and Included. More information is available via the link below. SHANARRI+-+Wellbeing+wheel+-+full+text.pdf (www.gov.scot) The Tackling Poverty Strategy directs resources and supports to tackle child poverty and in doing this this will promote the wellbeing of children. Tackling poverty in our communities will help achieve the eight well being indicators for the children of North Lanarkshire. 6. How will the policy/measure give better or further effect to the implementation of the UNCRC in Scotland? This will inform the duty to report what has been done to further and better children’s rights under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. The Tackling Poverty Strategy will assist in both the prevention and lifting children out of poverty, the Action Plan will be updated and reported on to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee on an annual basis 7. What evidence have you used to inform your assessment? What does it tell you? The evidence base may include demographic information, academic research, service monitoring/inspection reports, service evaluation reports, user surveys, etc. In particular, look at what existing evidence tells you about children and young people’s views and experiences of the relevant service(s); and/or what it tells you about children and young people’s views of the policy proposal. Identify any gaps in the evidence base and set out how you will address these. The Tackling Poverty Strategy considered the following information and evidence to update the Strategy and Action Plan; Item 2 Page 48 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council Our population and emerging needs DWP information Economic activity The voice of the community via the Three Questions The voice of our children and young people via the Three Questions School Initiative What is currently working well The evidence base is continually evolving and will develop further during the lifetime of the Tackling Poverty Strategy. 8. Have you consulted with relevant stakeholders? This would include public or targeted consultations with children and young people, their parents/carers and the children’s workforce. Consultation has taken place in the community and with children and young people across all our mainstream schools and ASN schools, asking the Three Questions; “how is cost of living affecting you”, “how is cost of living affecting others in the community” and “what would you like us to do about it”. 9. Have you involved children and young people in the development of the policy/measure? Is there enough information on the views of the children and young people who will be affected by the policy/measure that enables you to make an informed assessment of impact? Children and young people have been consulted on the Three Questions; “how is cost of living affecting you”, “how is cost of living affecting others in the community” and “what would you like us to do about it”. The outcome of the Three Questions will be reflected in each schools “Cost of the School Day” document, which will provide children, young people, parents, carers and school staff with a resource which will answer the concerns raised during consultation. Item 2 Page 49 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council CRWIA – Stage 3- cannot complete until final copy – draft from previous CRWIA below Publication Template CRWIA title: North Lanarkshire Councils’ Tackling Poverty Strategy 2026 -2031 Publication date: Summary of policy aims and desired outcomes. The Tackling Poverty Strategy2026 -2031 outlines the priorities for the next five years, to tackle poverty in our communities. It includes actions under the drivers to tackle poverty; Increase income via employment Reduce the costs of living Increase income via social security benefits Holistic Supports Executive summary In North Lanarkshire we recognise that tackling poverty and inequality does not fall to one Service, or one Sector, we must therefore work together to use our resources effectively and efficiently to ensure that all our communities have access to opportunities that will lead to better outcomes for people in terms of employment, wellbeing and inclusive growth. This CRWIA was undertaken alongside an Equalities Impact Assessment. Background The Tackling Poverty Strategy 20260-2031 is the current plan. It builds on the previous plan, with the Action Plan reviewed annually. Scope of the CRWIA, identifying the children and young people affected by the policy, and summarising the evidence base. The priorities and actions seek to improve outcomes for all children, young people and families, and although relevant to all children and young people and families, on the most part, our priorities target those who are identified as being most at risk from the impacts of poverty; Lone parent families Young mothers under the age of 25 Families with a child under one Families with three or more children Ethnic minority families Families where a member of the household is disabled Children and young people’s views and experiences These are included through the Three Questions asked of the children and young people in schools across North Lanarkshire. Item 2 Page 50 of 66
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Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment, North Lanarkshire Council Key findings, including an assessment of the impact on children’s rights, and how the measure will contribute to children’s wellbeing. The Tackling Poverty Strategy will help tackle the impact poverty has on children and young people. The Action Plan within the Strategy brings together shared priorities and actions that will impact positively on children, young people and families. Monitoring and review The Action Plan will be updated on an annual basis by the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group, with regular updates being provided to the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee. CRWIA Declaration Authorisation Lead John Campbell Manager – Tackling Poverty Date Chief Officer Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer, Education and Families Date Item 2 Page 51 of 66
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Appendix 4 – Governance Chart Data Subgroup Holistic Support Subgroup (Educational Benefits/Welfare Reform/Food Poverty and Insecurity) Reduce the Cost-of-Living Subgroup (Affordable Credit/Financial Resilience/Fuel Poverty/ Poverty & Smoking) Writers Subgroup Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Tackling Poverty Officers Steering Group John Campbell CMT/Resilient People Board NHS Lanarkshire Population and Health Committee Policy and Strategy Committee NLP Strategic Leadership Board Children Services Partnership Income from Employment Driver Angie Cook Income from Social Security Driver Amanda Gallagher Cairns Reduce Cost of Living Driver Angie Cook Communications Subgroup Communications/Engagement Holistic Support Driver Amanda Gallagher Cairns Item 2 Page 52 of 66
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Appendix 4 – Governance Chart Item 2 Page 53 of 66
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☐ No Ref AG/JC Date 07/08/26 Tackling Poverty Team Activity Report 2025 to 2026 From Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) E-mail gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Executive Summary This report provides details of the income maximisation work carried out by the Tackling Poverty Team and Council Services during 2025/26 which generated £57,706,881 in additional benefit income for the residents of North Lanarkshire, a 4.27% increase on the previous year. It also highlights the activity of the External Services commissioned by the Council which generated £6,814,195 in additional benefit income for the residents of North Lanarkshire. As previously reported, the establishment of the Cost-of-Living Helpline in 2023 enhanced capacity supported by a two-year funding commitment from the Health and Social Care Partnership and contributed to a 41% increase in benefit checks undertaken over the period 2023/24 whilst in 2025/26, there had been a further increase of 9.5% in the number of benefit checks completed for residents. Whilst inflation over this period has been less acute, the cumulative effects of the cost-of- living crisis have continued to impact on our communities, bringing the importance of income maximisation and wider work to tackle poverty into sharp focus and highlighting the impact of low paid and insecure work in particular. Local approaches to tackling poverty and reducing inequality in North Lanarkshire, continue to be driven by the ‘Towards a Fairer ‘North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy with activity focused on the key drivers of poverty and an integrated whole systems approach overseen by our Resilient People programme and multi-agency Tackling Poverty Offices Action Group (TPOAG). This report provides further information on the Tackling Poverty Team operational activity whilst also updating on the continued programme of Welfare Reform, including developments in relation to devolved benefits now provided through Social Security Scotland as well as outlining key challenges which the Council, partners and our communities may face over the next three to four years. Recommendations It is recommended that the Wellbeing and Tackling Committee: (1) Approve the report and (2) Remit the report to the Integration Joint Board for information. Item 3 Page 55 of 66
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1. Background 1.1 Due to the complexity of the benefits system, general and specialist welfare rights services remain crucial to individuals and family’s dependent on out-of-work and in- work benefits. In addition to direct provision the Tackling Poverty Team provide support and assistance to staff to raise awareness and promote the range of state benefits. The main thrust of all welfare rights work is the maximisation of income for individuals and for the wider benefit of the community and economy of North Lanarkshire, indirectly also supporting the Council. In view of the proportion of individual and families in our area who continue to be impacted by poverty the focus in income maximisation remains a key priority not only for the Tackling Poverty Team but for wider council services. 1.2 The Tackling Poverty Team together with Social Work Services and Housing Solutions provide service users and members of the public with advice and assistance on a wide variety of benefit-related issues. A full benefits check is offered to all new service users whilst income maximisation also plays a vital role in supporting those who have longer- term engagement with Social Work Services whether through Adult, Justice, Children and Families Services or Carer support. A strengthened interface with Education Service including through our Fairer Futures focussing on families impacted by disability is also extending our reach to families. 1.3 Direct access for residents to the Tackling Poverty Team is provided through the First Point of Contact Team. Moreover, in addition to supporting frontline teams to ensure income maximisation is embedded in the practice of all services; representation is provided for clients at tribunals and hearings via the Resolutions Team. Successful welfare rights intervention, leading to additional benefit awards to individuals, may also mean that, individuals are empowered to better manage their affairs and can increase independence and decrease demand on social work and other services. 1.4 As previously reported in November 2022, the Joint Integration Board committed funding of £300,000 per year 2023/24 and 2024/2025 to allow the Tackling Poverty Team to recruit additional staff and supporting the establishment of a ‘Cost of Living Helpline’. 1.5 In the context of continued high levels of demand, the team’s capacity and the continuation of temporary posts, the Cost-of-Living Helpline was operational during 2025/26, supported via an agreed IJB EMR and an in-year realignment of discretionary Children & Families budgets. Approval was sought at July 2026 Workforce Change Steering Group to extend 7FTE linked to the helpline to 31st December 2026, with approved Tackling Poverty EMRs supporting the associated staffing costs. However, a longer-term decision on the ability to sustain this additional capacity within the service will be informed by ongoing discussion with HSCP partners alongside the service review planned for early 2027 as part of the Council’s wider service review programme. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (11) Increase economic opportunities for adults by understanding, identifying, and addressing the causes of poverty and deprivation and barriers to financial inclusion Programme of Work Resilient People Item 3 Page 56 of 66
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1.6 Over the past number of years, progress in developing comprehensive local approaches to tackling poverty have been framed around the key drivers of poverty, via the Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 to 2026. 1.7 The challenges that the Council and partners have faced in delivering our ambitions with respect to Tackling Poverty over the next three years include the ongoing and lasting impacts of the pandemic and Cost-of-Living Crisis, driven in particular by rising energy costs, high inflation for food and other good and the impacts of the conflict in Ukraine and Iran. This is within a context of the continuing programme of Welfare Reform led by the UK Government but also the roll out of changes to areas of benefit support now devolved to the Social Security Scotland. 2. Report Income Maximisation 2.1 There has been a continued increase in demand for the Tackling Poverty Team welfare rights service which has seen the average number of referrals per month received by the team rising from 1,233 in 2024/25 to 1,319 referrals per month in 2025/26. A 7% increase. 2.1.1 The increased capacity referenced above and increased focus and awareness raising supported a substantial increase in benefit checks completed in 2023/24. There has since been a further increase of 9.5% in the number of benefits checks completed for residents; rising from 29,819 benefit checks completed in 2024/25 to 32,113 benefit checks completed in 2025/26. 2.1.2 The additional benefit income generated by the Tackling Poverty Team and other council services increased by 4.27%, over the previous period with a total of £57,706,880 of additional benefit income generated via claims, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals for benefits. 2.1.3 As reflected in last year’s activity report the increase in referrals has had an impact on response times, with the normal call back of 3-5 working days, moving to 5-7 days to meet that demand. At times it has been necessary to move this to 7 – 10 days again to meet the demand placed on the service. 2.2 North Lanarkshire Council is the largest local authority landlord in Scotland with circa 36, 315 houses. In addition, the local Registered Social Landlord sector owns and manages approximately 9,000 properties. It is estimated that around 58.5% of social tenants are in receipt of Housing Benefit (57.3% in the council housing sector). 2.2.1 Early intervention with income maximisation assists in the prevention of rent arrears and the sustainability of tenancies. 2.2.2 Housing advisors provide basic information and advice to vulnerable tenants and homeless people, concentrating on housing benefit to ensure people can pay their rent. They receive welfare rights training and are supported by Welfare Rights Officers from the Tackling Poverty Team (TPT). 2.2.3 From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, Housing Services generated £21,463,843 in benefits for 10,256 new and existing tenants, making 7,428 claims for benefits of which 1,843 were claims for Housing Benefit, including for Supported Accommodation, Item 3 Page 57 of 66
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Discretionary Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Scheme (which is a direct income for the Council and in the longer term contributes to the sustainability of tenancies). 2.3 Similarly, the TPT, together with Social Work Services completed 21,857 Benefit Checks in 2025/26 generating an income to local residents of £31,930,578 with additional financial gains of £1,398,383, (benefits, charities, and energy suppliers etc.) generated via Debt Advisors within the FIT. The overall breakdown for the TPT and Social Work Care Groups was as follows: Community Care (All Services) £19,845,860.98 Justice Services £ 1,225,725.47 Education £ 1,414,011.30 Children & Families £ 1,105,223.58 Health & MacMillan £8,339,757.04 2.3.1 The MacMillan Lanarkshire Advice Service is also provided via the TPT and provides home visits, telephone interviews, office visits and surgeries in local hospitals. Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, there were 810 referrals to the service, (a decrease of 47 from last year), of which 48% were for SR1/BASRiS cases (terminally ill). Income generated in 2025/26 was £2,415,676 for those residents referred affected by cancer. 2.3.2 The table below summarises the income maximisation work undertaken throughout the year: Social Work / TPT £31,930,578 Housing Services £21,962,243 Macmillan Lanarkshire Service £2,415,676 Charities, and energy suppliers £1,398,383 Total £57,706,880 2.3.3 The TPT and Social Work Service generated 59.25% of the Council total, with Housing Solutions making up the remaining 40.75%. In cost/benefit terms, it is worth noting that every £1 invested by the Council in income maximisation during 2025/26 generated £27.46 for residents and the local economy. 2.3.4 The Improvement Service Common Advice Performance Management Reporting Framework 2025/26 reported that from an over Scottish perspective for every £1 of local authority funding invested in money and welfare rights advice resulted in £12 financial gain for clients. 2.3.5 The Tackling Poverty Team also received 9,943 referrals from Elected Members, MSP’s/MP’s, NHSL and other agencies, for welfare rights and debt advice. Item 3 Page 58 of 66
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Appeals 2.4 The Tackling Poverty Team, Resolutions Team provide representation for residents at mandatory reconsideration stage and Social Security Appeals which is a core element of a Welfare Rights Officer’s work. During 2025/26, Welfare Rights Officers represented at 287, mandatory reconsideration stage with a success rate of 66% and represented residents at 149 appeals. 2.4.1 The overall success rate for Social Security Appeal Tribunals by the Tackling Poverty Team was 81%, which is the same as last year and above the national average of 70%. Debt Advice 2.5 The Tackling Poverty Team received 1966 referrals for Money Advice/Debt Advice during 2025/26 from residents, elected members, CABx, Health and Social Care Services, Education, Housing Services, NHS Lanarkshire and other Advice and Information agencies. 2.5.1 The team dealt with 20 new Debt Payment Programmes (DPP) and 72 Bankruptcies were awarded. The cost-of-living crisis and people’s circumstances continue to be unstable impacting on the number of formal debt solutions being accessed. There were 81 variations created by the team for current Debt Payment Programme’s, which included payment holidays, crisis breaks and debt changes. The total debt dealt with was £4,316,175.70. With financial gains, of £1,398,383.02 for residents. Training 2.6 Throughout 2025/26, the TPT has provided over 100 training sessions to council services and external partners, via online and face to face sessions covering tackling poverty awareness sessions, updates on benefits, welfare reforms and legislation, financial assessments, employment and support allowance, migrant workers and other welfare benefits-related subjects. 2.6.1 The TPT also maintains and updates online e-learning training packages for the Scottish Welfare Fund, Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit, which are available to all council services, elected members and partners via their online platforms. External Services 2.7 The Tackling Poverty Team also monitors externally commissioned advice services and has carried out monitoring visits of each Citizen Advice Bureaux as outlined in the funding agreement providing assurances that each provider is meeting the outcomes agreed in the funding agreement and are providing a quality advice and information service in line with the Scottish National Standards for Advice and Information Providers, their locality profiles, and the Council’s 5 Strategic priorities. 2.7.1 Over the 2025/26 period these services have dealt with 6,759 Welfare Rights enquiries, 2,072 Housing Advice and 4,685 Money Advice enquiries with 2,927 referred to other agencies and 4,693 Benefit Checks, generating benefit income to local residents of £6,814,195. Item 3 Page 59 of 66
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2.7.2 In cost/benefit terms, every £1 invested by the Council in External Services during 2025/26 generated £18.58 for residents and the local economy. 2.7.3 It is important to reaffirm that the Council commissions these external services to provide specific advice and information services (not wider CAB Services) and that they receive funding from other sources to support wider activity. The activity and income generated information referenced above relates only therefore to those elements of service provision funded through the council. Legislative/Policy Changes (Welfare Reforms) 2.8 UK and Scottish Government changes impacting on the benefit system for this period are detailed below. Benefit changes timetable 2026 Please note that information about some of these changes may be limited at present and also subject to further change. March 2026 All legacy benefits will end on 31 March 2026. No more payments will be made. April 2026 Social security benefits across the UK and Scotland will increase by 3.8% for most benefits (4.7% for State Pension (Triple lock) From April 2026, the rules around how much people get and who can claim Universal Credit (UC) are set to change. The Universal Credit ‘Limited Capability for Work Related Activity’ (LCWRA) element will change: • From April 2026, those already getting LCWRA will have their amount frozen at £97 per week until 2029/30. • New claimants of Universal Credit who get LCWRA will not get the full £94 per week and instead get £50. • People under the age of 22 will be unable to get the LCWRA element. The Universal Credit standard allowance will increase: • From April 2026, the Universal Credit standard allowance will increase from £91 per week to £98 per week. Statutory Sick Pay (Mainly the same) but 3 changes from 04/26: • end of requirement for £125 min earnings • paid at lower of 80% earnings or £123.25 • end of waiting days – SSP from day 1 of sickness rather than Day 4 October 2026 The Warm Home Discount Scheme opens for applications in England, Scotland and Wales. November 2026 Across the UK, eligible pensioners will begin to receive their Winter Fuel Payment. Item 3 Page 60 of 66
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In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. In Scotland, the Child Winter Heating Payment will be paid to eligible households. December 2026 In Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment will be paid to eligible households. Scottish Government – Assistance 2026/2027 2.9 The Scottish Child Payment was increased to £28.20 per week, per child - £112.80 every four weeks – to help towards the costs of looking after each child under 16 for families who get certain benefits. 2.10 From April 2027, the Scottish Child Payment for under ones will increase to £40. 2.11 A universal Pension Age Winter Payment will be introduced from Winter 2026. Future Context and Challenges 2.12 The North Lanarkshire labour market reflects the national job market in that, while recruitment has slowed in the last 12 months, unemployment has remained relatively low. Indeed, unemployment in North Lanarkshire has dipped below the Scottish average in a sustained way for the first time in the last 6 months and is a demonstration of the longer term and sustained improvements that have been taking place in our local labour market as a result of the general economy alongside the implementation of the Plan for North Lanarkshire. In addition, the longer-term increase in average earnings in the area has also contributed to the development of an inclusive economy. 2.12.1 A very positive trend that has emerged in the last 12 months is a decrease in economic inactivity levels in our communities. This had been a real concern in the post-covid period when economic inactivity levels in North Lanarkshire were among the highest in Scotland. This trend in the last two years has seen North Lanarkshire move from being one of the top 3 highest areas for economic inactivity in Scotland in 2024 to now being 16th in Scotland, a significant improvement from 29.5% of the working age population in March 2024 to 22.9% in the latest figures available (Scotland is at 22.7%). This is due to significant decreases in the number of people citing long-term sickness or caring responsibilities as a barrier to work and coincides with an increase in the proportion of economically inactive residents who say they do want a job increasing as well. 2.12.2 However, the outlook remains uncertain with fears that global issues may drive inflation and slow down economic growth across the UK. An early indicator of this is that job vacancies have fallen to their lowest level since early 2021 in the UK. Lasting impacts of the pandemic alongside international economic instability, and disruptions in global supply chains continue to shape local conditions. These pressures remain persistent and leave some residents facing entrenched barriers to financial security, wellbeing, and opportunity. 2.12.3 A further concern is increasing polarisation between those in work who are seeing reasonable wage growth and those out of work who are facing the increased cost of living on benefits This polarisation reinforces the continued importance of our commitment to deliver employability programmes which deliver support to address barriers around health, wellbeing, and money issues. These are provided alongside real vocational support in terms of training and work experience to match our residents Item 3 Page 61 of 66
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with the job that suits them and their circumstances and include our area-based community engagement projects delivered through Routes to Work Ltd and our Working for Families programme, which offers support to parents on low incomes with a long term plan to get back to work and is effective, in part, due to the close collaboration with the Tackling Poverty Team. Cross service work which includes whole family support, housing and tackling poverty colleagues and other partners working together to support this group is now the norm for employability programmes. 2.12.4 In addition, a major contributor to inclusion in the local labour market is the Council’s Supported Employment service which works to close the disability employment gap and has pioneered new programmes for young people with additional support needs which have proved to be effective in supporting into sustained employment. Again, this service works very closely with the Tackling Poverty team to ensure that participants in our programmes are better off in work. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Ensuring and improving the standardised service to all residents and providing a sustainable, responsive, and effective means of quality advice and support to our communities across North Lanarkshire. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 N/A Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice, and Integrated Practice) Item 3 Page 62 of 66
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Tackling Poverty is fully aligned with the requirements of the Fairer Scotland Duty, its purpose being to reduce the inequalities caused by socio economic disadvantage. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ Item 3 Page 63 of 66
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5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group Subgroup developed a Communications Plan. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Tackling Poverty has been identified as a Corporate Risk, with the Chief Social Work Officer as the risk lead. Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire - Tackling Poverty Strategy sets out a planned approach which seeks to eliminate poverty or make very significant reductions in the level of poverty resulting in benefit to the residents and including improvement in the overall level of health and wellbeing of communities. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. Item 3 Page 64 of 66
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5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Actions to tackle poverty including those described in this report support a number of fundamental rights within the conventions however as this report updates on actions already agreed no CRWIA has been undertake. A CRWIA will be undertaken when the Strategy and Action Plan are fully updated in 2026. If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☒ Item 3 Page 65 of 66
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Item 3 Page 66 of 66