Agenda Document Pack - Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee - 18/08/2023
North Lanarkshire Council · 18 August 2023
Back to Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee — 18 August 2023 and its agenda
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9 August 2023 Members of the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Chief Executive’s Office Archie Aitken Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) 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, 18 August 2023 at 10:00 AM which you are requested to attend. The agenda of business is attached. Archie Aitken Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Members : Clerk Name: Andrew Rose Clerk Telephone: 07951 409714 Clerk Email: rosean@northlan.gov.uk G Woods.C Costello, D Ashraf, C Barclay, B Baudo, H Brannan-McVey, J Cairns, G Currie, W Goldie, J Jones, P Kelly, J Keltie, A Khan, J Leckie, H Loughran, B McCluskey, A McCrory, F McNally, J McPhilemy, L Mitchell, L Nolan, P Patton, L Stubbs, A Thomas, C Williams, Page 1 of 236
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Agenda 1 Declarations of Interest In Terms of the Ethical Standards In Public Life Etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 2 02. Cost of Living Response Submit report by the Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) providing an update on the assessment and analysis of the provision of the community drop in venues that were agreed to be introduced by the Council in November 2022 to assist residents with the current crisis (copy herewith) 5 - 46 3 03. Breastfeeding Friendly North Lanarkshire Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) highlighting achievements across every Council service with partners within NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector, culminating in the recent submission of the application for approval for North Lanarkshire to become the first Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority in Scotland (copy herewith) 47 - 76 4 04. Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 - 2026 - With Appendix Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integrated Practice) presenting the Tackling Poverty Strategy which will support the Plan for North Lanarkshire’s new Programme of Work priorities and ambitions, promote the strengths and skills of individuals and families, increase economic activity, and provide practical and holistic support wherever possible to prevent the longer-term harms associated with poverty (copy herewith) 77 - 224 5 05. TPT Activity Report 2022 to 2023 Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) (1) providing details of the income maximisation work carried out by the Tackling Poverty Team, and (2) highlighting the activity of the external services commissioned by the Council under the new commissioning model which started in April 2018 (copy herewith) 225 - 236 Page 3 of 236
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref SP/MC Date 18/08/23 Cost of Living Response – Community Drop In Venues update From Stephen Penman, Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) E-mail penmanste@northlan.gov.uk costellom@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07725289559 Executive Summary It is recognised that there is a cost-of-living crisis in the UK resulting in unprecedented pressures on people already in poverty, and thousands of people in North Lanarkshire were and continue to experience or be forced into fuel poverty and have to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home. As part of the Council’s approach to tackling some of these issues funding was made available to local community groups to provide extended arrangements within existing venues that provided a warm place, food, refreshments and an opportunity for local residents to meet with others, the venues also provided information related a variety of issues including income maximisation and energy advice. The purpose of this report is to provide Committee with an update on the assessment and analysis of the provision of the community drop in venues that were agreed to be introduced by Council in November 2022 to assist residents with the current crisis. Recommendations It is recommended that the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee: 1) Welcome the actions undertaken to provide assistance relevant to the current cost-of-living crisis in relation to the provision of Community Drop In Centres across the 9 Community Board areas. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement (11) Increase economic opportunities for adults by understanding, identifying, and addressing the causes of poverty and deprivation and barriers to financial inclusion Item 2 Page 5 of 236
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1. Background 1.1 It is estimated that over one in three Scottish households (38.8%) will be hit with the highest rates of fuel poverty - where more than 20% of a household's net income is spent on energy costs. Out of 12 UK regions, only Northern Ireland (51.4%) is worse hit by extreme fuel poverty than Scotland. The study, published by the Child Poverty Action Group, also predicts nearly one in four (562,240) Scottish households will have had to spend 30% or more of income on energy. 1.2 Coupled with high energy prices, at the date of writing this report inflation is now at 10.1 % and although it is expected that this rate will fall during 2023, such a high inflation rate raises the price of all commodities and services – everything from food to mortgage payments. 1.3 A combination of all the above has led to the biggest cost-of-living crisis in decades. Whilst it is recognised that the Council is not funded to provide mainstream welfare support, it was critical that the Council considered approaches it could introduce which would assist our most affected residents in the most effective way. 1.4 The result was the introduction of several supporting measures on 1 November 2022. Including up to £450,000 funding to support local community groups in the provision of Community Drop In Venues that provide a warm place, food, refreshments, a place to meet others and an information/support resource in relation to a wide range of services, including income maximisation. 2. Report Drop-In Spaces 2.1 The purpose of this initiative was to provide accessible locations across the Council area which our residents could access to assist with the current crisis. The key aims were to provide drop-in spaces for people to attend so they did not have to heat their own homes at certain periods of the day, provide a space which allowed social interaction and hot food and drinks and a point which could be utilised to provide access to a variety of health and wellbeing supports. 2.2 One of the core principles of the council’s cost of living response was that we should maximise and build on existing provision as opposed to creating something new. The intention therefore was that the drop-in spaces initiative would be delivered through existing and local community organisations as opposed to the Council attempting to deliver the very same offering which already existed. This approach has proved to be successful and it is clear that the local knowledge of the groups has greatly assisted in determining need and minimise any perceptions of stigma as these groups were already operational, well known, respected and widely used within communities. 2.3 Following approval of the up to £450K grant funding for the initiative at the Council’s Policy and Strategy Committee on 29 September 2022, the council’s Community Partnership Team (CPT) identified and mapped the existing relevant provisions of potential drop-in spaces across the nine Community Board areas to identify which community groups had the potential to provide such spaces along with hot food/ drinks. 2.4 All of these groups were contacted directly by the CPT to discuss the potential support and an application form was sent to the group for completion and support provided to those groups which required assistance do so. Following this exercise over 70 groups Page 6 of 236
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were approved to receive funding. Full details of those groups are attached at Appendix 1 and an interactive map was also posted on the council’s Cost of Living web page, which provided an easy to use guide showing which facilities were available within each geographical area and details of opening times and the facilities on offer – hot food, free Wi-Fi etc. This list was continually revised and updated to accurately reflect availability and take account of any time or venue changes. 2.5 The total funding allocated to the initial project proposals was £364,220. The funding was initially paid in two lots with 60% of the payment issued in November and the remaining 40% paid in February following an assessment on the use and effectiveness of the service by the CPT. Further engagement took place with groups in January and February to determine if there was any further funding required by the groups in relation to additional costs or unexpected expenses, this resulted in further payments of £44,780 being made to groups to support the ongoing projects sufficiently. A contingency was held in reserve to ensure the ability to be flexible in the approach to supporting groups given the unknown demand but was ultimately not required to be deployed. This leaves £41,000 available to support additional initiatives to tackle poverty in the coming year in response to emerging priority areas. 2.6 To ensure that the community offer was both relevant, sustainable and of value, an online monitoring process was established that funding recipients must follow, and a copy is attached at Appendix 2. Initially we requested returns on a fortnightly basis with the first returns received on 2nd December. This allowed the CPT to accurately assess the impact of the programme and modify the offer as required to ensure it remained fit for purpose and whether the remaining 40% of funding is provided. As of 31st March 2023, the following summary response has been received from 75 respondents: • 25.3% of respondents said up to 20 people had attended. • 30.7% said between 20-50 people had attended. • 20% said between 51-100 people had attended. • 24% said over 100 people had attended. The table below outlines what people were using the facilities for: Page 7 of 236
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• A range of age groups were using the spaces although senior citizens were the highest demographic, followed by people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, families, children and young people as well as a small number of homeless persons. 2.7 Similar to the paragraph above, a user survey was created (Appendix 3) which was accessible online and information on this was made available at the venues. Unfortunately, take up of this survey was very low, however, several comments from users were recorded by the facility providers; “It’s saved my life, literally” “Meeting new friends has been good” “it’s great for bringing the community together, young and old” “It’s been 100% worthwhile project which has had great community benefit” “I visited the drop-in for the company and was disappointed when the sessions ended” “the drop-in is an essential service, it’s a warm and peaceful place for all ages” “As a pensioner, I was grateful for the chat in the evenings and meant I wasn’t alone” “more of a community spirit, great meeting and talking with others” “I am a recovering addict and was thankful for the food and additional support received at the drop-in” “Having a warm cuppa and bite to eat with others has been great, and a warm blanket and socks to take home too” “The drop-in is an essential service. It caters as a peaceful and warm place for all ages. It is free to all. Each week we see new visitors and village folk.” “An excellent service which is essential at this challenging time for all who may be struggling” “it’s warm and cosy and helps me with heating costs. They put on extra play sessions and we can get snacks and tea as well – and we can take home things like loaves of bread” 2.8 Feedback from the community providers highlighted that the drop in venues provided a positive environment for users and helped to tackle social isolation and provided opportunities for people to make contact with others which they wouldn’t otherwise have had. This can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of venue users. 2.9 Previous statistical reports gathered from the feedback from community groups are contained in Appendix 5 Communication Strategy 2.10 The strategy was launched in October and the supporting materials which have been designed with a consistent and recognisable style went live in early November. Crucially the main aim was to drive people to the cost-of-living pages on the council’s website where a range of information set out by theme provides advice, guidance and signposts people to the expert organisation for the most relevant support. Page 8 of 236
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2.11 The web page aims to guide people through the myriad of ways that small savings, household changes and concessions can combine to help households maintain a reasonable quality of life, despite the challenges posed by the current cost of living crisis. The themed areas are: crisis support, practical help to live with less money, energy advice, health and wellbeing, safety, budget and benefit tools, cooking on a budget and drop-in spaces. 2.12 A digital campaign which aims to raise awareness of the range of crisis support available to residents who have reached a point of being unable to cope with rising costs has been developed. This provides short messages designed to encourage small changes in behaviour and to highlight the range of support available around the key themes. This is running on social media channels, google ads and targeted advertising on Facebook. A core focus has been to promote the fuel hardship fund to a targeted audience to generate applications. To complement the digital campaign, advertising has been placed in bus interiors with a QR code taking people to the webpage. The campaign information has also been shared with partners and local and national media have covered the subject. 2.13 There has been a significant level of interest in the online assistance and a full breakdown since its launch in November is available in Appendix 4. 2.14 To provide non-digital assistance, a suite of materials was developed to support the web page including a cost-of-living leaflet, posters, drop-in space location leaflet and a money advice leaflet with the Tackling Poverty Team. These materials have been distributed to all and included a letter asking them to display the materials on-site. In addition, packs were issued to all 77 elected members asking them to display materials at surgeries or community meetings. Next steps 2.15 The CPT will continue to provide support to local community groups, several have indicated that they intend to continue Drop In Venue support for communities, despite the funding ending on 31/3/23. The council will continue to work with all partners in relation to the overall tackling poverty strategy for the Council. Outcomes from this will be included within any future reports to Committee and any decision to continue any funding will be aligned to the ongoing budget considerations for the Council. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Deployment of resources and initiatives in partnership with other organisations which will mitigate the impacts of the current financial pressures on our residents. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 – List of Community Groups Providing Drop-In Spaces 4.2 Appendix 2 – Online Monitoring Form for Community Groups 4.3 Appendix 3 – User Survey for Drop-In Spaces 4.4 Appendix 4 - Digital Analysis of Cost-of-Living Campaign 4.5 Appendix 5 – Previous Survey details Page 9 of 236
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Stephen Penman Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) Page 10 of 236
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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? The implementation of the Cost of Living response 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? The additional grant support of £0.450m is being supported through existing resources and the £600K funding for the Cost of Living helpline is being funded by the Health and Social Care Partnership. So far neither the UK nor Scottish Government have indicated the availability of additional direct funding to local government to support the cost-of-living crisis. In the event that additional funding does become available, the Council has well established processed for administering additional grants. 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? Page 11 of 236
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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? There are possible impacts in terms of: Wi-Fi access at agreed spaces and prioritising key sites within the connectivity project, shifting use of digital channels creating strain on bandwidth provision at key sites that may need to be increased, ability to provide digitally equipped spaces for use, including collaborative meeting spaces. Demand on GIS resources has been mitigated short term through the production of a google map supported by Comms and the Op Model team. A work local approach if agreed will also require consideration around acceleration of digital access/security and booking systems (front and back office). 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 Communications team have been involved in al discussions and have provided the communications strategy to compliment the initiative agreed in the report along with a wider cost-of-living programme. 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? Page 12 of 236
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The risks associated with the Council potentially failing to adequately respond to the cost-of-living crisis include the Council failing to address our corporate ambitions in relation to reducing poverty and improving residents’ economic well-being and are similar to, and reflected in, the Tackling Poverty risk included in the Corporate Risk register. 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). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 13 of 236
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Appendix 1 – List of Community Groups Providing Drop-In Spaces Community Board Area FACILITY Time More information Airdrie Airdrie - Jackson Church of Scotland Monday 10am - 2pm warm place, soup, tea biscuits Airdrie Airdrie Clarkston Parish Church Thursday 12-4pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie Cairnlea Parish Church Monday 11.30am - 3.30pm Wednesday 11.30am - 3.30pm place of warmth, hot drinks and biscuits Airdrie Calderbank Parish Church Tuesday 2-4.30pm warm space, hot drinks and biscuits Airdrie Caldercruix & Longriggend Parish Church Thursday 12.30-2.30pm weekly drop-in providing soup and sandwiches Airdrie Corpus Christi Parish Thursday 12-4pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie Diamonds in the Community Monday 10am-2pm Wednesday 10am-2pm Friday 10am-2pm Saturday 10am-1pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie New Monkland Parish Church Thursday 11am-2pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie Parkinsons Self Help Group Monday (alternate) 9am-3pm Tuesday 10am-2pm Wednesday 9am-3pm Thursday 10am-2pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie Plains Evangelical RC Church Friday 11am – 1pm warm place, food and drinks Airdrie St Edwards RC Church Tuesday 11.30am-2.30pm Thursday 10am - 3pm community activity inc snacks/tea & coffee hot & cold food Bellshill Bellshill: St Andrew's United Free Church of Scotland Tuesday 11am - 1pm Friday 11am - 1pm Warm space, tea, coffee, biscuits and free wifi Bellshill Burnhead Bowling Club Monday: 12noon – 4pm Tuesday: 12pm – 4pm, 4pm – 8pm Wednesday: 12noon – 4pm, 4pm – 7pm Thursday: 12pm – 4pm, 4pm – 8pm Friday: 12noon – 4pm, 4pm – 7pm, 9pm – 12 midnight Warm space, soup, tea and coffee Bellshill Lanarkshire Muslim Welfare Society 7 days a week 11am to 5pm Warm space, hot meals and soft drinks Page 14 of 236
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Bellshill Living Waters Church Tuesdays 3pm - 6pm Tea/coffee, hot food and wifi Bellshill The Salvation Army, Bellshill Monday to Friday 9.00am - 1pm Tea, coffee and biscuits in morning. Hot soup, roll and desert 12 to 1pm Bellshill Thorniewood Community Council Monday 6.30pm - 9pm Wednesday 12pm – 3pm, and 6.30pm – 9pm Friday 12pm – 3pm Saturday 1pm – 4pm Hot food and drinks during cooking on a budget class. Chats and Cuppa Café, hot drinks, sandwiches, bakery and activities/games Bellshill Uddingston Burnhead Parish Church First Tuesday of each month 1.30pm – 3pm Wednesday 10am - 12pm Thursday 12pm - 2pm Hot lunch, tea, coffee, biscuits Bellshill Utheo Ltd Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre Monday to Friday 9am - 2.30pm Tea, coffee refreshments, biscuits and cakes, activities in warm environment Friday - soup and hot meal Bellshill Viewcare Project Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm Monday 9.30am - 2.30pm for hot food, drinks Friday 7pm - 9.30pm for P7+ kids food and drinks Bellshill VIP Arts and Sports Academy Wednesday 12.30pm – 2pm Thursday 12.30pm – 2pm Warm place, food, drink and activities Bellshill YMCA Bellshill & Mossend Tuesday 10am – 3pm Wednesday 1pm – 5pm Thursday 10am – 3pm Warm space, cup of coup, tea, coffee, snack. Signposting and advice. Coatbridge Albion Rovers Community Trust Tuesday 6pm – 10pm warm place, hot food & drinks Coatbridge Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group Thursday 12-2.30pm Friday 12-2.30pm Saturday 10.30am-2pm soup, sandwiches, tea & coffee Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre Mon, Wed, Fri 5-9pm warm place, hot food & drinks Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with The Safety Zone Monday 6-8pm Tuesday 11.30am-3pm Thursday 11am-3pm Friday 11am-3pm warm place, hot drinks & snacks Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with Parents Action for Safe Play Monday 9am-3pm Tuesday 5-9pm Thursday 9am-3pm warm place, hot drinks & snacks Page 15 of 236
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Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with St Bernards Church group Tuesday 6-9pm Thursday 6-9pm warm place, soup & sandwiches Coatbridge Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre with St Stephens Church Thursday 6-9pm warm place, soup & sandwiches Coatbridge St Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church Monday 2-5pm Tuesday 2-5pm Thursday 2-5pm warm place, hot food & drinks Coatbridge St Monicas Hall Committee Sunday 1pm – 4pm Monday 11am – 2pm Tuesday 11am – 2pm warm place, hot food & drinks Coatbridge The Most Blessed Trinity and All Saints Parish Church - Tuesday Club Tuesdays 12-3pm soup, sandwiches, hot drinks Coatbridge Xaverian Centre Conforti Tuesday 10am-4pm Thursday 10am-4pm soup, sandwiches, tea & coffee Cumbernauld Abronhill Parish Church Tuesday 11am-7pm Thursday 11am-7pm Warm space, hot meals and drinks Cumbernauld Cornerstone House Monday 9am-11am Wed 12.30-2.30pm & 4.30-7.30pm hot & cold food, hot drinks. Cumbernauld Cornerstone House (Westfield) Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm hot & cold food, hot drinks. Cumbernauld Cornerstone House (Village) Thursday 12-2.30pm hot & cold food, hot drinks. Cumbernauld Cumbernauld & Carbrain Community Hub Thursday 10am-3pm Saturday 10am-2pm Saturday 2-4pm (once per month) Hub open Mon-Fri (3hrs), additional hours on Thurs and Saturday opening for community pantry (10am- 12pm) and food/drink. Saturday 2-4pm will host a community lunch/dinner. Cumbernauld Cumbernauld Foodbank Tuesday 12-2pm Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm warm space, hot & cold food, drinks. Will open during festive period. Cumbernauld Cumbernauld Poverty Action Saturday 10.30am-12.30pm breakfast club inc hot drinks Cumbernauld Cumbernauld Resilience Monday 5-7pm warm place, food Cumbernauld St Helen's Saint Vincent de Paul Monday 10am-12pm Tuesday 10am-12pm Friday 10am-12pm tea & toast, soup & sandwich Kilsyth & Villages Croy Community Hub Wednesday 10am-2pm Tuesday 11am-1pm Thursday 3-5pm Friday 1-3pm warm place, soup, sandwich, hot drinks. Drop- in opportunities, free wifi Kilsyth & Villages Friends of Kilsyth Monday 11am-9pm Tuesday 11am-9pm Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 11am-9pm warm place, hot & cold food, hot drinks. Page 16 of 236
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Kilsyth & Villages Holy Cross RC Church, Croy Monday – Thursday 7pm – 9pm warm place, hot drinks Kilsyth & Villages Kilsyth Church of God - Golden Days Thursday 1-3.30pm warm place, hot food & drinks Kilsyth & Villages Kilsyth Church of God - ROKK Club Tuesday 6-7.45pm warm place, hot food & drinks Kilsyth & Villages Kilsyth Community Church in Café Refresh Wednesday 5.30-8.30pm warm place, hot food & drinks Kilsyth & Villages St. Patrick's Church Tuesday 3-5pm Wednesday 12-2pm Friday 3-5pm warm place, soup & sandwiches Motherwell Befriend Motherwell/Dalziel St. Andrew's Church Monday to Friday 11am to 2pm Warm space, tea, coffee, snacks, lunches and activities Motherwell Community Action Newarthill Monday & Tuesday 10am - 1pm (Drop In) Monday 7pm - 9pm Wednesday 10.30am - 1.30pm (Winter Warmer) Thursday 10am - 12pm (Craft and Chat) Thursday 12.30pm - 3pm (Mens Lunch and Activity) Warm space, hot soup and sandwiches, food nutrition classes, hot lunch. Motherwell Forgewood Housing Cooperative Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4pm Warm space, seating, hot drink/cup a soup, free wifi. Colouring sheets for children Motherwell Glencassels Community Development Project Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11am - 2pm Soup, tea, coffee, soft drink. Signposting services and activities. Motherwell Motherwell Baptist Church Wednesday 11am - 3pm Meal 11am - 1pm Tea, coffee, snacks 1pm - 3pm Motherwell Motherwell Football Club Community Trust Tuesday and Thursday 6pm - 7pm Warm space, soup, tea, coffee. Cost of living guidance and SAMH programme Motherwell St Patrick's RC Church Wednesday (Drop in/Bingo) 7pm - 9pm Thursday (Pensioners Club - Bingo) 12.30pm - 2.30pm Thursday (Bowling Club) 7pm - 10pm Tea, Coffee, refreshment and activities Northern Corridor Auchinloch Community Council Wednesday 6.30-8.30pm warm place, hot food & drinks Northern Corridor Chryston Parish Church Monday - Saturday 10am-10pm warm space, food & drink Page 17 of 236
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Northern Corridor Glenboig Development Trust Monday - Friday 9am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 1-5pm daily café facilities, dinner delivery service (vulnerable persons) Northern Corridor Nothing is Impossible Ministries T/A The Coffee House Monday 10am-2pm Tuesday 3-7pm Wednesday 10am-2pm Thursday 3-7pm Friday 10am-2pm community café facilities Northern Corridor St. Barbara's Church Hall Tuesday 10am-12pm Thursday 11am-3pm warm place, coffee & cake warm place, hot food Northern Corridor Stepps Parish Church Monday 1.30-3.30pm Thursday 10am-3pm warm place, food & drink Northern Corridor Stepps Parish Church with Millerston UF Church Tuesday 10.30am-1.30pm Friday 9am-12pm daily café facilities, dinner delivery service (vulnerable persons) Northern Corridor Stepps Parish Church with St Joseph's RC Church Monday 9-11am & 12-3pm warm place, food & drinks, activity clubs Shotts Bonkle Church of Scotland with Coltness Memorial Church Monday 10am – 4pm Friday 10am – 4pm warm place, food & drink Shotts Crochet & Chatter Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm Warm space, hot drink, cakes and biscuit. Crafts, games and activities Shotts Getting Better Together Ltd Monday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Tuesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Wednesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Thursday 4.30pm – 6.30pm Warm space, tea, coffee, biscuits and activities Shotts Paul's Parcels Monday & Thursday 4.30pm - 7.30pm (Shotts) Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Shotts Paul's Parcels Monday 11.30am - 2.30pm (Salsburgh) Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Shotts Paul's Parcels Wednesday 11.30am - 2.30pm (Harthill) Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Shotts Shotts Calderhead Erskine Parish Church Friday (fortnightly) 9am - 3pm Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, games and activities Wishaw Cambusnethan North Parish Church (Church of Scotland) Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10.30am to 3pm Warm space, food and hot drinks, games and activities Wishaw Coltness Community Council warm place, food & drink Wishaw Garrion People Housing Cooperative Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4pm Warm space, seating, hot drink/cup a soup, free wifi. Colouring sheets for children Page 18 of 236
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Wishaw MADE4UINML2 Monday 10.30am - 12.30pm Tuesday 9.30am - 11.30am Tuesday 6pm - 8pm Friday 10.30am - 12pm Warm place, hot food, hot drink and activities Wishaw Newmains Community Trust Centre Monday to Thursday 5pm - 9pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Warm place, hot drinks, hot soup and biscuits and activities Wishaw Overtown Parish Church Monday 12pm - 4pm (Community Lunch served 12pm - 1.30pm) Thursday 1pm - 4.30pm Tea, coffee, biscuits, cake, games, activities and quiet space Wishaw St Marys Parish Centre Tuesday and Thursday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 5pm - 8pm Tea, coffee, biscuits, cake, games, activities and quiet space Wishaw St Thomas RC Church Wednesday 7pm - 9pm (Bingo) Friday 7.30pm - 10.30pm (Men's Group - open to all) Tea, Coffee, refreshments and activities Page 19 of 236
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Appendix 2 – Online Monitoring Form for Community Groups Cost of Living: Monitoring Form for Groups & Organisations The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. * Required Introduction As part of North Lanarkshire Council Cost of Living Campaign, your organisation has successfully received one-off grant funding for the period 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023 to deliver an enhanced cost of living support to help tackle the immediate crisis facing many individuals and families in your community. To help NLC and community groups monitor the impact of this campaign over the winter period on both your organisation and beneficiaries please could you complete this short monitoring form every two weeks. This will enable us to identify early trends, gaps in provision, and additional support where required, and will assist with the review on the effectiveness of the initiative by the Community Partnership Team in January to ensure we are delivering the anticipated outcomes. Page 20 of 236
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Organisation Name* Which Community Board area do you operate in? * o Airdrie o Bellshill o Coatbridge o Cumbernauld o Kilsyth o Motherwell o Northern Corridor o Shotts o Wishaw Page 21 of 236
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Since the previous monitoring period ended (20th January 2023), approximately how many people (per week) have visited your venue as part of the Cost-of-Living campaign * o <20 o 20-50 o 51-100 o >100 What did they use your venue for? * □ For warmth □ For hot drinks and/or food □ Meet and talk to other people □ Access WiFi and/or charge electronic device □ Free period products □ Information, advice or guidance □ Other Page 22 of 236
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Who has been using your venue? * □ Senior Citizens (60+) □ Families □ Children & Young people □ People with disabilities/long term health conditions □ Homeless persons □ Other Have you worked with any unexpected groups/ organisations to deliver your enhanced provision as part of the Cost-of-Living campaign during this period? If yes, please indicate below* Is there any additional support you feel is required to maintain your extended provision? If so, please indicate below* Do you feel your extended service through the Cost-of-Living campaign is making a difference in your community? (select 1 to 5 stars) * Microsoft Forms Page 23 of 236
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Appendix 3 User Survey for Drop in Venues Cost of Living: User Experience Survey The survey will take approximately 4 minutes to complete. * Required Introduction Our Cost-of-Living campaign has been set up to provide North Lanarkshire residents with local information and support to help cope with rising costs. Community groups and organisations are working with the council to provide a net- work of drop in points where residents can grab a cuppa and a chat with fellow residents or just enjoy a change of scene. Completing this survey will help us to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our residents as best we can. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback. Today's date * Page 24 of 236
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Your postcode* What age group do you belong to? * □ 16-24 □ 25-34 □ 35-44 □ 45-54 □ 55-64 □ 65+ Gender identity * □ Female □ Male □ Non-binary □ Prefer not to disclose Page 25 of 236
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Please specify your ethnicity* □ White Scottish, English, Welsh, NI or British □ Asian or Asian British □ Black, Black British, Caribbean or African □ Mixed or multiple ethnic groups □ Other ethnic group □ Prefer not to disclose Do you consider yourself to have a disability?* □ Yes □ No □ Prefer not to disclose Which Community Drop-in point have you accessed? E.g. Newarthill Community Centre* Page 26 of 236
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What did you use the centre for? * □ For warmth □ For hot drinks and/or food □ Meet and talk to other people □ Access WiFi / charge electronic device (phone, laptop etc) □ Free period products □ Information, advice or guidance □ Other Do you feel that the extended service on offer is making a difference in your community? * □ Yes □ Somewhat □ No Do you feel that the extended services on offer meet your specific needs? * □ Yes □ Somewhat Page 27 of 236
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□ No Do you have any suggestions for improvement you feel should be offered through the Cost-of-Living campaign?* This content is neither created nor endorsed by Microsoft. The data you submit will be sent to the form owner. Microsoft Forms Page 28 of 236
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Appendix 4 Digital Analysis of Cost of Living Campaign As at 31 March 2023, since its launch in October the following key statistics show: • The Cost of Living pages (including the Cost of Living main page, and the pages linked to it) have been visited by people 973,955 times and of this number, there were 224,782 unique page views, which means the individual number of sessions (visits to the page either by different people, from different devices or on different dates). Visits to the Cost of Living pages amount to 10% of all pages being viewed on the council website. The most visited pages are the Fuel Hardship Payment pages (both the application form and the information page), Scottish Welfare Fund, and crisis support. • Driving people to The Scottish Welfare Fund page was a key objective and this page has had 56,327 visitors since the start of the campaign, of which 32,410 are unique page views. With 6,189 applications made from the landing page, this demonstrates that 11% of visitors (and 19% of unique page viewers) went on to make an application. • The Community drop-in points page has had 17,352 visits by viewers (most of these views have taken place after being promoted on digital channels). • A map of all 120 council and community drop-in spaces which was created on this page has had 62,343 views. • Since the start of the campaign there have been 4,872 link clicks (a measurement of the click-through rate to a specific page) to the budgeting tool/calculator. It was specifically promoted on social media to encourage more people to use the tools. Page 29 of 236
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Appendix 5 Previous Survey details Community Drop-in Spaces - Early Snapshot Data Monitoring Returns Week Ending 2 December 2022 Page 30 of 236
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Community Drop-in Spaces - Early Snapshot Data Monitoring Returns Week Ending 16 December 2022 Page 32 of 236
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Community Drop-in Spaces - Snapshot Data & Narrative Early Monitoring Returns and feedback for period January 2023 Snapshot Data The early monitoring data returns for the third monitoring period (January 2023) of the Cost-of-Living Community Drop-in Spaces initiative provide an indicative picture of the continued impact and effectiveness of the programme in our communities. Snapshot data below for North Lanarkshire wide is generally consistent with the two previous monitoring periods leading up to Christmas. Only notable change is increase in access to free sanitary products. The following tables provide a snapshot of how many people have been making use of the spaces, the demographic of people using them and what they are using them for. Page 34 of 236
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Feedback To the reinforce the positive impact the programme is having, the CPT are carefully capturing qualitative feedback from specific groups across each of the 9 community board areas. Airdrie Number of groups completed monitoring forms 7 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 20 people are using each venue across Airdrie Community Any welcoming 100+ people? No Examples of best practice over Festive season? No Any gaps or issues being identified? No significant issues identified. Bellshill Number of groups completed monitoring forms 6 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue across Bellshill Community Any welcoming 100+ people? Viewcare Project and Thorniewood Community Council have regular users of their services. Examples of best practice over Festive season? Whilst ViewCare were not open over festive period, their Teen Space project as part of the Cost-of-Living initiative had a Christmas event on the 16th December that registered over 75 young children in attendance. The event received overwhelming positive feedback from local schools and parents about the benefits of providing hot food in a safe space for the children. Thorniewood Community Council demonstrated additionality in supporting people who are experiencing food and fuel poverty in Viewpark. There were between 55 - 70 regular users per week who have used the group’s financial and debt advice service, emergency food bank and clothing bank. During December, special Christmas dinners had been catered for 80 people, as well as a Christmas gift appeal which has presented over 200 gifts to local low-income families and children. The Salvation Army continued their operations over festive period and provided free hot food and drinks in the mornings, a mid-day meal and free continental style breakfast every Sunday morning. The organisation’s 6 days a week service has averaged 35 – 60 people per session per visit over the festive period. Most service users have expressed their appreciation for how the project is able to help them to reduce costs, engage with their community and form new friendships. Page 36 of 236
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Any gaps or issues identified? No significant issues identified. Coatbridge Number of groups completed monitoring forms 9 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50+ people are using each venue across Coatbridge Community Any welcoming 100+ people? No Examples of best practice over Festive season? The Safety Zone – the drop ins are being used regularly with people staying on after regular groups and quite a few of the elderly residents and neighbours around the centre have been attending. Kirkshaws NBHC, Cliftonville and Coatdyke are all operating very well. Any gaps or issues being identified? Some groups are concerned that they are not attracting those most in need of the service and therefore not meeting indented outcomes of the Cost-of-Living funding. That said, CPO is working closely with such groups providing advice and guidance to extend reach of their services. Cumbernauld Number of groups completed monitoring forms 8 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50+ people are using each venue across Cumbernauld Community Any welcoming 100+ people? Cornerstone House and Cumbernauld Resilience Examples of best practice over Festive season? Cumbernauld Foodbank (Take Heart for the Nation Freedom City Church) – operated their service during Christmas and New Year, indicating busy periods on Tuesdays with links to the Foodbank and Benefit Advice and Support (funded through Campsies). Whilst other venues were closed over most of the festive season, they made every effort in advance of the festive season to provide support. Examples include: - Cumbernauld Resilience and Carbrain CB: Closed at Christmas but distributed frozen meals to people most in need to see them through Christmas. - Cumbernauld Poverty Action – were not open on Christmas but ensured everyone using the service had information on local facilities, have seen a marked increase in numbers since the beginning of January. Note that Cornerstone have received funding from the National Lottery to support local families with money for food and utilities. To date, 60 families using the Warm Place have accessed £100 cash for emergency food aid and £50 in credit for either electric or gas. Page 37 of 236
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Any gaps or issues being identified? No significant issues identified. Kilsyth & Villages Number of groups completed monitoring forms 5 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue across Kilsyth Community Any welcoming 100+ people? n/a Examples of best practice over Festive season? Whilst Friends of Kilsyth did not open over Christmas, they delivered 100 three course meals to people in the community at Christmas. St Patricks Church operated their services over the Christmas period and had 20 regular service users making most of their offer. Kilsyth Community Church also operated their service over the Christmas period and have been very appreciative of the Community Drop-in Centres. People from the community are commenting that it’s been a fantastic idea and are delighted with the service. The lady that runs it advised that they have found it “has made a real difference in the community, particularly those in social isolation. A wide range of persons have used the service, young, old and families.” Any gaps or issues being identified? No significant issues identified. Motherwell Number of groups completed monitoring forms 5 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 40-50 people are using each venue across Motherwell Community Any welcoming 100+ people? Befriend Motherwell Examples of best practice over Festive season? Motherwell Community Football Trust, after a slow start, are now welcoming more than 20 regular users following introduction of use of ipads and a welcoming space to watch World Cup football and other sport activities on a large screen. This has complemented the soup, cake and coffee offer already being offered. The group are also receiving referrals to their warm space from their traditional programmes targeting those with mental health challenges. Any gaps or issues being identified? No significant issues identified. Northern Corridor Number of groups completed monitoring forms 8 Page 38 of 236
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Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue across NC Community Any welcoming 100+ people? Glenboig Development Trust, The Hub @ Chryston Parish Church & NIIM t/a The Coffee House Examples of best practice over Festive season? n/a Any gaps or issues being identified? No significant issues identified. Shotts Number of groups completed monitoring forms 4 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50+ people are using each venue across Shotts Community Any welcoming 100+ people? Paul’s Parcels Examples of best practice over Festive season? Paul’s Parcels, a well established and respected organisation in the community, continued most of their service over the festive season, regularly meeting needs of those most in need. Paul Parcel’s is one of the few organisations that are regularly welcoming over 100 people through the cost-of-living warm space initiative. Any gaps or issues being identified? Bonkle Parish Church initially had great difficulty getting off the ground, but since resuming after Christmas, their attendance has increased and are appreciative of CPO support. No significant issues identified. Wishaw Number of groups completed monitoring forms 6 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 20-40 people are using each venue across Wishaw Community Any welcoming 100+ people? No Examples of best practice over Festive season? MADE4UINML2 provided additionality by delivering Christmas meals a few days before Christmas day to those in most need. They also ran Kids activities over the festive period to help struggling families when schools were closed. These activities were held on 23rd, 24th and 28th - 31st Dec and 4th – 8th January where a few lunch is provided on each day to every child attending. Any gaps or issues being identified? Whilst other venues were not open, apart from the normal church services, all venues have now resumed their services. No significant issues identified. Page 39 of 236
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Community Drop-in Spaces Monitoring Returns and feedback for period January – March 2023 Snapshot Data The monitoring data returns for the monitoring period (January-March 2023) of the Cost-of-Living Community Drop-in Spaces initiative provide an indicative picture of the impact and effectiveness of the programme in our communities. The following tables provide a snapshot of how many people have been making use of the spaces, the demographic of people using them and what they are using them for. Page 40 of 236
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Feedback To the reinforce the positive impact the programme is having, the CPT are carefully capturing qualitative feedback from specific groups across each of the 9 community board areas. Airdrie Number of groups completed monitoring forms 11 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? Diamonds in the Community Group Feedback • Service important to the community in combating social isolation and aiding mental health. • Formed local connections with other similar groups and linked in with local supermarket. Any gaps or issues being identified? Further funding required to extend provision of services Bellshill Number of groups completed monitoring forms 9 Indication of numbers using venues All groups reporting at least 50 persons using facilities provided, with 6 groups reporting more than 100 persons using the venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? St Andrews Church, Viewcare Project, Burnhead Parish, Lanarkshire Muslim Society, YMCA and Burnhead Bowling Club. Group Feedback • Links made with other community partners such as local churches, schools, supermarkets, NHS, Social Work and Police. • Demand for service is growing. • Financial assistance has been welcomed. • Valuable service in combating social isolation. Any gaps or issues identified? • Additional or continuation of funding would be beneficial in allowing venues to continue this service to the community. • Access to training for staff e.g. mental health awareness, dealing with complex needs (disability, health). Coatbridge Number of groups completed monitoring forms 11 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue, with 4 groups reporting more than 100 persons using the venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? St Francis Xavier FM Society, Kirkshaw’s Neighbourhood Centre plus 2 satellite venues at St Bernard’s and St Joseph’s Church halls. Group Feedback • Project has reached out to more members of the community. Page 42 of 236
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• Project has been invaluable in providing additional support to locals. Any gaps or issues being identified? Further funding required to extend provision of services. Cumbernauld Number of groups completed monitoring forms 6 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue, 1 group saw more than 100 regular visitors. Any welcoming 100+ people? Cumbernauld and Carbrain Community Hub Group Feedback • Increase in number of families using the service. • Volunteer helped form a gardening group. • Partnerships formed with local primary school. • Links made to other agencies e.g. energy advice, housing • Several groups will continue this service for the local community. • Valuable service to elderly residents due to central location. Any gaps or issues being identified? Further funding required to extend provision of services. Kilsyth & Villages Number of groups completed monitoring forms 7 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? N/A Group Feedback • Group able to provide additional service i.e Period Dignity products. • Growing demand for services provided • Link established with new group. • Campaign has been invaluable to those affected by social isolation. • Campaign has supported the community with their mental health and wellbeing. Any gaps or issues being identified? Further funding required to extend provision of services. Motherwell Number of groups completed monitoring forms 7 Page 43 of 236
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Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? N/A Group Feedback • Links made with local partners e.g. Blue Triangle HA • Established a vitamin collection point in local community Any gaps or issues being identified? Further funding required to extend provision of services Northern Corridor Number of groups completed monitoring forms 12 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 50-100 people are using each venue, with 3 groups reporting more than 100 persons using the venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? NIIM t/a The Coffee House, Chryston Parish Church, Glenboig Development Trust Group Feedback • Links made with other local groups. • Groups used by local workers e.g. postmen, construction • Increased use of service by local families facing transport difficulties. • Stronger relationships formed with local churches. • Additional Cost of Living event was held in partnership with NLC and the warm hub initiative. • Chryston Parish Church reported up to 400 people regularly (weekly) using the venue. Any gaps or issues being identified? Further funding required to extend provision of services Shotts Number of groups completed monitoring forms 4 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 20-50 people are using each venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? Pauls Parcels Group Feedback • Partnership formed with NHS Health Improvement team, providing staff training. • Links established with other partner agencies. • Support provided in partnership with other local groups. • We can continue providing a food service (Fridays) to the community. Any gaps or issues being identified? None Page 44 of 236
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Wishaw Number of groups completed monitoring forms 8 Indication of numbers using venues Approximately 20-50 people are using each venue. Any welcoming 100+ people? N/A Group Feedback • Links made with local partners to provide the community with advice, guidance, and support on issues such as employment. • There is a need to continue these services. Any gaps or issues being identified? Further funding required to extend provision of services Any gaps or issues being identified? None Page 45 of 236
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref AG/LF Date 18/08/23 Breastfeeding Friendly North Lanarkshire update From Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) E-mail gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 01698 332001 Executive Summary The Breastfeeding Friendly North Lanarkshire; Leading the Way in Driving Cultural Change report brought to committee in June 2021, highlighted the low breastfeeding rates in Lanarkshire, the potential benefits to our children, families and communities of promoting a culture of breastfeeding and outlined North Lanarkshire’s planned approach to addressing the concerns of mothers and families about breastfeeding out with the home and proposed actions to increase breastfeeding rates within our communities. Central to this has been a collaborative approach with NHS Lanarkshire, Third Sector Partners and working alongside Scottish Government to develop a new Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority accreditation award and framework with the aim of promoting and supporting a breastfeeding ethos to deliver cultural change within North Lanarkshire as well as creating a benchmark for other local authorities. A subsequent report (August 2021) highlighted progress to this date. This report highlights the achievements across every council service with partners within NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector, culminating in the recent submission of the application for approval for North Lanarkshire to become the first Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority in Scotland. Significantly the latest data indicates an improvement in the number of babies breastfeed in North Lanarkshire and an increase in the number of babies continuing to be feed at 6 - 8 weeks. All North Lanarkshire Council public buildings are now members of the Breastfeeding Friendly scheme and work within Early Years Centres, Schools and the wider community as illustrated within the report has been key to progress made to date and to creating the conditions to support further improvement and associated positive impacts on wellbeing and inequalities. Recommendations It is recommended that the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee: (1) Recognise the progress made by North Lanarkshire in becoming the first local authority in Scotland to seek Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority accreditation. (2) Agree that a progress report should be presented to Committee in 12 months’ time. Item 3 Page 47 of 236
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1. Background 1.1 In 2021 the Breastfeeding Friendly North Lanarkshire – Leading the Way in Driving Cultural Change report was brought to committee. The report highlighted breastfeeding rates in the whole of Lanarkshire were stubbornly low benchmarking poorly, including with comparator areas, and outlined North Lanarkshire’s commitment to address this. Emphasising the success of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland national award scheme, it also drew attention to the concerns that breastfeeding families expressed around feeding outside of the home. It proposed developing a collaborative approach, which brought North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire together to promote and support a Breastfeeding Friendly ethos and to work with the Scottish Government to be the first local authority in Scotland to achieve Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority accreditation. 1.2 In 2022 a further report advised the People and Communities Committee of progress to date included the co-produced Local Authority Breastfeeding Friendly Framework document that had been refined and approved by NHS Lanarkshire and Scottish Government and outlined achievements made, and targets yet to be achieved. 1.3 This report updates on the range of actions and in particular the promotion of a whole system approach to improvement culminating in North Lanarkshire’s application to become the first Breast feeding Friendly Local Authority in Scotland. A continued focus on this area has the potential to make a critical contribution to the wellbeing of our communities given the strong evidence on the immediate and longer-term benefits of breastfeeding on health and wellbeing and associated impact on health and wider inequalities. 2. Report Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority Scotland Scheme 2.1 The strategic vision of this award is for Scotland to become a society which values breastfeeding and supports mothers and parents to feed in the way that is best suited to them and their baby. It aims to change culture, to normalise breastfeeding within our communities, to ensure breastfeeding is supported and protected and to enable families to access places, support, and information on breastfeeding. 2.2 North Lanarkshire Council has long been a supporter of this vison and its commitment was first documented in the Breastfeeding Friendly North Lanarkshire – Leading the Way to Driving Cultural Change report which was endorsed at the Policy and Strategy committee in June 2021. 2.3 Since then, work has been undertaken by council officers, NHS Maternal and Infant Nutritional leads, Infant Feeding Development Midwife and the Scottish Government to further refine and agree criteria, actions and evidence within the framework that any local authority in Scotland would be expected to complete to enable them to achieve The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities Ambition statement (10) Engage with children, young people, parents, carers, and families to help all children and young people reach their full potential Page 48 of 236
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the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority Scotland Award. It was agreed that the award should be broken down into 3 distinctive levels, • Bronze, the baseline level for achievement across all services within a local authority, • Silver, maintaining achievement at Bronze with additional enhanced actions across 18 key areas. • Gold, maintaining achievement at Bronze and Silver with enhanced actions in 19 key areas. 2.4 As well as developing the framework staff, colleagues and partners have also been actively working to achieve the criteria set within the framework and evidencing these achievements. The work to gain the award has helped develop a full council approach and breastfeeding friendly practice is becoming embedded in the structure and delivery of services for both staff working for North Lanarkshire Council as well as the parents, families, and communities of North Lanarkshire. 2.5 In June 2023 North Lanarkshire Council became the first local authority in Scotland to submit their completed framework documentation and requested that it proceeds through the approval process. It is anticipated that by July 2023 North Lanarkshire Council will be the first local authority in Scotland to successfully achieve and receive the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority Award. Breastfeeding Rates; North Lanarkshire 2.6 Breastfeeding is recognised in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and is much more than nutrition. Breast milk is full of essential nutrients to help babies to grow, but it also protects them from infection and encourages development of a close and loving relationship between mother and baby. Due to the positive impact on the health of both mothers and babies, breastfeeding is viewed as an important public health intervention that impacts on health inequalities through building on the potential of every child, optimising physical, mental, and social health. 2.7 Within North Lanarkshire’s Councils new programme of work the importance placed on increasing breastfeeding rates is yet again reflected with one of the key threads Resilient People and one of the Health Check indicators to success within this thread “Increase in the Percentage of babies breastfeed at 6 – 8 weeks” included. 2.8 Below are the latest figures for Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire, and North Lanarkshire alongside comparable data for the previous two years. 2020/21 Ever Breast FED BF at HV 1ST Visit BF at 6 – 8 weeks Drop off at 6-8 weeks Drop off target 20/21 (less is better) Drop off target 24/25 (less is better) Scotland 65.4% 54.9% 44.8% 30.8% 32.8% 31.4% NHS Lanarkshire 50% 39.7% 31.1% 37.3% 44.1% 42.1% North Lanarkshire 46.1% 35.7% 27.8% 39% 47.3% 45.2% 2021/22 Ever Breast FED BF at HV 1ST Visit BF at 6 – 8 weeks Drop off at 6-8 weeks Drop off target 20/21 (less is better) Drop off target 24/25 (less is better) Scotland 65.1% 56.3% 45.7% -28.5% 32.8% 31.4% NHS Lanarkshire 50.7% 43.7% 34.1% -35.5% 44.1% 42.1% North Lanarkshire 45.8% 36.6% 26.6% -42% 47.3% 45.2% 2022/23 QU 1 & 2 Ever Breast FED BF at HV 1ST Visit BF at 6 – 8 weeks Drop off at 6-8 weeks Drop off target 20/21 (less is better) Drop off target 24/25 (less is better) Scotland 65.1% 56.3% 46.6% -28.5% 32.8% 31.4% NHS Lanarkshire 52.8% 43.7% 34.1% -35.5% 44.1% 42.1% North Lanarkshire 48.9% 40.0% 30.4% -37.7% 47.3% 45.2% Page 49 of 236
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2.9 Examining the figures the trend of more babies than ever being breastfeed and more babies continuing to be breastfed at 6 – 8 weeks indicates that the work currently taking place within North Lanarkshire is beginning to make a positive difference although an ongoing commitment will be required to ensure this progress is built on and supports sustained change. Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland 2.10 The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme is a Scottish Government supported national scheme, implemented locally by NHS Lanarkshire. The aim of this scheme is. • To provide mums with positive experiences of breastfeeding when out and about, allowing mums to feel confident and supported. • To raise awareness of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2010. • To ensure that organisations are aware of their responsibilities under this legislation. 2.11 In May 2023 membership of this scheme for all council public buildings was achieved. This includes leisure and cultural venues, libraries, community facilities as well as any premises members of the public would have access to conduct business with North Lanarkshire Council. 2.12 Membership of the scheme ensures that all council public premises are fully compliant with The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005, the awards Certificate is clearly displayed for all staff and members of the community to see, staff are aware of the requirements of the act and welcome babies to be breastfeed in areas of the premises where children are allowed. If any other customer/visitor to the premises complains staff with courteously refer them to the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 and support babies’ rights to be breastfeed. Breastfeeding Friendly Early Years and Schools awards 2.13 The previous 12 months have seen an enormous amount of commitment from staff, pupils and our young learners within schools and early years settings. 2.14 Staff from Early Years have continued to deliver in service training, develop a breastfeeding ethos and culture with our youngest of learners and their families and submit applications and evidence that has resulted, to date, in 92% of early years establishments having achieved Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Years and Childcare awards. 2.15 Schools locally have also engaged in a two-phase process to enable them to gain their award. Phase one resulted in Breastfeeding Friendly training being completed across all establishments and a named Breastfeeding Champion being appointed. Phase two required schools to implement learning into the curriculum and to submit their applications to gain Breastfeeding Friendly Schools award. To date 80% of our primary, secondary and ASN establishments have achieved this. As part of Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Week staff and pupils across the authority have been sharing their successes in Education and Families newsletter and through social media channels. Not only does this awards increase knowledge and the value of breastfeeding in our children and young people as they progress thorough their early years and schools’ careers but also ensures our early years and schools settings offer a welcoming environment to families where babies are able to be fed wherever and whenever they need. Page 50 of 236
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Breastfeeding and Community 2.16 One of the key drivers to achieving a Breastfeeding Friendly local authority was to eliminate the concerns mums and families had around breastfeeding outside of the home. In 2022 Breastfeeding Champions within the CLD service were established. Alongside colleagues within NHS Lanarkshire and VANL, work has continued to offer support, improve services to expecting mums and babies and to celebrate breastfeeding. 2.17 Breastfeeding groups run by NHS colleagues are available within North Lanarkshire and greater links and joint working now exists between NHS and NLC staff. CLD staff are members of local Breastfeeding working groups that ensure services are working together and sharing best practice. An example of this is that an NHS Health Improvement lead and CLD HomeLink worker are currently working on a report to highlight and showcase the Baby Connector group which meets weekly in Gartlea Community Centre. This brings together NHS Breastfeeding Support Group and CLD Baby Massage, Bookbug and Walking Groups alongside input from the Health Visiting Team and Devonview Family Learning Centre. This has enabled mums and families who breastfeed and mums who have not breastfed to come together to share experiences and learn from each other. This work was recently showcased in the Education and Families newsletter where mums celebrated being confident enough to breastfeed outside in the local park whilst taking part in a Bookbug session. 2.18 Breastfeeding champions continue to receive training and support from NHS Maternal and Infant Nutritional lead and can call on her specialist knowledge as required. North Lanarkshire council staff joined NHS colleagues to celebrate Scottish Breastfeeding Week between 5th – 9th June. This culminated in an event held in the new Community Hub in Newmains and promoted the integrated approach with local mums and their babies, alongside school children, library staff, CLD staff, Tackling Poverty Team with contributions from local business. Corporate Communications team continue to share positive images and messages around Breastfeeding and a recent addition to the Your Community information on the North Lanarkshire Council website highlights the range of breastfeeding support available online and within communities including information about the CLD Breastfeeding Champions’ and how to contact them directly. Next Steps 2.19 Continue to work with colleagues in NHS Lanarkshire and Scottish Government with regards achieving the Breastfeeding Feeding Friendly Award and the associated actions. 2.20 Develop a quality assurance framework for maintaining the standards detailed against each level of the award. 2.21 Continue to ensure a whole council approach to improving the breastfeeding rates in North Lanarkshire. Page 51 of 236
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3. Measures of success 3.1 North Lanarkshire Council achieves Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority Award Scotland. 3.2 Breastfeeding rates in North Lanarkshire at 6 – 8 weeks increase. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 – Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority Accreditation Framework. Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) Page 52 of 236
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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? The establishment of the local authority Breastfeeding Friendly Accreditation Framework, and achievement of accreditation, will drive the achievement of outcomes that are designed to tackle poverty and socio-economic disadvantage thus contributing to the Council’s requirements under the Fairer Scotland Duty. The integrated Fairer Scotland/Equality Impact assessment carried out during the development of the framework has highlighted that the implementation of the related communication strategy needs to ensure that any promotional/ launch information is available in alternative languages and formats, including BSL and Easy Read. That awareness raising and understanding of the needs of young women, disabled women, women whose first language is not English, women experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, and cultural and faith-based requirements, is undertaken with services and other employers / organisations (who participate in the breast-feeding friendly initiatives) to ensure that their facilities are accessible and inclusive to all breastfeeding women. 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? HR Breastfeeding Policy implemented June 2022 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? Page 53 of 236
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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? Breastfeeding uses fewer water or land resources, produces no carbon and minimal waste. Studies have shown that, for example, breastfeeding for 6 months saved 95-153kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalents per baby compared to formula feeding). 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? An important first for North Lanarkshire, the Council’s strategic communications team has been involved from the outset in the development of the Framework. Images and key messages promoting breastfeeding and North Lanarkshire as a supportive and welcoming place is communicated via NLC social media channels. 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? Page 54 of 236
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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). Breastfeeding is recognised in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 24 and Article 27 If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☒ Page 55 of 236
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Version: 9 Updated 13th June 2023 Appendix 1 [INSERT LOCAL AUTHORITY LOGO] ] Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority Accreditation Framework Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 56 of 236
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Corporate Statement Chief Executive Corporate Statement - Breastfeeding The ambitious Plan for North Lanarkshire is centred around improving the quality of life and the health and wellbeing of people who live here. It is firmly focused on reducing inequality and inequity across our communities. The council works with partners to support and encourage people at all stages of their life, and this includes helping to give people the very best start in life. Breastfeeding has proven health benefits to both baby and mum; with breast milk full of vital disease-fighting properties that protect babies from illness, and it can help mums recover from childbirth more quickly. Both the NHS and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of life. Yet the rates in North Lanarkshire fall far below the Scottish average, with just 26.6% of new mums still breastfeeding at six to eight weeks (2021-22). This is why it is vital that the council works with NHS Lanarkshire and other partners to take a multi-strand approach to the promotion of breastfeeding within the organisation and the wider community. We are reviewing our services internally and are working closely with partners to help create a more supportive and enabling environment that encourages breastfeeding. There is no simple way to change public attitudes to breastfeeding, but this council is committed to doing everything it can to support and encourage breastfeeding across North Lanarkshire. We are committed to exploring how each of our services can support breastfeeding and increase participation, whether through education and awareness, making our workplaces more breastfeeding-friendly or providing support and encouragement. We are also committed to working with our partners to ensure that North Lanarkshire welcomes breastfeeding and provides a supportive environment to enable more mothers to breastfeed in the community, at work or at home. Des Murray Chief Executive, North Lanarkshire Council Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 57 of 236
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Framework Endorsement Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority NHS Lanarkshire is fully committed to working with our local partners to promote, support and protect breastfeeding across Scotland, and we welcome this framework. As an organisation we understand the positive health impact of breastfeeding for both mothers and children in the short, medium and long term and the important role that this plays in improving health outcomes. Our vision is to create a community where breastfeeding is enabled and remove the barriers that prevent breastfeeding. NHS Lanarkshire will continue to be a strong advocate for breastfeeding and fully supports the implementation of this framework across North Lanarkshire Council with the ultimate shared aim of reducing inequalities across our communities. Professor Jaan Gardner, NHS Lanarkshire Chief Executive Page 58 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme Our vision is that Scotland becomes a society that values breastfeeding and supports mothers to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is recognised in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and is much more than nutrition. Breast milk is full of essential nutrients to help babies to grow, but it also protects them from infection and encourages development of a close and loving relationship between mother and baby. Due to the positive impact on the health of both mothers and babies, breastfeeding is viewed as an important public health intervention that impacts on health inequalities through building on the potential of every child, optimising physical, mental and social health. This has resulted in national and global efforts towards promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding. Within Scotland, we are working to improve breastfeeding rates. Of particular concern is that breastfeeding rates can be linked to levels of deprivation and to maternal age; older mothers and those from the least deprived areas being much more likely to breastfeed. Increasing breastfeeding rates in our most deprived areas would help reduce health inequalities. We are committed to changing this and are working across our communities to change attitudes and create a positive culture around breastfeeding. Important note; individualised care This document uses the words mother or mum to describe the parent who is breastfeeding. We acknowledge that there are parents who are breastfeeding who may have a gender identity other than female, and may use terms other than ‘mother’ to describe themselves. We also know that some parents may prefer ‘chest feeding’ to ‘breastfeeding’. We are clear that all parents should be treated with dignity and respect when accessing support. When we are asked to use pronouns, terms, and descriptors other than those in this document we will use the preferred words as part of individualised care. Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland is a national award scheme that recognises businesses, organisations, and public premises where staff are aware of their obligations under the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 and Equality Act 2010. The award enables new mums and families to recognise places that they can be supported, and their babies protected when breastfeeding whilst out and about. Our aim is to normalise breastfeeding in all communities across Scotland and this means addressing four key issues: • Increasing maternal confidence in breastfeeding in public places (The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme). • Work across communities to change attitudes and create positive culture around breastfeeding (The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Scheme). • Introducing breastfeeding before any negative attitudes are formed (The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Scheme). • Increasing knowledge of breastfeeding as our young people progress through their school career (The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Schools Scheme). Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 59 of 236
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The benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mothers, and public health are well established. It protects children from a wide range of illnesses including infection, diabetes, asthma, heart disease and cot death (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), as well as obesity, a major public health priority. It protects mothers from breast and ovarian cancers and heart disease. In addition, it supports the development of a positive mother-baby relationship and the mental wellbeing of both baby and mother. Breastfeeding is a natural 'safety net' against the worst effects of poverty. Exclusive breastfeeding goes a long way toward cancelling out the health difference between being born into poverty and being born into affluence. It is almost as if breastfeeding takes the infant out of poverty for those first few months in order to give the child a fairer start in life and compensate for the injustice of the world into which it was born. (James P Grant, Executive Director of UNICEF). Anxiety around breastfeeding in public is a common reason cited by mothers for not breastfeeding or stopping breastfeeding. There were various breastfeeding welcome schemes across Scotland, and these used different images and words. Consultation with families evidenced that they would prefer a national scheme with the same branding. In this way as families travelled form one area to another, they could easily recognise the branding and be confident that the same scheme protected them in the same way. The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) scheme was developed and further iterations include BFS Early Learning and BFS School Schemes. The BFS Local Authority would be part of the BFS family and therefore families would instantly recognise this visible support for breastfeeding wherever they are in Scotland. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) is transforming healthcare for babies, their mothers, and families in the UK, as part of a wider global partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. All maternity, health visiting and family nursing services across Scotland are accredited as Baby Friendly. Becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority will help to maintain this prestigious accreditation. More information can be found in the documents listed below. The BFI standards provide the evidence base to empower families around breastfeeding and developing close and loving relationships, ensuring babies get the best start in life. By working collaboratively with both statutory and community partners we can change breastfeeding culture across Scotland. This would have a positive impact on the health and well-being of our population in the short, medium, and long term. To complement the work around Baby Friendly Initiative Accreditation, and to address the concerns of breastfeeding families around feeding outside the home in Scotland, we need a collaborative approach to build a breastfeeding friendly society. The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 brings NHS boards and Local Authorities into closer working relationships and provides the opportunity to work in partnership to deliver this. This award aligns with national policy priorities and actions to ensure children have the best start in life by supporting breastfeeding with the aim of reducing the drop off in breastfeeding rates at 6-8 weeks by 10% by 2025 (A Healthier Future – Scotland’s Diet & Healthy Weight Delivery Plan, 2018). It also aligns with several of the Scottish Public Health Priorities; more specifically Priority 2 - A Scotland where we flourish in our early years. Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 60 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland - Local Authority Strategic vision: Scotland becomes a society which values breastfeeding and supports mothers and parents to feed in the way that is best for them and their baby. Objectives: • Help to change the culture across Scotland and enable breastfeeding to become visible in our communities. • To promote an environment where breastfeeding is seen as the biological and cultural norm, including by our children and young people. • To ensure that breastfeeding is supported at all levels of the organisation and this promotion, support and protection is visible in our communities and to our partners. • To provide staff training for breastfeeding, the level of training to be dependent on role and responsibilities • To be aware of local services where breastfeeding families can access support and information and to signpost families to this support. Scottish Government will provide: • Work in partnership with the NHS Board to evaluate evidence and award accreditation. NHS Board will provide: • Commitment to work in partnership with their Local Authorities to improve breastfeeding rates. • A Scottish Government approved framework. • Support to gather and submit evidence to the Scottish Government for approval to award accreditation. • Award accreditation certificate. • Training as required. Local authorities are asked to: • Work collaboratively to implement Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Scheme with the Scottish Government and the local NHS Board to achieve accreditation using the national BFS logo and branding. • Implement the framework which sets out the direction for the Local Authority, Partners, and most importantly enables each of our communities to promote, support and protect breastfeeding. • Carry out conformity assessments, testing and inspections and submit evidence to the local NHS Board. • Develop an implementation and monitoring governance group with cross partnership and third sector representation. • Submit evidence 3 yearly as part of reaccreditation process whilst taking ownership to ensure framework is maintained between those times. • Ensure annual internal audit ongoing as per local arrangements. Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 61 of 236
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The accreditation process details 3 levels of award; bronze, silver and gold. Each level evidences progression and increased commitment to monitoring and evidencing change. Local Authorities can choose which level they wish to submit evidence towards. Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority Framework The following draft template framework sets out the commitment expected from local authorities and partners to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority scheme. Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities have delegated legal responsibilities for a number of key strategic and operational functions key to ensuring a breastfeeding friendly culture including, but not limited to: • Economic development • Human Resource Management • Procurement • Tackling Poverty & Inequality • Advancing equality • Education • Social work services • Leisure & Cultural services • Environmental services • Community Planning • Community & Voluntary Sector support • Communications • Community Engagement and Empowerment Strategic commitment is essential; to be sustainable in terms of implementing and sustaining the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme, Local Authorities should consider how Standards can be threaded through each of the above delegated duties. This list is not exhaustive and may change as we work to embed and mainstream the work in such a way that organisational culture change would flow from this. We will be learning over time and will share the learning, taking a quality improvement approach. The following recommendations, detailed in the draft framework, detail ways in which local authorities in Scotland would become a Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority. These recommendations have been drafted based on knowledge acquired through partnership working. For each individual work stream, bespoke training is available and can be delivered in various formats to meet the needs of the specific service area. The use of technology can enable testing of delivery of training which is easily accessible to staff but delivers the required learning and attitudinal change. As part of our shared ambition for inclusive growth and prosperity for all, Local Authorities and Partners are committed to working together to promote, support and protect breastfeeding across Scotland. This will help achieve our aim of reducing inequalities and ensure that every child has the best start in life, optimising their physical, emotional and social health. To this end, Local Authorities and Partners, should detail their actions to support the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland requirements. Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 62 of 236
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Governance Structure/Approval Process The framework should be agreed and approved through the following structures and within the timescales agreed below. Supporting Maternal and Child Wellbeing Policy Team, Scottish Government ↑ NHS Board/HSCP (MIN and Infant Feeding leads) ↑ Local Authority Chief Executive sign off ↑ Local Governance group ↑ Local Authority Chief Social Work Officer (Children, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) ↑ Local Authority Service Managers (suggested list as per above) Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 63 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority Framework Template (Local Authority to complete and submit with application) Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Council Action Time scale Responsible Person/s LA Priorities Progress/ Update Evidence Premises The Local Authority to join the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme and all premises within the local authority display the national branded Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland window award sticker. Economic Development The Council’s ALEOs, that are employers, participate in the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme. Employability Support Services –workplaces are suitable for mums starting / returning to employment Human Resource Management Human Resources (HR) policies for pregnant and breastfeeding employees Training for managers to be aware of the small changes that can be made to support continued feeding Engage with staff around their right to breastfeed on return to, and whilst at, work Page 64 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Council Action Time scale Responsible Person/s LA Priorities Progress/ Update Evidence Procurement Include statement in all procurement processes that asks for a commitment from those organisations to support staff who are breastfeeding and welcome mums to feed on their premises where children are permitted to be Tackling Poverty & Inequality Promote Breastfeeding as a prevention of Childhood Obesity (London Child Obesity Task Force, 2019)1 Promote breastfeeding as the climate friendly choice; it is free, always available and there is no manufacturing, preparation or waste Advancing equality Pregnancy & Maternity are protected characteristics under Equality Act Ensure recognition of intersectionality of breastfeeding mothers (disabled, BAME, lesbian) in promotional campaigns /posters /literature etc Education Commitment to, and attainment of, Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Award Commitment to, and attainment of, Breastfeeding 1 London Obesity Taskforce. (2019). Every child a healthy weight: Ten ambitions for London. Retrieved from London.gov.uk: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/every_child_a_healthy_weight.pdf Page 65 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Council Action Time scale Responsible Person/s LA Priorities Progress/ Update Evidence Friendly Scotland Schools Award Infrastructure of all buildings – is there space for milk storage / appropriate place to express milk/ baby to be brought to mum. (mums are both staff and community members) Community Learning and Development (CLD) to include conversations about breastfeeding, nurture a responsive parenting approach and integrate breastfeeding into healthy eating agenda across the service. Social Work Social Work Children & Family Services staff to complete breastfeeding training, amount of training to be dependent on role Foster carers to complete NHS Training on responsive feeding Have a policy for breastfeeding babies removed from the care of their mothers Infrastructure of Social Work offices space for milk storage / mums to express / baby to be brought to mum Environmental Health Department Environmental health officers to have short training on the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk substitutes Page 66 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Council Action Time scale Responsible Person/s LA Priorities Progress/ Update Evidence There is investigation, recording and monitoring of violations of the code reported by members of the public Active and Creative Communities Libraries that run Bookbug to make families aware that breastfeeding welcome during the session Sport and Leisure Facilities infrastructure to ensure spaces for milk storage / mum to express (mum being a service user or employee) Environmental Services & Road Infrastructure Include national Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland branding on ‘welcome to’ or road signage Fleet Vehicles to display national BFS branding - ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland’ window award or vinyl sticker Community Planning Community Planning Partnership (CPP)to highlight Breastfeeding Friendly across the authority Community Board representation to consider membership of local breastfeeding organisation representative, a local breastfeeding mum or Health Improvement representative to ensure breastfeeding remains on agenda Community & Voluntary Organisations To work with Community & Voluntary Sector to engage with community groups and raise awareness of support Page 67 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Council Action Time scale Responsible Person/s LA Priorities Progress/ Update Evidence for breastfeeding within communities Communications Corporate position statement agreed with partners. Develop a multi-disciplinary communications plan that will support activity from services and promote breastfeeding to internal and external audiences. National Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland logo and branding to be used on all communications, resources and displays Develop range of key messages that addresses barriers and promotes benefits of breastfeeding Develop a strategy for obtaining feedback from parents on the actions delivered through the scheme Include a link to report violations of the WHO code on the LA website Approval Processes The group has agreed that the framework should be agreed and ratified through the following structures and within the timescales agreed below. Where By Whom When Service Managers Local Authority Chief Social Work Officer (Children, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) Local Authority Chief Executive NHS Board Joint Delivery Group Supporting Maternal and Child Wellbeing Policy Team Scottish Government Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 68 of 236
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Application for Accreditation Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority Local Authority: Chief Executive: Contact number: Email address On behalf of the [insert Local Authority Name] I confirm that we meet the criteria for the [Bronze/Silver/|Gold *delete as appropriate] Award of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority Accreditation: • We have implemented the framework and results evidence that we meet the thresholds for accreditation. • We have developed a cross partnership Implementation and Monitoring group with the NHS Maternal and Infant Nutrition Group, Infant Feeding staff and third sector partners. • We will maintain this level of accreditation for the next 3 years until such times, the award is reviewed. Signature of Head of Communities Signature of Chief Officer, Health and Social Care Date Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 69 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority Framework Template Framework Template Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Bronze award (Actions for accreditation) Silver award (maintain bronze award actions and add…) Gold award (maintain bronze and silver award actions and add…) Premises The Local Authority to join the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme and all premises within the local authority display the national branded Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland window award sticker. 100% of premises display the window award and staff in the premises are aware of their responsibilities within the scheme. Economic Development The Council’s ALEOs, that are employers, participate in the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme. 100% of Council’s ALEOs, that are employers, participate in the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme. Employability Support Services – are workplaces suitable for mums starting / returning to employment 80% of workplaces suitable for mums starting / returning to employment Human Resource Management Human Resources (HR) policies for pregnant and breastfeeding employees There is a policy for pregnant staff and those breastfeeding and returning to work and monitoring of implementation is carried out. Training for managers to be aware of the small changes that can be made to support continued feeding 80% of managers have participated in training Engage with staff around their right to breastfeed on return to, and whilst at, work There is questionnaire sent to all staff 6 months after return to work to record experiences. The results are shared, There is evidence of improvements in the experiences of pregnant staff and those returning to work. Page 70 of 236
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2 London Obesity Taskforce. (2019). Every child a healthy weight: Ten ambitions for London. Retrieved from London.gov.uk: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/every_child_a_healthy_weight.pdf Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Bronze award (Actions for accreditation) Silver award (maintain bronze award actions and add…) Gold award (maintain bronze and silver award actions and add…) and an action plan developed for any necessary changes. Procurement Include statement in all procurement processes that asks for a commitment from those organisations to support staff who are breastfeeding and welcome mums to feed on their premises where children are permitted to be Statement included. Statement included. Statement included. Tackling Poverty & Inequality Promote Breastfeeding as a prevention of Childhood Obesity (London Child Obesity Task Force, 2019)2 Evidence of breastfeeding included in policy and plans related to healthy weight. Promote breastfeeding as the climate friendly choice; it is free, always available and there is no manufacturing, preparation or waste Evidence of breastfeeding included in policy and plans related to tackling poverty Advancing equality Pregnancy & Maternity are protected characteristics under Equality Act Evidenced in the equality impact assessment framework Resources / campaigns and promotional materials reference and display the intersectionality of breastfeeding mothers – BAME. Disabled people, lesbian mothers, lone parents etc Evidenced in local promotional materials, resources and campaigns Education Commitment to, and attainment of, Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Award Commitment to BFS Early Learning scheme 80% of Early Learning and Childcare Centres have attained accreditation Commitment to, and attainment of, Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Schools Award Commitment to BFS Schools scheme 80% of Primary and secondary schools have attained accreditation Page 71 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Bronze award (Actions for accreditation) Silver award (maintain bronze award actions and add…) Gold award (maintain bronze and silver award actions and add…) Infrastructure of all buildings – is there space for milk storage / mums to express/ baby to be brought to mum. (mums are both staff and community members) 50% have identified spaces for this 80% have identified spaces for this Community Learning and Development (CLD) to include conversations about breastfeeding and nurture responsive parenting approach and integrate breastfeeding into healthy eating agenda across the service. Evidence that breastfeeding is included in parenting and health weight work Social Work Social Work Children & Family Services staff to complete breastfeeding training, amount of training to be dependent on role 50% of Children & Family Services staff to complete breastfeeding training, amount of training to be dependent on role 80% of Children & Family Services staff to complete breastfeeding training, amount of training to be dependent on role Foster carers to complete NHS Training on responsive feeding 50% of foster carers have completed NHS Training on responsive feeding 80% of foster carers have completed NHS Training on responsive feeding Have a policy for breastfeeding babies removed from the care of their mothers Policy implemented Policy implemented and evaluation available Infrastructure of Social Work offices space for milk storage / mums to express / baby to be brought to mum 50% have identified spaces for this 80% have identified spaces for this Environmental Health Department Environmental health officers to have short training on the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk substitutes 50% of officers have completed training 80% of officers have completed training There is investigation, recording and monitoring of violations of the code reported by members of the public Complaints are investigated and recorded in such a way as allows ease of monitoring Complaints are investigated, recorded in such a way as allows ease of monitoring and there is annual reporting Active and Creative Communities Libraries that run Bookbug to make families aware that breastfeeding welcome during the session Introduction to session includes invitation to feed baby whenever they want to Page 72 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Bronze award (Actions for accreditation) Silver award (maintain bronze award actions and add…) Gold award (maintain bronze and silver award actions and add…) Sport and Leisure Facilities infrastructure spaces for milk storage / mum to express 50% have identified spaces for this 80% have identified spaces for this Environmental Services & Road Infrastructure Include national Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland branding on ‘welcome to’ or road signage Branding evident on signs as these are renewed Fleet Vehicles to display national branding ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland’ window or vinyl sticker Breastfeeding Friendly Award displayed Community Planning Community Planning Partnership (CPP)to highlight Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland across the authority Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland is evidenced on meeting agendas Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland sign up increased in the locality area Community Board representation to consider membership of a local breastfeeding mum or Health Improvement representative to ensure breastfeeding remains on agenda Breastfeeding is standing item in meeting Breastfeeding is a standing item and monitoring of local breastfeeding actions and rates is evidenced Community & Voluntary Organisations To work with Community & Voluntary Sector to engage with community groups and raise awareness of support for breastfeeding within communities Local breastfeeding support provision is shared with local groups Communications Corporate position statement agreed with partners. Agreed position statement Agreed position statement shared with partners Agreed position statement agreed with partners and shared widely Develop a multi-disciplinary communications plan that will support activity from services and promote breastfeeding to internal and external audiences National Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland logo and branding to be used on all communications, resources and displays Communication plan developed. National Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland logo and branding to be used on all communications, resources and displays Communication plan delivered. National Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland logo and branding to be used on all communications, resources and displays Communication plan evaluated. National Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland logo and branding to be used on all communications, resources and displays Develop range of key messages that addresses barriers and promotes benefits of breastfeeding Key messaged developed Key messages shared within the community Evaluation of results and follow up plan designed Page 73 of 236
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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland – Local Authority recommendation Bronze award (Actions for accreditation) Silver award (maintain bronze award actions and add…) Gold award (maintain bronze and silver award actions and add…) Develop a strategy for obtaining feedback from parents on the actions delivered through the scheme Feedback strategy developed, feedback collected and monitored Evolution and follow up and follow up plan designed Page 74 of 236
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Works Cited Brown, A., & Shenker, N. (2020). Experiences of breastfeeding during COVID-19: Lessons for future practical and emotional support. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 17(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13088 London Child Obesity Task Force. (2019). Every child a healthy weight: Ten ambitions for London. Retrieved from London.gov.uk: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/every_child_a_healthy_weight.pdf UNICEF: United Kingdom. (n.d.). Achieving sustainability: standards and guidance. Retrieved 2021, from UNICEF United Kingdom: The baby friendly initiative: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/04/Achieving-Sustainability-Standards-and-Guidance-Unicef- UK-Baby-Friendly-Initiative.pdf UNICEF: United Kingdom. (n.d.). Guide to baby friendly initiative standards. Retrieved 2021, from UNICEF: The baby friendly initiative: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/02/Guide-to-the-Unicef-UK-Baby-Friendly-Initiative-Standards.pdf Scottish Government (2018) A Healthier Future – Scotland’s Diet & Healthy Weight Delivery Plan Retrieved 2021 https://www.gov.scot/publications/healthier-future-scotlands-diet-healthy-weight-delivery-plan/documents/ Scottish Government (2018) Scotland's public health priorities Retrieved 2021 https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-public-health-priorities/ Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority Page 75 of 236
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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 18/08/23 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 - 2026 From Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integrated Practice) E-mail gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 01698 332001 Executive Summary Despite recent positive news on wage growth, the legacy of the global pandemic, ongoing cost-of-living crisis and high levels of deprivation, continue to acutely affect inequality and poverty in North Lanarkshire, impacting the most vulnerable in North Lanarkshire’s communities. Against this landscape our refreshed ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire’ Tackling - Poverty Strategy for 2023-2026, sets out our ambition to continue to tackle poverty and child poverty, building on our previous actions and some of the positive foundations achieved through the previous strategy for 2020-2023. The new and refreshed Tackling Poverty Strategy encompasses an integrated multi service approach within the Council, alongside an increased focus on working externally with all community planning partners, communities, and people with lived experience of poverty. The Tackling Poverty Strategy (a copy of which is included in this report at Appendix 1) will support the Plan for North Lanarkshire’s new Programme of Work priorities and ambitions, promoting the strengths and skills of individuals and families, increasing economic activity, and providing practical and holistic support intervening upstream wherever possible to prevent the longer-term harms associated with poverty. In addition, the Strategy encompasses the statutory requirement to prepare and publish a Local Child Poverty Action Report for North Lanarkshire for 2022/23. (Appendix 2) and reflects the ambition of the national Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-26 Best Start Bright Futures published by the Scottish Government in April 2022 as the second of 3 delivery plans required by the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. 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 & Strategy Committee for approval (2) Consider and endorse the 2022 to 2023 Local Child Poverty Action Report as set out in Appendix 2 of this report, noting this will also be submitted to Policy and Strategy Committee for approval. Item 4 Page 77 of 236
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1. Background 1.1 The ‘Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire’ Tackling Poverty Strategy 2020-2023 and its associated Action Plan was approved at the Policy and Strategy Committee Meeting on 11th June 2020. This merged four of the original Plan for North Lanarkshire programme of work priorities for action in order to ensure a better integrated approach which maximised impact and outcomes for our communities. In view of the clear link between child poverty and wider drivers of poverty across our communities the strategy encompassed the statutory requirement to prepare and publish an annual Local Child Poverty Action Report for North Lanarkshire. 1.2 Annual updates on achievements and challenges of The Tackling Poverty Strategy and the Action Plan were submitted to the Policy and Strategy Committee in September 2021 and 2022. With the conclusion of the 2020 to 2023 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy being submitted and approved by the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee on 5th May 2023. 1.3 Amongst the many achievements throughout the lifespan of the 2020 to 2023, Tackling Poverty Strategy: • We saw a reduction in the proportion of children in poverty – from 25.2% to 23.2%, against a very challenging context. Nonetheless one in four children in North Lanarkshire remain living in poverty, which is higher than the national average of one in five children. • The Tackling Poverty Team in partnership with services generated over £99 million in additional benefit income for the residents of North Lanarkshire during this 3-year period. This together with the £22.6 million generated via the Citizens Advice Bureaux, means that over £121 million has been generated by supporting people through the benefits system. • In addition, a key achievement supported by investment, business support and employability initiatives are that for the first time ever the gross weekly pay for local residents is now higher than the national average – an increase of 10%. Further notable achievements are that from our baseline of 5 employers achieving accreditation for paying the living wage, we now having 123 employers accredited (3) Note that this report will also be submitted to the NHS Lanarkshire Health and Population Board for approval of the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022 to 2023 in line with statutory requirements. (4) Note that the report has also been referred to the North Lanarkshire Partnership Strategic Leadership Board for consideration. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement All ambition statements Page 78 of 236
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1.4 In April 2022 the Scottish Government published its new Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-26, Best Start Bright Futures, as the second of 3 delivery plans required by the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. Best Start Bright Futures sets out a vision for Scotland of the changes that are needed and associated actions required by the Scottish Government and partners. Recognising both the wider determinants and levers which can impact on poverty this new delivery plan adds a focus on holistic supports to the other key drivers of anti-poverty activity: increasing income via employment; maximising income via social security benefits; and reducing the cost of living. 1.5 This holistic and integrated approach is fundamental to the Plan for North Lanarkshire and whilst maintaining strong links with other elements of the Council’s Programme of Work, Tackling Poverty will be a core strand of the ‘Resilient People’ Programme, whose principal aim is to deliver whole family support locally, when families need it, in a way that is consistent with The Promise Principles and The Tackling Poverty Strategy. This will involve an integrated approach, working with partners, to provide an earlier and more effective response to need. This includes promoting the strengths and skills of individuals and families, increasing economic activity, and providing practical and emotional support, integrating this family with the roll out of town and community hubs to maximise opportunities for community-led and strengths-based approaches. 2. Report Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire - Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023-2026 Context - Framing the North Lanarkshire Approach 2.1 In May 2023, the Scottish Government held a cross party summit including representation from Scotland’s political parties, campaigners, public and private sector leaders and people with lived experience of poverty. The First Minister stated that “Tackling poverty and inequality is the single biggest challenge facing Scotland and requires continued, urgent and sustained action.” COSLA President Councillor Shona Morrison said: “The initiative from the Scottish Government is a good one and one which Local Government can get fully behind. Tackling poverty is a core objective for Local Government working in partnership with the Scottish Government, the third sector and public and private sector partners. "The cost- of-living crisis we are living through at present is being tackled head-on by Councils the length and breadth of Scotland and partnership working is vital to achieving positive outcomes for individuals, families and our communities across Scotland.” 2.2 The Poverty and Inequality Commission recognise the following four levers in respect of Poverty:- • work and earnings; • social security; • housing costs; and • costs of living. Page 79 of 236
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2.3 As noted above Scottish Government’s second Child Poverty Delivery Plan – Best Start Bright Futures extend the focus to four key drivers to tackle poverty: • Income from Social Security Benefits • Income from Employment; and • Reduce the Cost of Living • Holistic Supports 2.4 In addition it sets out Scotland’s offer to families in 3 parts: • Providing the opportunities and integrated support parents need to enter, sustain and progress in work; • Maximising the support available for families to live dignified lives and meet their basic needs; and • Supporting the next generation to thrive What do we mean when we talk about Poverty? 2.5 The dictionary defines poverty simply as; “the state of being extremely poor”. This, however, does not reflect the impact of poverty on all aspects of an individual’s and family’s life. In 2020, North Lanarkshire Council adopted the Joseph Rowntree Foundation definition of poverty, as this addresses not only the lacking sufficient money aspect of poverty but goes further by defining what being “extremely poor” actually means to people. “Poverty means not being able to heat your home, pay your rent, or buy the essentials for your children. It means waking up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty and impossible decisions about money. It means facing marginalisation – and even discrimination – because of your financial circumstances. The constant stress it causes can lead to problems that deprive people of the chances to play a full part in society.” North Lanarkshire Fairness Commission 2018 2.6 Whilst low income and material deprivation are issues rightly at the forefront of the poverty debate, the commission recognised that poverty should not merely considered in terms of income or material well-being alone. Importantly, it is also a matter of health and well-being. The commission highlighted that there is a complex, interlinking relationship between the factors that influence poverty therefore, these cannot be considered in isolation. Currently alongside the legacy impacts of the COVID – 19 and the Cost of Living Crisis, there are number of issues causing or exacerbating the effects of poverty on people in North Lanarkshire such as National Insurance increase, price increases on energy, soaring fuel and food increases, real term cuts in wages, benefits and pensions, core price inflation is at a 30 year high (inflation as eased, but food inflation remains near 20%) and the conflict in Ukraine, which continue to acutely affect inequality and poverty in North Lanarkshire, impacting the most vulnerable in North Lanarkshire’s communities, along with other economic factors; the impact of reforms to the welfare system and patterns of employment. The North Lanarkshire Approach 2.7 The new Tackling Poverty Strategy will continue the commitment to the recommendation of the North Lanarkshire Fairness Commission to not only ensure that tackling poverty has sufficient focus, but also to reflect the fact that poverty is a significant feature of Scottish society affecting many people in many different ways. Page 80 of 236
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2.8 The Plan for North Lanarkshire sets out the committed to focus on the things that will significantly improve the quality of life and well-being for all our residents, but the supporting evidence base highlights that challenges remain. The Programme of Work to 2028 has been developed to ensure a heightened and more strategic focus on not only sustaining the economic and community aspects that will enable local people and communities (and the place that is North Lanarkshire) to thrive, but also on ensuring a more targeted approach to improving social, health, and economic conditions and maximising opportunities to escalate the delivery of improved outcomes for those that need it most, thus turning the vision of inclusive growth and prosperity into a reality. 2.9 The refreshed Tackling Poverty Strategy is a key component of this Programme of Work and key contributor to ensuring that our residents are offered opportunities, support, advice, and information The Strategy seeks to embody a collaborative approach to maximise effective action building on achievements to date. As outlined above, incorporating the Tackling Poverty Strategy within the Resilient People programme of work recognises the importance of a holistic approach reflected also in the addition of holistic support within the national framework set by Best Start, Bright Futures and that often the most direct, efficient and effective way of helping families is to provide responsive financial support and economic opportunities to achieve lasting change. The new Strategy will reflect this in being structured around the four key drivers of: - • Increasing income via employment; • Maximising income via social security benefits; • Reducing the cost of living; and • Holistic Supports. 2.10 Our new Tackling Poverty Strategy also continues the approach of incorporating the Local Child Poverty Action Report (Action Plan), aligning both Plans into the same lifespan from 2023 to 2026. Both the local authority and NHSL have agreed that the Local Child Poverty Action Reports should be an integral part of the overall strategy enabling also our statutory duty to report to Scottish Government on an annual basis and recognising that child poverty is integrally linked with poverty and wellbeing within the wider community. To support reporting and measuring impact amongst targeted groups the action plan will detail which “strategy/plan” each action relates to, identifying those actions that are specifically aimed at the child poverty priority groups. 2.11 The Action Plan within the Tackling Poverty Strategy details the key elements and priorities of the new Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 to 2026. Partnership Working and Tackling Poverty 2.12 Tackling poverty and its impact on people and communities does not fall on the shoulders of one agency or service. It is recognised that securing long term successful change requires a balance between economic and social wellbeing. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation identified that some of the consequences of poverty can include: Page 81 of 236
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2.13 A collective approach across the North Lanarkshire Partnership, Community Boards and communities informed by people with lived experience is therefore fundamental to tackling poverty and the barriers to inclusive growth by:- • unlocking the potential of people living in communities with lived experience; • breaking the cycle of poverty; and • opening up opportunities to create more equal communities. 2.14 The strategy, together with the actions identified within the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022/23, will ensure that there is concerted collaborative work involving key partners including:- • North Lanarkshire Council; • NHS Lanarkshire; • Police Scotland; • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; • Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL); • Department of Work & Pensions (DWP); • Scottish Social Security Agency; • New College Lanarkshire; • Skills Development Scotland; • The Community and Voluntary Sector; and • Communities and in particular those with lived experience. 2.15 The approach within North Lanarkshire is underpinned by The Fairer Scotland Duty to reduce the inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage. Our approach seeks to move people, families and whole communities from dependence to independence through enabling them to be part of the decisions that affect them and through our cash first approach. From a partnership perspective it also seeks to break down referral pathways built around the needs of systems rather than people which are at best confusing and at worst stigmatising. Our tackling poverty measures therefore also need to empower individuals and communities and to build on the desire of our communities to address this issue as reflected in its prioritisation in Local Outcome and Improvement Plans across our Community Board Areas. The Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group (TPOAG) remains our key vehicle for bringing statutory and community Page 82 of 236
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and voluntary sector partners together to co-ordinate and drive actions and has been critical to the development of our refreshed Strategy. Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation 2.16 The TPOAG and the Tackling Poverty Team have used different vehicles for ensuring that our residents’ voices are heard and shape our Strategy and accompanying action plan: The Council’s Cost of Living Survey (Support and local information to help cope with rising costs), with over 4,500 online surveys completed by residents and 300 paper copies and the latter, “three questions”, has been used at all events the Tackling Poverty Team have been attending, and has included the following key questions; • How is the cost-of-living crisis affecting you? • How is the cost of living affecting others in our community? • What do you want us to do about it? 2.17 Whilst survey response will help direct our resources accordingly, these responses are traditionally from adults. In order to shape both the Tackling Poverty Strategy and the Local Child Poverty Action Report, it was also important to the Team that our children and young people’s voices were heard. The Team has therefore also engaged with a number of schools, ensuring that we had a mix of primary and secondary schools with a mix also of those within or close to our towns and others in outlying villages. 15 schools have taken part so far and the responses from the children, young people and their teachers have been extremely informative and insightful. The children and young people were given a short presentation about poverty figures in North Lanarkshire and its impacts, and then provided with post it notes to allow them to write their thoughts on this. In doing this it allowed for some anonymity in their answers. 2.18 The Tackling Poverty Officer Action Group are also continuing to work with the Community Partnership Team, to look at the role of the Community Boards and the Local Outcome Improvement Plans in supporting the engagement/lived experience strand of the strategy and how we ensure this is delivered/reported on appropriately. Key priorities within the refreshed Strategy 2.19 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023-26 is an ambitious strategy supported by a comprehensive action plan as reflected in the attached document at Appendix 1. Areas which are new or have enhanced focus in this refreshed and updated strategy include: • The introduction of the fourth driver of Holistic Support to ensure a fully integrated approach as outlined above and the linkage with other key programmes such as those associated with the Promise, Whole Family Support, SAC (Scottish Attainment Challenge) and PEF (Pupil Equity Fund). • A new approach to lived experience and user/community engagement building on the role of our Community Boards. • An increased focus on engagement programmes to increase access to parental employment support, particularly for those in priority groups who are in or at risk of poverty to access and maintain opportunities for volunteering, skills development and work Page 83 of 236
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• Creative approaches to enhance access to service though new initiatives and joint resourcing for example growing the Welfare Advice and Health Project (WAHP) in GP practices. 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 a “no wrong door” approach is adopted across all our services, meaning that no matter where someone presents there will be a referral gateway to the services that a person or family require to help them out of poverty. 3.2 The successful delivery and outcomes of 2023- 2026 Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy – Action Plan. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 - Draft Towards a fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023/26 4.2 Appendix 2 - Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022/23 – 4.3 Appendix 3 - Equality Impact Assessment 4.4 Appendix 4 - Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Children, Families, Justice & Integrated Practice) 5. Impacts Page 84 of 236
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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 ☐ 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 financial insecurity, cost of living crisis and fuel poverty via the Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery Fund and other funds provided to the Council including resource in kind or financial contributions through partners to support key activities. 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? Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire - Tackling Poverty Strategy responds appropriately to all partner’s responsibilities and duties under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. Page 85 of 236
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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’s Subgroup oversees the communications activities of the Tackling Poverty Strategy 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)? Page 86 of 236
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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 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. If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☒ No ☐ Page 87 of 236
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“Towards A Fairer North Lanarkshire” Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 - 2026 Page 88 of 236
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Document control Title Toward A Fairer North Lanarkshire – The Tackling Poverty Strategy Document status (final or draft version) Draft Owner Alison Gordon e-mail address gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Governance group Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group Author John Campbell e-mail address campbelljohn@northlan.gov.uk Revision history Number Originator Date Revision description / record of change 1.0 AGC 08June2023 First draft 2.0 AGC 05July2023 Second draft (added financial education on 12th July 2023) 3.0 Writers group 14July2023 Third draft -editing / updating 3.1 AGC 24th July 2023 Survey questions included Document approvals Number Governance group Date approval granted Date approval to be requested (if document still draft) 1.0 2.0 Consultation record (for most recent update) Status of document consulted upon Stakeholders consulted / date Page 89 of 236
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Foreword In North Lanarkshire we recognise that all sectors and agencies must come together to tackle poverty, this Strategy not only reflects the commitment from each sector but also the voices of our residents, which will shape service delivery across our communities. Tackling Poverty Strategy Foreword 2023 to 2026 North Lanarkshire’s Tackling Poverty Strategy 2020-23 reflected a concerted commitment across the Community Planning Partnership to drive inclusive growth and achieve prosperity for the people and communities of North Lanarkshire. We wanted to ensure that North Lanarkshire will be the place where everyone has equality of opportunity, a place where individuals and communities are poverty free. During the three-year period the council and its partners were able to meet a number of actions, however, the impact of Covid cannot be ignored in achieving the goals we set out at the beginning of 2020. The Council and its partners had to react quickly to the pandemic and the impact this had on our communities and citizens, this means that some actions in the Strategy had to be re-thought with some being delivered quicker than previously expected and others having to be reconsidered. The global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis and high levels of deprivation, continues to acutely affect inequality and poverty in North Lanarkshire, impacting the most vulnerable in North Lanarkshire’s communities. Against this landscape we now bring a refreshed Tackling Poverty Strategy for 2023-2026, which sets out our ambition to tackle poverty and child poverty, building on our previous plans in this area which have been progressed despite the pandemic. Our refreshed Tackling Poverty Strategy encompasses an integrated multi service approach within the Council, alongside an increased focus on working externally with all community planning partners, communities, and people with lived experience of poverty. A new programme of work was agreed by the council which sets out projects and activity that goes much further, moves faster and in a more joined-up way to improve health and wellbeing and impact on regeneration, the economy, and communities.” However, with one in four children in North Lanarkshire living in poverty, we cannot be complacent and while there are significant improvements, considerable challenges remain and it’s vital that we continue to work with partners to address the unacceptably high levels of child poverty, deprivation, and inequality in North Lanarkshire. Councillor Jim Logue Leader of North Lanarkshire Council Page 90 of 236
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Following the Council Elections in 2022, North Lanarkshire Council created its very first Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee to oversee and direct the Councils Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy 2020 to 2023, the development of the new Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 to 2026 and the production of the annual Local Child Poverty Action Report in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire. As the Convener of the new Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee, I am delighted to endorse the achievements of the Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy 2020 to 2023 and the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022. Our new Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 to 2026, sets out our overarching approach to tackling poverty in our communities, with the Action Plan providing the detail as to how the partners will do this. The Strategy will work in conjunction with the Local Child Poverty Action Report which will provide supports to children and young people. The Strategy and Action Plan identify work being done and being planned under the drivers to tackle poverty; increase income via employability, reduce the cost of living, increase income via social security benefits and new to this strategy, holistic supports. The Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee will strive to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Strategy/Action Plan are met and address the challenges that our residents, Council Services, the third sector and other partners over the next 3 years. Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee – Convener Councillor Geraldine Woods Page 91 of 236
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This is the second North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy to be produced. The Strategy reflects our commitment to ensuring equity of opportunity for all of our residents. Significant, progress has been achieved against the ambitions of the first Tackling Poverty Strategy, to make North Lanarkshire the place to Live, Learn, Work Invest and Visit. Progress made has focussed on both developing North Lanarkshire as a place and on improving the individual lives of North Lanarkshire’s people. Achievements to date have been pivotal in maximising the potential of North Lanarkshire as a place to improve the conditions within which residents live. Expanding the provision of high quality housing, creating multipurpose community hubs that support a much wider integrated service offering in the heart of the local community (and bring education together with other local services, local businesses, and partnership organisations), transformations to town centres, enhancements to active green spaces to bring physical and mental health benefits, and attracting investment to expand employment opportunities have been a catalyst to better supporting improved economic and community outcomes and improving the quality of life for all. In terms of improving individual lives, recent successes include an increase in positive destinations for young people leaving school, an increase in gross weekly pay for residents, a reduction in school exclusion rates, and a reduction in the number of people claiming employment related benefits. These successes, delivered against a backdrop of high levels of deprivation, a cost-of-living crisis and during a global pandemic, have led to more sustained positive outcomes for children, communities, and the economy across North Lanarkshire, transforming lives and prospects. The Plan for North Lanarkshire sets out the committed to focus on the things that will significantly improve the quality of life and well-being for all our residents, but the supporting evidence base highlights that challenges remain. A Programme of Work to 2028 has therefore been developed to ensure a heightened and more strategic focus on not only sustaining the economic and community aspects that will enable local people and communities (and the place that is North Lanarkshire) to thrive, but also on ensuring a more targeted approach to improving social, health, and economic conditions and maximising opportunities to escalate the delivery of improved outcomes for those that need it most, thus turning the vision of inclusive growth and prosperity into a reality. This refreshed Tackling Poverty Strategy is a key area of activity in the Programme of Work and a major step in ensuring that our residents are offered opportunities, support, advice, and information that will address the drivers of poverty through: - ➢ Increasing income via employment; ➢ Maximising income via social security benefits; ➢ Reducing the cost of living; and ➢ Holistic Support Our community planning partners, and voluntary and community sector colleagues are committed to tackling poverty and inequality and our action plan sets out our approach to this. The close involvement of our communities in shaping our approach will ensure that we are meeting the differing needs in all of the communities of North Lanarkshire. Des Murray Chief Executive – North Lanarkshire Council Page 92 of 236
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Supporting The Strategy NHS Lanarkshire welcomes this strategy and recognises the important role it plays in tackling poverty within our communities. The impact of poverty and the cost of living crisis is well documented and is evident within our communities. Rising inequalities also continue to prove a challenge. A recent population health impact assessment on the rising cost of living crisis in Scotland, conducted by Public Health Scotland, noted several ways in which rising costs and poverty can affect health including; living in damp homes, worsening of mental health issues and being unable to afford a nutritious and varied diet. NHS Lanarkshire plays a particular role in tackling poverty, in part, simply by existing to provide care for everyone, free at the point of use. It also has a role as an ‘anchor organisation’ within communities, offering accessible employment and opportunities around economic stimulation. However, the partnership activity that is documented in this plan has shown to be the most effective way to meet the challenges facing individuals and families. By ensuring that the services our communities use are equipped to recognise when people and struggling and enabling referrals and support to be put in place, jointly we aim to prevent poor health and stop health inequalities from worsening. Professor S. Josephine Pravinkumar Director of Public Health and Health Policy Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL) and the wider community and voluntary sector (CVS) welcome North Lanarkshire’s updated Poverty Strategy, which sets out the ways in which different sectors – public, business and CVS - are working together across North Lanarkshire to tackle the complex mix of social and economic factors which cause poverty in our communities. Given the challenge of poverty continues to negatively affect the wellbeing and life chances of many local people - with one in four children in North Lanarkshire living in poverty – successful implementation of this strategy is essential, and the CVS play a key role in this ambition. There are over 850 unique CVS organisations in North Lanarkshire ranging from small, volunteer-led community groups to charities and social enterprises of all sizes with many providing wide-ranging and vital support to people experiencing or at risk of poverty. VANL and the CVS also work together and with our statutory partners to provide information on sources of support for people experiencing or at risk of poverty – for example by encouraging use of “ALISS” – A Local Information System for Scotland and help raise public awareness and understanding of the scale, causes and impact of poverty and links between poverty and activities to support community wealth building, health, and wellbeing. VANL and the CVS reaffirm our commitment to help tackle poverty, working in partnership with colleagues in North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire. Maddy Halliday Chief Executive Officer Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire Page 93 of 236
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Contents Page No Title Executive Summary Introduction Our Ambition – A Fairer North Lanarkshire ❖ Resilient People Purpose of the Strategy The North Lanarkshire Profile Talking About What Poverty Means ❖ The Three Questions Supporting People – Our Achievements and Challenges The Impact of Covid 19 ❖ Covid Recovery The Drivers of Tackling Poverty ❖ Increase Income Via Employment ❖ Reduce the Cost of Living ❖ Affordable Credit ❖ Informing Our Residents ❖ Advising and Assisting ❖ Providing Free Period Products ❖ Helping to Quit Your Way ❖ Promoting Travel For Under 22s ❖ Reducing Fuel Poverty ❖ Affordable Homes ❖ Income Via Social Security Benefits ❖ How Will We Do This ❖ NHS Lanarkshire ❖ The Third Sector ❖ Holistic Supports ❖ Whole Family Support ❖ North Lanarkshire Alcohol & Drug Partnership ❖ Justice Services ❖ Financial Education in North Lanarkshire How Will We Know We Are Making A Difference Action Plan Appendix One – North Lanarkshire Profile Appendix Two – Cost of Living Survey Questions Appendix Three – North Lanarkshire Poverty Premium Page 95 of 236
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Executive Summary The long-term plan for North Lanarkshire is for inclusive growth and prosperity for all, by tackling poverty in our communities we will ensure we are working Toward a Fairer North Lanarkshire. 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 second strategy has been developed in partnership with the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group – a group with members from the Council, NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector, and will assist in delivering key priorities within The Plan for North Lanarkshire and NHS Lanarkshire's developing healthcare strategy "Our Health Together". In the lifetime of the first strategy, we saw a reduction in the proportion of children in poverty – from 25.2% to 23.2%, this however, remains a concern as one in four children in North Lanarkshire are living in poverty, which is higher than the national average of one in five children. This three year Strategy will set out our overarching approach to tackling poverty in our communities, with the Action Plan providing the detail as to how the partners will do this. The Strategy will work in conjunction with the Local Child Poverty Action Report which will provide supports to children and young people. The Strategy and Action Plan identify work being done and being planned under the drivers to tackle poverty; increase income via employability, reduce the cost of living, increase income via social security benefits and new to this strategy, holistic supports. The Programme of Work under the Plan for North Lanarkshire, embraces this approach via the Resilient People Programme, the aim of which is to deliver whole family support locally, when families need it, in a way that is consistent with the principles of The Promise and this Tackling Poverty Strategy. Recognising the impact the cost of living crisis is having on our communities, the Community Boards have identified tackling poverty as a priority within their Local Outcome Improvement Plans, the work we and our Partners are committed to doing within the Action Plan together with the newly developed programmes within the Programme of Work will support and enhance our communities and help us work Toward a Fairer North Lanarkshire. Page 96 of 236
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Introduction Tackling poverty and inequality is the single biggest challenge facing Scotland and requires continued, urgent and sustained action. Tackling poverty is a core objective for Local Government working in partnership with the Scottish Government, the third sector and public and private sector partners. Whilst low income and material deprivation are issues rightly at the forefront of the poverty debate, the strategy recognises that poverty should not merely be considered in terms of income or material well-being alone. Importantly, it is also a matter of health and well-being. There is a complex, interlinking relationship between the factors that influence poverty therefore, these cannot be considered in isolation. The 2023-26 strategy has been created against a backdrop of recovery from the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and a number of issues causing or exacerbating the effects of poverty on people in North Lanarkshire. Issues such as; National Insurance increase, price increases on energy, fuel and food increases, real term cuts in wages and welfare reforms continue to acutely affect inequality and poverty. Together with other economic factors, this will impact the most vulnerable in North Lanarkshire’s communities. Tackling poverty and its impact on people and communities does not fall on the shoulders of one agency or service. This Strategy, together with the actions identified within the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022- 2023, will ensure that there is concerted collaborative work involving key partners including: ➢ North Lanarkshire Council; ➢ NHS Lanarkshire; ➢ Police Scotland; ➢ Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; ➢ Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL) and the Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS); ➢ New College Lanarkshire; ➢ Skills Development Scotland; ➢ Scottish Enterprise; ➢ Job Centre Plus; ➢ Communities and in particular those with lived experience A collaborative approach is required across North Lanarkshire to secure real action on the biggest issues facing our people, council and our local economy and is at the heart of a fully integrated delivery plan. “Can only afford to exist, not live. Can't treat my kids to days out/ treats like we could before or social events like going out with friends etc” “There’s nothing left after bills are paid. Working to pay bills and nothing else” Page 97 of 236
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Our Ambition – A Fairer North Lanarkshire The Tackling Poverty Strategy has its roots within the Plan for North Lanarkshire, there has been significant and far-reaching progress achieved against the ambition to make North Lanarkshire The place to Live, Learn, Work, Invest and Visit. The Plan for North Lanarkshire sets the strategy direction not just for the council and partners, but for North Lanarkshire as a place. It outlines the shared ambition to make North Lanarkshire the place to Live, Learn, Work, Invest and Visit. The long-term vision in The Plan for North Lanarkshire provides a very clear focus and compelling narrative in terms of what the council is working toward, it has been shaped by the local demographic, social and economic profile which is informed by the 28 Health Check Indicators. The vision of inclusive growth and prosperity for all aims to bring equal benefits to all North Lanarkshire’s communities and ensure a fairer distribution of wealth. Improving outcomes within North Lanarkshire cannot be achieved by delivering single programmes or projects, or by organisations working alone, rather they require many overlapping factors interacting together. To maintain the focus on the long-term vision, while ensuring a more integrated and holistic suite of services and supports in a continuously challenging and complex landscape, a new approach to strategic planning has been developed. This approach seeks to sustain the successful strategies from the Programme of Work to date, while tackling the many challenges that remain by further evolving and re-envisioning the councils’ policy direction in order to turn the vision for inclusive growth and prosperity for all into reality. The new programme of work will enhance the scale, impact and coherence of all work areas. The newly developed programmes are interdependent; the outcomes delivered within each will support and enhance all the others. Page 98 of 236
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Resilient People The principal aim of resilient people is to deliver whole family support locally, when families need it, in a way that is consistent with the principles of The Promise and the Tackling Poverty Strategy. The aim is to provide an integrated whole council approach, working with partners to provide an earlier and more effective response to need, that includes promoting the strengths and skills of individuals and families, improving economic activity as well as providing practical and emotional support. Through this, children, young people and their parents/carers will have increased resilience and ambition. Often the most direct, efficient and effective way of helping families to provide responsive financial support and economic opportunities to achieve lasting change. Resilient People will integrate family support with the roll out of community hubs to provide financial, practical, emotional and economic opportunities including volunteering, to reduce and tackle inequalities. Resilient People will ensure that there is a No Wrong Door approach to tackling poverty and inequality across all our community. Page 99 of 236
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Purpose of the Strategy The Tackling Poverty Strategy will establish an approach that will ensure that the Council’s vision of inclusive growth and prosperity for all is achieved. It is recognised that securing long term successful change requires a balance between economic and social wellbeing. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation identified that some of the consequences of poverty are: ➢ health problems; ➢ housing problems; ➢ being a victim or a perpetrator of crime; ➢ drug or alcohol problems; ➢ lower educational achievement; ➢ poverty itself - poverty in childhood increases the risk of unemployment and low pay in adulthood and lower savings later in life; ➢ homelessness; ➢ teenage parenthood; ➢ relationship and family problems; and ➢ biological effects – poverty early in a child’s life can have a harmful effect on brain development. A collective approach across the Community Planning Partnership, Community Boards and communities informed by people with lived experience is therefore needed to tackle the barriers to inclusive growth by: ➢ unlocking the potential of people living in communities with lived experience; ➢ breaking the cycle of poverty; and ➢ opening opportunities to create more equal communities. The approach ensures there is a focus on building on the strengths of individuals and families to improve outcomes for children and their parents, it requires to move people, families and whole communities from dependence to independence through enabling them to be part of the decisions that affect them. Families will receive the right support when they ask for it and receive it in their own local community. The approach will break down referral pathways built around the needs of systems rather than people which are at best confusing and at worst stigmatising. Addressing challenges through integrated solutions, rather than through fragmented approaches that meet one goal at the expense of another supports sustainable empowered communities. Tackling poverty measures must therefore follow this same route. Statutory services, the third sector and the community must come together to tackle this issue. Page 100 of 236
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The North Lanarkshire Poverty Profile Within North Lanarkshire there are still unacceptably high levels of deprivation and child poverty and clear areas of inequity and inequality. As a result, there are varying levels of social exclusion across our diverse communities of place and interest. North Lanarkshire is the fourth largest authority area within Scotland, with a population of 341,400. It is situated in the heart of Scotland with connectivity to the rest of Scotland, the UK and the world. As the fifth most densely populated council area, North Lanarkshire is divided into 21 wards which are represented by 77 elected members. Historically, the local authority has experienced higher than average levels of deprivation. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020 identified across North Lanarkshire 50,897 people are income deprived, equating to 15% of the population. The Scottish average is 12%. Around 22,426 of the 50,897 income deprived people mentioned above, live in neighbourhoods, spread across North Lanarkshire, that are not classed within the 20% most deprived. Income deprivation is defined as those of working age (and their dependants) who are on low incomes. North Lanarkshire remains 6th in terms of its share of datazones in the 20% most deprived in Scotland, sitting behind; Inverclyde, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire and Dundee. North Lanarkshire has five datazones within the 1% most deprived areas of Scotland. This strategy will ensure resources are directed to these areas as a priority. A profile of North Lanarkshire is set out in Appendix 1. Page 101 of 236
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Talking About Poverty and What It Means “Poverty means not being able to heat your home, pay your rent, or buy the essentials for your children, it means waking up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty and impossible decisions about money. It means marginalisation – and even discrimination – because of your financial circumstances. The constant stress it causes can lead to problems that deprive people of the chances to play a full part in society.” In addition to the facts and figures about North Lanarkshire, it is important that we dig much deeper and continue to listen and learn from the lived experience of the people living in poverty in our communities. In the previous strategy a survey was carried out asking people “what makes life more difficult for you financially?”. Following the impact of the covid 19 pandemic and in the middle of the cost of living crisis, the survey was carried out again, asking the same questions. The council developed and re-issued the survey in March 2023. Both an online and paper version asked what makes life financially difficult for the people of North Lanarkshire. The results have helped shape and inform this Tackling Poverty Strategy and our response to addressing poverty. The survey went live on 15th March 2023. It was published on the NLC consultation page of our website, advertised on social media and sent by text message to parents and carers. NHSL, One Parent Families Scotland, Routes to Work, Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Advice Network partners disseminated the survey via their own platforms. Paper surveys were supplied to those who could not access the online version and in particular to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) groups. This was useful in reaching those within our communities who otherwise may not have their views represented. A total of 3,369 responses were prepared for analysis, with a representation from all Community Board Areas. Page 102 of 236
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Broad themes were immediately apparent. 23% of respondents reported that they were not aware of what benefits to claim. In addition, comments from respondents informed us that they were employed but just missed out on benefits or were unable to survive even though they were fully employed. “Benefits are too complicated to apply for” “Everything costing more, have 2 wages coming into the house but finding we have no disposable income when bills are paid” “I work a 60-hour week and have had to opt out of pension contributions because I can’t afford them and heating/eating at the same time” This led us to plan a campaign for Summer 2023 to encourage those who were employed to seek advice to check their entitlement to Universal Credit, particularly considering recent changes widening entitlement to the benefit. You asked: We did: Improved information on benefit entitlement Universal Credit Campaign (summer 2023) When looking at reducing the cost of living 43% of respondents reported that repaying debts contributed to their financial difficulties – 20% also reported high interest debt repayments were an issue. This will inform our work around affordable credit and forming closer links with local credit unions. “Getting into further debt to simply afford basics because minimum repayments are so high there’s nothing left to buy necessities/pay bills” “Debt is a real issue – overwhelming” Childcare remains a barrier to employment with a third of respondents reporting that childcare is not affordable, while 22% found childcare did not meet their needs. “Better provision for free after school care for full time working parents. My childcare costs last year were £10,000 with one child in full time childcare and another in school and having to be collected by after school care. This does not encourage people to go out and work” “Small age children in school hours limit work ability, must be available to care for needs, sick days, drop off and pick up times” The Parental Employability Support Fund (PESF) helps parents with support in sourcing child care and can even pay child care costs for the first few weeks to remove what can often be an insurmountable barrier for parents looking to make the transition to employment or training. Promotion of PESF to those in the seven priority groups is key in helping people into employment. You asked: We did: Help with Child Care Promotion of Parental Employability Fund Page 103 of 236
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When asked if they thought their situation will get better or worse, 57% thought it would worsen – yet only 24% of people have asked for help with their financial difficulties. Comments gave insight into how people want to be able to access advice. We will concentrate our efforts on a place-based approach delivery of advice within the heart of our communities. “was directed to help but too overwhelming to try to do anything myself” “provide different methods of accessing advice e.g. libraries, one stop shops, community centres or credit unions” You asked: We Did: More advice and assistance • Cost of Living Telephone freephone telephone • Newmains HUB advice clinic in the heart of the community • Partners funded to provide advice including outreach advice clinics in lowest SIMD neighbourhoods The information from the Survey will continue to be further scrutinised to give more detailed information and identify trends and themes. This will be invaluable in guiding our approach through the lifetime of the Strategy. (full results of the survey are available at appendix 2) The Three Questions The Tackling Poverty Team have embarked on a communications programme called “The Three Questions” across all our communities, this will be a continuous programme which will become the heartbeat of our Strategy, shaping and underpinning everything we are doing across the local authority. The “Three Questions” have been shaped around the cost of living crisis, we simply ask; “How is the cost of living impacting you?” “How is the cost of living impacting others in the community?” “What would you like us to do about it?” Posters together with post it notes have been taken out to community events, schools, supermarkets, libraries, sheltered housing complexes, hospitals – anywhere we can meet members of the public. The post it notes were introduced to avoid stigmatising anyone who wanted to have their voice heard but did not want to speak out, but welfare rights officers and debt advisors are also on hand, not just to provide advice but take note of comments anyone wishes to make. The format used has proven to be very successful in giving a voice to all sectors of our community from primary school children to older people. Page 104 of 236
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The Three Questions have been taken to schools, both Primary and Secondary, as it is important that our children and young people’s voices are heard in the shaping of our Strategy. The young people gave an insight into how the cost of living crisis is affecting them and their families, together with what they would like to be done around this. When asked how the cost of living affected them, the impact on socialising was a major issue for the children and young people, whilst 21% stated that they could no longer afford after school activities and socialising with friends, 56% stated that they could no longer play their consoles, charge their phones as much, all forms of socialising for younger people. The children and young people told us that the cost of living crisis was having an impact in their home and on themselves; “Buying things causes arguments in my house” “I get anxious when I go to the shop to buy food. My dad is off work and is on sick pay. In the next couple of months he will be on half pay and im worried how we will be able to afford things” “my mum panics about money now” “I am poor now” When asked what the children and young people wanted us to do about it, the top two answers from the children and young people were: Free School Meals for everyone and financial education. The children and young people expressed that they wanted to learn about money “make everyone feel equal and understand 45% 21% 11% 10% 10% 3% Unable to charge my phone/ games as often as I did Unable to afford out of school activities/ socialising… Can't play on my consoles so much I am unable to afford driving lessons Less time watching TV Less or no money to buy things for the house How does cost of living affect you - activities A number of responses from the community were in relation to not being eligible for the government’s fuel poverty payment as they “just missed out” due to their income. As a result of this the Councils’ response to fuel poverty was to create a fund targeted at those who were on low income but not receiving means tested benefits. Page 105 of 236
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more about poverty and money….learn about money, how to pay bills, budgeting and money management”. (further details – Holistic Supports) The Tackling Poverty Action Plan will reflect the steps that the Council and its Partners are taking to meet the needs of our children and young people. The Three Questions will continue to inform the Tackling Poverty Action Plan and will promote discussions across Services and Sectors at how we best deliver services to our communities. Page 106 of 236
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Supporting People – Our Achievements and Challenges Achievements Throughout the lifetime of 2020-23 Tackling Poverty Strategy there have been some significant achievements made, the Tackling Poverty Team generated over £99 million in additional benefit income for the residents of North Lanarkshire during this 3 year period. This together with the £22.6 million generated via Citizens Advice Bureaux, means that over £121 million has been generated by supporting people through the benefit system. ❖ The establishment of a Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee in North Lanarkshire was a clear indication of the Councils’ commitment to the Strategy and working toward a fairer North Lanarkshire for everyone in our communities. ❖ Net migration to North Lanarkshire has picked up again after a small dip in the trend and projections. Estimates predict that North Lanarkshire’s population will grow and remain favourable up to 2028. ❖ Recent figures show the local economy continues to grow, reflecting a positive position in North Lanarkshire compared to a negative growth position nationally. ❖ The gross weekly wage for North Lanarkshire residents is now higher than the national average for the first time ever – an increase of 10% (£63.90 per week) from 2021 ❖ The number of people claiming employment related benefits has decreased by almost 48% from 14,195 as at December 2020 to 7,420 as at December 2022 and this claimant count is now lower than pre-pandemic levels. Within our schools there have been considerable achievements; ❖ educational attainment rates for all pupils gaining 5+ awards at level 6, and for pupils living in the 20% most deprived areas, have seen a steady year on year improvement. ❖ Improvements can also be evidenced in the number of leavers achieving a positive post school destination with North Lanarkshire achieving a high level of 94.2%. This reflects a drop in pupils not entering a positive destination from 8.2% to 5.5% (around 100 pupils). ❖ Overall school exclusion rates and exclusion rates for looked after children both show significant improvement with overall exclusion rates dropping by 56% and rates for looked after children dropping by almost 70%. Page 107 of 236
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Throughout the lifetime of the Strategy, our communities have experienced the impact of Covid 19, the recovery from this and the cost of living crisis, during this time a North Lanarkshire Child Payment has been made to families; £125 payment to families for each child who are in receipt of free school meals and/or school clothing grant, including nursery children. A total of 11,979 children from 7396 families were assisted. A fuel hardship payment was developed to provide financial support to low-income households who would only receive the UK Government universal payment, payments of £150 were made with applications exceeding 6000. A Pensioner Fuel Grant was paid to over 8000 households with each receiving a payment of £100 to assist with the increasing fuel bills. Recognising the impact the cost of living crisis is having on our communities, the Integrated Joint Board funded a Cost of Living Helpline hosted by the Tackling Poverty Team, giving our communities access to advice and support. Challenges There is a need to build on these successes and minimise the impact poverty has on people and communities. Whilst there has been a 2-percentage point reduction in the proportion of children living in poverty (from 25.2% to 23.2%), we still have significantly high levels of child poverty. With 61,452 children aged 15 and below in North Lanarkshire, 14,256 of those children live in poverty, 5,455 children live in areas where the poverty figure is over the national average of 24% and 3,185 of those children live in areas where poverty levels are over 30%. The North Lanarkshire Local Child Poverty Action Plan details the actions the council and other services are undertaking to support the Scottish Government to achieve its stated targets for reducing child poverty by 2030. Although there is a downward trend in the number of working age population with no qualifications, there remains 12.8% of North Lanarkshire’s working age population (around 27,600) who are restricted from accessing employment opportunities. The proportion of the working age population who are economically active had shown signs of improvement in the aftermath of the pandemic, however, this has stalled and will continue to be monitored closely for signs of stability. Other factors will require further investigation in terms of employability, as 69,100 people are currently recorded as being economically inactive, with 41% of these recorded as long term-sick and 84% recorded as not wanting a job. Breastfeeding rates have improved slightly from the 2017/18 baseline and the rate of increase mirrors national trends, however, nearly three quarters of babies in North Lanarkshire are not breastfed at their 6-8 week review. In 2021 NHS Lanarkshire and partners adopted a multi-strand approach to promote breastfeeding in the community and support mums who want to breastfeed, and this indicator provides a baseline against which partners can measure impact. Life expectancy for men and women in North Lanarkshire remains below the national average and while this indicator had shown signs of improvement, the gains have started to stall and fall back. Equally, for North Page 108 of 236
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Lanarkshire residents, the percentage of their lives where the individuals enjoy good health is also lower than the national average. Within the Action Plan of the 2020 -23 Tackling Poverty Strategy, Funeral Poverty was identified as an issue for people within our community. There was a lack of engagement from Funeral Directors and as a result, this issue will be addressed in terms of accessing bereavement and funeral payments. Within North Lanarkshire there are other challenges which will impact upon our strategy and approach, a key factor being the continued impact of welfare reform from the UK and Scottish Government’s with the migration of Personal Independent Payments to Adult Disability Payment and Disability Living Allowance to Child Disability Payment. Whilst the UK welfare reform changes estimates are that 20% of people won’t remain on benefit following migration, the Scottish versions of the benefits have a more favourable qualification criterion. However, the migration process will have a significant impact on disabled people, their families and carers and will take at least until late 2024 to be completed. Whilst we had been able to reduce referrals to foodbanks by using the Food Poverty Referral Gateway in North Lanarkshire, evidence from the foodbanks indicate that referrals have started to increase again. Work carried out with the foodbanks has identified that the timescales and process around the administration of universal credit remains to be impacting on this, as well as the pandemic, recovery of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. The Cash First approached adopted by North Lanarkshire in 2015, continues to lead the way across the country with the Scottish Government, Trussell Trust and other Local Authorities adopting the model. An example of how well the Cash First approach works is outlined by a resident who was assisted with the model; “I thought my only option was a foodbank the welfare rights officer helped me get a grant and I could choose what I wanted for my family….When they checked my benefits I didn’t know that I could get help with looking after my daughter……it has made a big difference” Mother with 3 children (Coatbridge) Across Scotland, there are also some early reports of the impact of the Scottish Child Payment benefit on referrals to foodbanks reducing for families, since its introduction in November 2022, for all children under 16. Over the next two years, North Lanarkshire Council are working in partnership with the Trussell Trust and the Third Sector Advice Services in a pilot to The strategy and action plan 2023-26 will build on our achievements and work towards meeting the challenges our communities face. Page 109 of 236
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The Impact of Covid 19 The Covid 19 pandemic had a devastating impact on families and communities across North Lanarkshire, with an increasing number of people falling into poverty with further financial challenges for those that were already in poverty. People faced issues such as redundancy, loss of income due to lockdown/furlough or shielding, the availability of childcare had an impact on some people’s availability for work. Whilst the council and its partners in both NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector took many steps to mitigate the impacts of covid, there were also some activities within the first Tackling Poverty Action Plan that could not be achieved. Some actions will be brought forward to this Strategy, whilst others will be removed or realigned due to changes in service delivery. The Health Hub for Information and Advice – prior to Covid the tackling poverty team delivered services within 3 health centres, the service was therefore limited to these health centres and the practices that use them. The impact of covid meant that the Tackling Poverty Team were no longer able to work in the Health Centre settings. This however, presented an opportunity to promote the service throughout NHS Lanarkshire, creating easier referral routes. The Action Plan for the 2023-26 Strategy reflects the new opportunities provided by NHS Lanarkshire for their patients to tackle poverty and inequality. Financial Education – Due to restrictions within the schools the financial education programme, MACA was put on hold. Investment is required to develop the MACA programme and this is something we hope to take forward into the 2023-26 Action Plan (see holistic supports). Establishment of Involvement Group to help shape the strategy and services – The Lead Organisation for this, VANL, lost a number of volunteers due to the pandemic and the need for shielding/isolation etc. In the 2023- 26 Strategy the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group have taken a different approach to this, using a number of routes to ensure that we hear as many voices across North Lanarkshire as possible. . Covid Recovery On 21 February 2022 the First Minister announced a new £80m Covid Economic Recovery Fund targeting support for Businesses and communities with the move to a new phase in the Covid pandemic with fewer restrictions. The policy intent of this funding is to support local economic recovery and cosy of living impact on low-income households. North Lanarkshire received £5.149min funding, the council topped this up with over £3 million to make a budget of £8.613 million. The funding was used to mitigate the impacts of covid and the then emerging cost of living crisis, with a plan that would ensure a dignified approach to talking the food, energy and fuel crisis by providing, where possible, a cash first response. The plan included; ❖ The release of £450,000 in grant funding for voluntary and community initiatives to enhance their existing drop-in spaces and premises across North Lanarkshire. ❖ The availability of welcome hubs in existing council facilities such as libraries, community and leisure centres where residents can get tea/coffee where possible, recharge digital devices and get a heat and a chat in a stigma-free environment. Page 110 of 236
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❖ Taking a ‘cash first’ approach to tackling poverty by encouraging partners and third-sector organisations who provide emergency food to sign up to a ‘pledge’ to work with the Scottish Welfare Fund to access crisis grants as a first response (with food banks being the last port of call). ❖ A Living With Less roadshow across the region with the council’s Tackling Poverty Team and partner agencies where people can apply for grants on site and access support for benefits checks, grant eligibility and debt advice. ❖ Discussions around setting up a dedicated cost of living helpline in collaboration with the Health and Social Care Partnership to provide advice to residents in need. ❖ Frontline council workers will be able to access local heat hubs in a range of council facilities such as schools, libraries, community centres and leisure centres, where they can get a tea/coffee and break from the cold outside. Other staff will also be able to work more locally to their home to reduce commuting costs or domestic heating rates for those who work at home. ❖ The release of a £2.161m fuel hardship fund – a £150 payment to eligible low-income households – which can be applied for online. (Further payments of £125 Child Payment and £100 Pensioner Fuel Grant will be paid directly to those eligible). ❖ A Living With Less digital and online promotional campaign, targeting a range of residents and signposting them to crisis support such as financial assistance, grants, an online benefit and household budget calculator as well as advice on keeping good mental health and ways to make small savings, household changes and concessions to reduce the cost of living. The cost of living crisis continues to impact our communities, and all partners are committed to supporting and assisting people during this time, this Strategy and Action Plan reflects the commitment and work done within the four drivers to tackle poverty across North Lanarkshire. Page 111 of 236
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The Drivers to Tackle Poverty Almost anyone can experience poverty; unexpected events such as bereavement, illness, redundancy, relationship breakdown can be enough to push someone into poverty which can then be difficult to escape. What Are the Drivers to Tackle Poverty? There are four drivers that we can use to tackle poverty in our communities; ❖ Maximise income via employment ❖ Reduce the cost of living ❖ Maximise income via social security benefits ❖ Holistic Supports North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire together with our partners in the Third Sector are delivering on these drivers to tackle poverty and inequality in our communities. Maximise Income Via Employment Driving up income from employment remains one of the mechanisms in North Lanarkshire which offers real opportunities to support unemployed and underemployed residents out of poverty. Employability is integrated within Education & Families and contributes to the Brighter Future Programme of Work within the Plan for North Lanarkshire. It has the aim of transforming how we prepare young people and other residents for the world of work by delivering an interconnected programme of education, volunteering, and entrepreneurship throughout various stages of their life. The aims and objectives of this are to: • Drive the recovery of North Lanarkshire’s labour market to pre-covid levels • Deliver significant jobs growth • Shape innovative employment pathways in key growth industry sectors • Provide inclusive and accessible support to boost entrepreneurship • Embed volunteering programme as a normal part of life • Transform how young people experience learning and teaching The post pandemic labour market that has emerged is characterised by low unemployment levels but increased economic inactivity and within North Lanarkshire the employment rate is still below the pre-pandemic levels. The North Lanarkshire claimant count, which acts as a measure of unemployment, was 14,415 (6.6%) people in March 2021 compared with 8,225 (3.8%) in March 2020, a 75% increase on the pre-pandemic level. However, in May 2023 it had decreased to 7,640 (3.5%) and average earnings in North Lanarkshire are now above the Scottish and UK averages for the first time. This is good news, but real challenges remain due to levels of economic inactivity. The number reported as ‘long term sick’ in North Lanarkshire has increased from 14,900 in the 12 months up to December 2019 to 26,300 in the 12 months up to December 2022. While unemployment is lower Page 112 of 236
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than pre-pandemic levels the number of people in the workforce in North Lanarkshire has reduced from 174,000 (78.1%) in December 2019 to 157,100 (70.1%) in December 2022. As we begin this strategy, the forecast for unemployment is uncertain as the UK remains within a period of high inflation and with further expected rises in interest rates which will have an impact on business. From an employability perspective this simply reinforces the long-term strategy of continuing to support those further from the labour market in North Lanarkshire to gain the skills needed to get a job and be part of the economic growth of the area. Alongside this we will continue to work with local employers to create opportunities for our unemployed residents, including those who are economically inactive. All employability programmes delivered by or on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council are based on the No One Left Behind policy which is aimed at inclusive growth, economic transformation and tackling child poverty; and aims to deliver a system that is more tailored and responsive to the needs of people of all ages who want help and support on their journey towards, into and in work - particularly people with health conditions, disabled people and others who are disadvantaged in the labour market. Case Study Aged 21 and living at home with her parents, Jade has a learning disability, and her education was in supported learning establishments and courses. Jade was referred to Project SEARCH in April 2022 as she knew she wanted a job and required support to find the right opportunity for her. Jade worked really hard in her placement within a health setting and received £89pw bursary. She was able to demonstrate her ability to learn tasks with routine and structure built around them. Jade was delighted when she was successful in gaining a position as a Porter with Serco in University Hospital Wishaw in February 2023. She now works 35 hours a week and earns £391.30, making her £302.30 a week better off. Jade said "Starting my job has helped me build up my confidence and my communication skills and well as show me the ability I have in learning new skills. Having a wage is fantastic, it gives me extra money to spend, I don't have to borrow from my parents now, and this makes me feel great." Managed and co-ordinated by the Council’s Employability team, key worker support is provided by partner agency, Routes to Work Ltd. Their support is community based and person centred and focused on identifying fair and sustainable employment for their clients. The Council also fund other third sector activities, and these are aimed at supporting specialist employability support, again using the person-centred approach which treats our residents with respect and dignity. An important strand of the work carried out throughout the employability service is that of income maximisation. Partners within all Projects and Services make referrals to an identified Welfare Rights Officer early in the job search journey. “Better off” benefit calculations to equip people with the correct information about the financial benefits of work. The council also provides a comprehensive Supported Employment service that focuses support on people with disabilities, mental health issues and care experienced young people. The team has two strands: Supported employment and the supported business North Lanarkshire Industries. Supported employment aims to secure around 100 jobs for its service users per annum. The service supports disabled and disadvantaged people who are facing challenging barriers to find employment and provides in work support to enable the individual to sustain their employment. In work support is person centred and tailored to each individual’s and employer’s needs and makes a significant contribution in North Lanarkshire to reducing the disability employment gap. Case Study Bobby is 43 lives and with his elderly Mum. Autism means Bobby is very vulnerable and has increasingly become isolated, only leaving home if his Mum is with him. Bobby’s Mum contacted the supported enterprise Page 113 of 236
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service to refer Bobby for help in finding a job as she believed that this would give him a reason to go out and meet people and gain some independence. Bobby’s mother felt that he had never had a proper diagnosis of Autism and with the support and encouragement of the job coach she reached out to his GP and Bobby was properly assessed and formally diagnosed with Autism. The welfare rights officer carried out a benefit check and established that Bobby was only receiving the standard rate of universal credit. To maximise his income, the WRO supported to obtain a fit note from the GP and upload this onto Bobby’s journal and completion of a capability for work questionnaire. Bobby was awarded LCWRA increasing his UC amount by £354.28 per month. A claim for Personal Independence Payment was also made and enhanced rates for care and mobility were awarded. Maximising Bobby’s income gave him a bit more motivation to want to go out to work and the job coach soon found Bobby some voluntary work in a catering environment. This led onto a part time job which has boosted Bobby’s confidence and made him a lot more independent. Figures below illustrate how Bobby is better off in work: Income at point of referral Income after initial maximisation by WRO Income when employed Universal Credit £77.28 £159.04 £159.04 Personal Independence Payment N/A £61.85 Care £24.45 Mobility £61.85 Care £24.45 Mobility Wage N/A N/A £82.50 TOTAL WEEKLY INCOME £77.28 £245.34 £327.84 WEEKLY INCREASE N/A £168.06 £250.56 In 2023 there are major changes in the external funding environment around employability in North Lanarkshire with significant new investments from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind fund bolstering the significant contribution from the Council to employability in North Lanarkshire. In targeting employment support on those at the margins of the labour market and on low incomes, our aspiration is that they will have a positive impact when delivered in tandem with the other tackling poverty activities across our communities. The projects being delivered include: - Area based programmes to tackle economic inactivity with an additional focus on parents on low incomes - Support across all communities for unemployed residents to access work opportunities - Broad range of employment programmes for low-income parents including engagement activities, and support with childcare, training, skills development and in-work support - Continued focus on supporting our young people into sustained positive destinations in their transition from school to the labour market, including those with additional support needs and care experienced - Supported employment activities to all residents with significant barriers - North Lanarkshire Industries Supported Business - Specialist support to thematic groups that is tailored to their needs Page 114 of 236
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The work of employability in North Lanarkshire is integrated nationally and locally with strategic plans and the community planning process through its Local Employability Partnership as well as with the Tackling Poverty Strategy. It also contributes to the area’s community wealth building activities. Reduce The Cost of Living There is much work to do but with a clear action plan we can reduce the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on the people of North Lanarkshire and in turn, create financial resilience within our communities. In 2023, UK households are facing the steepest increases in living costs in a generation. The Scottish Fiscal Commission expects that Scottish households will see the biggest fall disposable income since records began in 1998. The Office for National Statistics also shows a basic shopping basket has increased by an average 23% on last year’s figures. Even the cheapest value ranges in budget supermarkets have experienced increases as high as 46% meaning those with lower incomes are spending a higher proportion of their income on food. It comes as no surprise that fuel poverty rates have increased in line with soaring energy costs. The Fuel Poverty (Scotland) Act 2019 established a new two-part definition whereby a household is considered fuel poor if: • Fuel Poverty - After housing costs, when more than 10% of the household net income is required to pay for reasonable fuel needs • Extreme Fuel Poverty - After housing costs, when more than 20% of net income is required to pay for reasonable fuel needs The Scottish Government expects the Fuel poverty rate in April 2023 to be 39% of households in Fuel Poverty, 34% of these to be in extreme fuel poverty. In North Lanarkshire 59, 634 households will be in Fuel Poverty and 51, 989 of these will be in extreme Fuel Poverty. The poorest in our communities often have to pay extra costs for essential products and services, often referred to as the “poverty premium”. This can include everything from using prepayment meters for fuel, paying to access their own cash at ATMs or being pushed towards High-cost credit. The University of Bristol’s Personal Finance Research Centre’s “Fair by Design” Campaign to end the poverty premium found that people almost 23% of households in North Lanarkshire have significantly higher costs due to the poverty premium, as the figures below show. The full table is available at appendix three. *National Records of Scotland: UK Parliamentary Constituency (UKPC) Household and Dwelling Estimates (2011 Data Zone Base Motherwell and Wishaw Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill Airdrie and Shotts Total cost of poverty premium £ 5,034,499 £ 3,743,300 £ 4,518,868 £ 4,439,222 Page 115 of 236
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Promoting Affordable Credit Options Research shows that people in North Lanarkshire paid an extra £2,085,957 last year due to high costs of credit. It is not acceptable that the poorest people in our communities are forced to pay the highest costs for credit. Credit unions no longer deserve the "poor man’s bank" label attached to them – this only creates stigma and discourages people from joining. Instead, we must encourage the financially astute to become members of the credit union in their area. Credit unions are ethical financial institutions that offer free life insurance and loan protection to our members. This is unique in the Financial Sector. We need the whole community to be members so we can lend to all of our members, including those who are financially stressed or aspire to a better standard of living as we will then have the finances to do so. Julie Reddin, Director of Association of British Credit Unions Ltd (Scotland) There are 21 affiliated credit unions in North Lanarkshire (5 credit unions affiliated to Scottish League of Credit Unions & 16 Credit Unions affiliated to Association of British Credit Unions Ltd) and we have an important role to not only promote them but to work in partnership. One way to do this is to recruit local employers who will promote the benefits of Credit Unions within their workforce. NLC Tackling Poverty Team is developing a model of working with local employers to promote credit unions and other aspects of Financial Education, with the aim of employers then encouraging their workforce to sign up to payroll deductions with a local credit union. Illegal money lending is known to take place in North Lanarkshire with loan sharks targeting the most vulnerable in our communities. Those who use them are often desperate and don’t know where else to turn for help. North Lanarkshire Advice Network, an umbrella organisation for all advice agencies operating in the area will work in partnership with Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit to increase its reach within our communities to stamp out loan sharks. NLC tackling Poverty Team are also working towards achieving the “Stop the Loan Sharks” Chartermark and will soon appoint an illegal money lending Champion to take forward this work. Informing our Residents The huge impact of the Cost of Living Crisis called for large scale co-ordinated information distribution in order to inform and educate about help available: - • Over 36,000 page views on newly developed NLC and NHSL Cost of Living Web pages • 2,521 Benefit Calculations carried out by residents on our newly developed online benefits calculator • 87 personal budget plans completed on our Budget planner tool • Co-production of the North Lanarkshire “Money Worries” leaflet with independent Food Aid Network and distribution of 27, 000 leaflets • Money Worries Training delivered to 46 attendees from North Lanarkshire’s identified “Warm Spaces” Page 116 of 236
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Advising and Assisting We will continue to provide Advice, Support and Representation to those experiencing Problems with Debt. The Cost of Living Crisis has saw an increase in the numbers of people seeking advice across both local authority and Citizens Advice Network. Health staff including NHSL Link Workers based within GP surgeries provide a crucial role in referring those experiencing Physical and Mental Health impacts caused or worsened by Debt Worries and referred 181 people over the last year (an increase of 64 on the previous year when the GP link worker scheme started) A total of 6,725 referrals for debt advice were received over the lifetime of the Strategy by both NLC and CAB Debt Advisers. Number of Referrals Received Apr 20 – Mar 21 1937 Apr 21 – Mar 22 2199 April 22 – Mar 23 2589 Amount of Debt Dealt With Apr 20 – Mar 21 £10,267,242 Apr 21 – Mar 22 £10,023,578 April 22 – Mar 23 £11,875,983 Amount of Debt Written Off Apr 20 – Mar 21 £2,032,758 Apr 21 – Mar 22 £1,292,445 April 22 – Mar 23 £1,741,159 Providing free Period Products In 2022/23, 399,140 products were delivered in North Lanarkshire; 78,396 of these were in schools. We will work to expand and improve provision of Period Products to ensure that everyone who needs them can access them freely. We will continue to grow our network of 101 local access points within North Lanarkshire through council buildings local community groups with the aim of products being readily available within a 20 min journey. To help us achieve this we have partnered with Community Groups including those who provide emergency food provision. In 8 local areas e-bikes are used to deliver product to the doorstep for women who would not otherwise be able to access them and for those using food banks, products are made available there. We have also supplied dispensers and period products to Accident and Emergency Departments in Both University Hospital Wishaw and University Hospital Monklands and provide products to Health Centres across North Lanarkshire. We recognise that stigma remains a barrier to access, particularly amongst younger women and girls and to address this education is key. A peer support programme is planned and will see senior pupils and community Page 117 of 236
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group members develop and deliver an education programme to their peers promoting dignity, equality and an end to period poverty. Helping people to “Quit Your Way” Research by Ash Scotland showed that 63,000 households in Scotland would no longer experience relative poverty if people were empowered to successfully give up tobacco. 42% of all households in Scotland containing people who smoke are currently living in relative poverty, a figure which could be reduced by around 10% if tobacco was not a factor. Reducing smoking prevalence in Scotland by just one percent could lift more than 3,700 households out of relative poverty. Promoting Free Travel for under 22s Since its launch in January 2022, the scheme has been promoted widely and continually through schools, within the community, on NLC and NHSL websites, by social media (Corporate and youthwork, CLD channels), A training module has been developed by ASH Scotland and NHSL Tobacco Control Team which will be used by ASH Scotland to facilitate training on smoking and poverty. The NHSL Tobacco Control team have already offered this training locally to advisors within the Tackling Poverty Team, so that Welfare Rights Staff and Debt Advisers can promote the “Quit your way” programme and signpost people to the service. “I’ve been putting this cash by in a tin that I would spend on cigarettes. My Grandson wanted a football strip which I thought was too much money to buy him, but after 10 days of quitting smoking I was able to buy it for him. I’m also keeping the money I’m saving for Christmas and other bills. That was just a part of it though, my health was the main reason and I now have more energy and my house doesn’t smell of smoke anymore.” (Quit Your Way – successful participant) Page 118 of 236
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and by colleagues working with children, young people, and families. Parents and Carers have received text messages direct to parents and Community Learning & Development Staff continue to engage with applicants. Efforts have been made to encourage applications from disadvantaged groups such as care experienced young people, refugees, families living in poverty, social work service users, and young job seekers, students and those working with partner agencies. Uptake varies widely amongst different age groups with. At either end of the age spectrum 5 year olds and 21 year olds have taken up fewest travel cards but 80-90% of 10-12yrs have obtained a travel card. Reducing Fuel Poverty Fuel Poverty rates are estimated to be at 39% in North Lanarkshire with Social Housing Tenants faring even worse with rates as high as 61%. Whilst some financial help is still available from UK and Scottish government, this will only partially address the problem and only some will be eligible for help. North Lanarkshire Energy Advice Service was commissioned in early 2023 to provide mentoring, support and advocacy to our most vulnerable households to ensure no one has to struggle between choosing to heat or to eat. Energy Mentors will empower and equip households with the skills and knowledge to reduce energy and achieve sustainable outcomes. Citizens Advice Network in North Lanarkshire Delivered Energy Advice via a number of initiatives from 2020- 2023. Motherwell & Wishaw CAB partnered with Airdrie CAB to provide a single point of contact for vulnerable energy consumers across North Lanarkshire experiencing negative energy usage and debt situations. Tenants and homeowners accessed multi-channel support for energy issues and nearly 7,000 people were assisted in the last three years and assisted in writing off over £500,000 of energy debt. Home Energy Scotland are Key partners for agencies in North Lanarkshire both to refer to for expert Energy Advice and practical measures to combat fuel poverty. Over the year 1st April 2022- 31st March 2023. Page 119 of 236
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• Home Energy Scotland engaged with 6,427 households in North Lanarkshire • 998 of those households had at least one child under 16 • 1,000 of those households were 65years or over • 1,473 of those households had a disability • 450 Households in Fuel Crisis were referred to National Fuelbank and assisted with emergency vouchers • 1,168 referrals were received from partner agencies through Home Energy Scotland’s online portal Provide Affordable Homes for our Residents The council are committed to delivering 5000 affordable new homes by 2035, reducing the cost of living by increasing the supply of affordable, energy efficient homes, to date 1566 have been built. Food Poverty – The Pledge North Lanarkshire Food Poverty Referral Gateway was introduced in 2015, leading the way in Cash First approaches to tackling food poverty and insecurity in our communities. An approach now adopted by the Scottish Government. To affirm the approach an event was held in 2022 asking emergency food providers to sign up to “The Pledge” where we will ensure that no one is left without food, and they will have access to income maximisation and budgeting services. As we move through 2023, the Food Poverty Action Group are working to cement this approach, Trussel Trust and the Citizens Advice Bureau have attracted funding to augment the Gateway. Page 120 of 236
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Maximise Income Via Social Security Benefits There have been considerable achievements in the 2020-23, Tackling Poverty Strategy under Income from Social Security, the most notable being generating additional income of nearly £100 million for our residents within the three years of this strategy. Covid impacted on service delivery and some of the actions detailed within the Plan, this was due to the way services had to be delivered, therefore for example the training programme for Health Staff was delayed with many health staff being redirected to other services to ensure the health service was able to meet the demands put upon them. This action will feature in the 2023-26 Action Plan together with some new initiatives that are now taking place in health settings. This includes the investment for the Cost of Living Helpline, demonstrating the recognition of the links between poverty and health inequalities. Therefore, a major foundation of our work to tackle poverty in North Lanarkshire remains a strong commitment to income maximisation. Since 2011, the Tackling Poverty Team, Social Work Service and Housing Solutions have carried out 263,000 benefit checks, generating £383 million in additional benefit income for the most vulnerable residents of North Lanarkshire. Rising living costs and historically low benefit levels mean that many families on low and middle incomes now struggle to meet their basic outgoings. New research from Policy in Practice – Missing Out April 2023, finds that £18.7 billion of benefits intended to help these families remains unclaimed. Therefore, maximising household income through the take up of benefits is essential to support families and reduce harm from homelessness, debt or other crises. A Cumbernauld resident contacted the Tackling Poverty Team advising that he had tried multiple times to claim his state pension without success. The Tackling Poverty Team supported him to get his pension into payment and backdated to the day he reached pension age. They identified that he also had an entitlement to Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction. The man received a backdated pension payment of £6000, together with pension credit of £73 per week together with full council tax reduction. An annual increase of £3796 additional income for the man. The man stated, “he couldn’t be happier he was getting nowhere himself.” Page 121 of 236
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Policy in Practice – Missing Out Report – Unclaimed Benefits April 2023 From these findings it is important that our Action Plan for Tackling Poverty ensures the “no wrong door” approach is embedded into our practice across all internal services together with our partners in NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector. How will we do this? The Tackling Poverty Team has produced Poverty Awareness Sessions, which can be tailored not just to the Services we are delivering to, such as social work, health, education, addiction etc, but can also be drilled down to impacts in each Community Board area. In doing this we can look at referral gateways and solutions that are bespoke to each service and locality, therefore supporting referrals to income maximisation services. The Poverty Awareness Sessions have now been delivered to over 200 staff, practitioners and community members, the programme will continue and be adapted to ensure relevance for each organisation delivered to. The feedback has been really positive; “informative session and great examples shared today” “I learned lots from the session that I didn’t know” “Seeing the information for my locality was hard hitting, but we were then told about the referral routes for us……I feel more confident to approach the issue of money now” The Tackling Poverty Awareness sessions are designed to ensure that the ethos within the Programme of Work where we muster our resources and recognise that poverty is not something that we can look at on its own is reflected in this. Poverty impacts all areas of life, the Joseph Rowntree definition the Strategy has adopted reflects this; “Poverty means not being able to heat your home, pay your rent or buy the essentials for your children. It means waking up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty and impossible decisions about money. It means facing marginalisation, and even discrimination, because of your financial circumstances. The constant stress it causes can lead to problems that deprive people of the chance to play a full part in society.” In recognising this, it is important to acknowledge that in working to achieve our goal to reduce and tackle poverty in North Lanarkshire this is not something that one service can do on its own. Referral pathways ensure that services have access to specialised advisors, investing in internal and external services ensure that people have access to those advisors. Page 122 of 236
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NHS Lanarkshire The Health Foundation in 2020 stated that Income is associated with health; people in the bottom 40% of the income distribution are almost twice as likely to report poor health than those in the top 20%. Poverty in particular is associated with worse health outcomes. Income and health can both affect each other – lower income is associated with more “stressors” which can harm health and allow fewer opportunities for good health. Poor health can limit the opportunity for good and stable employment and so affect income. NHS Lanarkshire has made significant investment in tackling poverty measures in North Lanarkshire including within income maximisation services. Recent investments include the funding of a Cost of Living Helpline hosted by the Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team giving people access to both income maximisation and money advice services. Referral pathways have been established to make it easy for health staff to refer patients into the team to get the supports they need; “As a Health Visitor it is reassuring to know that the Tackling Poverty Team have the knowledge and skills to assist the families we work with both by providing advice and practical support. “As a Health Visitor it is very easy to make a referral to ensure our families receive the best support in maximising their incomes.” NHS Lanarkshire have established “GP Link Workers” with a referral route to their partners in both the councils’ Tackling Poverty Team and the Citizens Advice Bureaux. The Link Workers are available in various GP surgeries across North Lanarkshire, over the last two years the link workers have referred 860 people for help with welfare rights and 252 people for help with money/debt advice. The total income generated to date from these referrals is £330,260. The Improvement Service have also funded a project within North Lanarkshire; Welfare Advice and Health Partnership, where we are improving access to money and welfare rights advice in health care settings. This is achieved by embedding advice workers in health settings and providing consensual access to medical recorBased in three surgeries across North Lanarkshire this project has proven to be extremely successful, with 357 referrals received in one year generating £715,865. The feedback received from the medical practices has been nothing but positive for this service; “The welfare rights officer joined the practice once a week to help with our patients and has been a great help to the patients not only from a financial point of view but also from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, some people are in a situation where they don’t know what to do or who to turn too, the welfare rights officer goes over and above to help sort out their affairs or tries to make sure they are getting what is right, in turn patients seem relieved and feel light is at the end of the tunnel which often lifts the anxiety they have been living with” Waverley Medical Practice, Coatbridge “The welfare rights officer has been an amazing addition to our practice MDT. She is very hard working, approachable and a great team member. The project has been helping our patients greatly and easing their financial pressures, which has a very positive impact on their mental and physical health. This is more important than ever whilst in the midst of a cost of living crisis. Page 123 of 236
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The project has been welcomed fully at Old Mill, patients are engaging well and getting the help they need due to their poor health and mobility. I would honestly say this project has been the most helpful and useful addition we have ever had, and patient feedback has been excellent.” Dr Aimee McGinness – Old Mill Practice, Bellshill The Third Sector The Tackling Poverty Team are responsible for the commissioning of external advice services to provide welfare rights and debt advice. The successful candidates for 2023-25 have been 5 local Citizens Advice Bureaux. The Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABx) are committed to working with the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group in implementing the Strategy and Action Plan. The CABx have contributed to maximising income across the local authority generating £22.6 million in additional income for residents during the three year period (2020-23) of the last Tackling Poverty Strategy. The CABx are also committed to tackling food poverty by implementing the councils’ Food Poverty Referral Gateway which promotes the Cash First approach. Trussel Trust are working in conjunction with the local CABx over the next 2 years focussing on enhancing access and engagement with the North Lanarkshire Food Poverty Referral Gateway. Augmenting the existing Gateway as the preferred route for cash first support and ensuring a dignified and holistic approach to tackling food poverty and insecurity. Case Study from Waverley Practice – Welfare Advice and Health Partnership The GP made a referral to the Welfare Advice and Health Partnership for a man who had completed an application for Personal Independence Payment which was refused. After lodging an appeal, the man was seeking representation, the Welfare Rights Officer asked the man to sign a mandate authorising North Lanarkshire to act on his behalf. The Welfare Rights Officer was able to access the man’s medical records from the NHS system and enclosed the evidence with the mandate. On receipt of this evidence the decision was overturned within a week, with an award of both Enhanced Rate Mobility and Daily Living. As with all cases the man was given a benefit check and the Welfare Rights Officer identified that he was missing the Scottish Child Payment for his two children, aged 12 and 13. The man was unaware that this could be claimed. As a result of the referral from the GP the man’s income has now been increased by £206.90 per week (£10,758.80 per annum) Page 124 of 236
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The pilot will be delivered in communities with Motherwell, Wishaw and Airdrie in local community hubs working alongside community organisations in both one to one and group settings, providing advice, support and training. The case studies and the testimony from the GP practices highlight the relationship between poor health and poverty, and the need for the important joint work with NHS Lanarkshire to continue across our communities. HOLISITIC SUPPORTS In North Lanarkshire we recognise that to deliver sustained reductions in child poverty over the long term, and to break that cycle of poverty, ensuring that our children living in poverty do not grow up to be adults living in poverty, we will work with our partners to provide the integrated and holistic support parents need to enter employment, improve their wider wellbeing and engage with the drivers of poverty. In North Lanarkshire we are committed to delivering a “No Wrong Door” approach to our services to ensure that all residents, including those in poverty and those at risk of falling into poverty receive the right support at the right time. Ensuring all families have the support they need, regardless of what those supports may be, is essential if we are to enable families to thrive in all aspects of their wellbeing. Whole Family Support The aim of the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund is to provide additional resource to support the transformation of the system of support to children and families in line with the National Principles of Holistic Family Support and ambition of The Promise to provide flexible family support, enabling more children to remain loved and supported within their own families. The Promise places a requirement on Local Authorities and their partners to transform whole systems and culture to ensure all children, in any aspect of care, thrive through nurturing and loving relationships with access to support that strengthens communities and families. The Promise places prevention and family support at the heart of its vision. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU – COATBRIDGE A 41 year old man with 4 children presented to Coatbridge Citizens Advice Bureau, he himself had health issues. He contacted the Citizens Advice Bureau explaining he had a £12,000 benefit overpayment which had resulted as a clerical error by the DWP five years previous. The man himself had tried to dispute this himself with DWP but was getting nowhere, he asked the CAB to help him. The case worker took the man’s case to appeal and was successful in their argument meaning that the overpayment was written off. The man stated, “if it wasn’t for the CAB service especially the welfare rights team, my mental health would have been so poor that I would have gone down a dark path”. Page 125 of 236
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The Promise Plan 2021-24 published on 31st March 2021 sets out 5 key priorities for the first phase of implementing The Promise including a focus on ‘Whole Family Support’ with an expectation that the 10 key principles of family support outlined within the Promise are embedded into practice by 2024 and that there is a place in every community for families with children ‘to stay and play with their children and get support and advice’. This aligns closely with the Tackling Poverty strategy and the aspirations of the Plan for North Lanarkshire; and in particular plans to develop community hubs as a central vehicle to deliver support, enhance community capacity and support every child to reach their potential. Research has shown there is a relationship between poverty and longer-term negative outcomes for children (Lewer et al, 2019) and that while the relationship between poverty and child abuse and neglect is complex, studies have also shown that financial support and increased income lead to lower levels of child maltreatment (Bywaters et al, 2016). North Lanarkshire Council, as part of the Covid-19 Tackling poverty plan, adopted a ‘cash first’ approach to supporting the most vulnerable families to address basic needs, which proved effective in promoting improved outcomes. By providing money directly to families North Lanarkshire’s strength based and collaborative approach offered welcomed financial relief. In order to provide holistic family support that truly aligns with the Promise and Tackling Poverty action plan, there is a clear need to join up services so that people can experience a seamless transition into additional and intensive level supports and services. This improves access to existing expertise within our services. These national policy aims align with the Plan for North Lanarkshire and the Council’s new Programme of Work which makes family support central to its operating model through the Resilient People workstream. North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (NLADP) is a multi-agency strategic partnership focused on understanding and mitigating the impact of problematic alcohol and drug use in the local area. The purpose of the ADP is to co-ordinate and lead a collective response to tackle harms and improve the lives of people who use alcohol and drugs, and those around them. The ADP is made up of key agencies and stakeholders with an interest in tackling harms and improving lives. This includes the wider community and those who have lived experience and families. Much of the work carried out by the ADP involves bringing people together to plan and improve services whilst setting out what needs to be put in place to support change and keep people safe and well. The strong links between drug and alcohol related harms and poverty, inequality and trauma are widely acknowledged. Deprivation has been linked as a significant factor in drug and alcohol problems developing. The ADP are tasked by Scottish Government to ensure the implementation of national policy and evidence- based practice. Improving Choice, Quality and Connections are key drivers underpinning the work of the ADP. The ADP have 5 key priority areas of focus for our work which includes; Prevention, Education and Early intervention, Whole Family Approach, Treatment and Care, Public Health Approach to Justice and Reducing Alcohol Harms. Each of the sub-groups are tasked with understanding and mitigating harms from substances, and poverty, and have a linked programme of work to support change and keep people safe and well across our communities. Page 126 of 236
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Justice Services Whilst The Tackling Poverty Team and other services will support Services by providing income maximisation, debt and money advice, employment advice, services themselves such as the Restorative Justice Service also contribute to tackling poverty and inequality through a number of initiatives, such as; ❖ Individuals who are subject to Unpaid Work can undertake work with the Bike Recycling Project. During the last reporting year over 650 bicycles were retrieved from recycling centres in North Lanarkshire. Some were scrapped for parts, however, over 320 bicycles have been reconstructed. These recycled and repaired bikes are donated to the Councils’ Christmas Toy appeal as well as being donated low income families. ❖ Bikes are also donated to local schools to ensure that all pupils can take part in Cycle Safety Awareness Courses and the healthy living programme. ❖ A craft workshop has been developed to repair clothing and soft furnishings for low income families. ❖ A kitchen workshop has been developed to deliver a programme consisting of food hygiene, nutrition, budgeting and basic meal preparation. The workshop performs a platform to undertake placements in foodbanks and community cafes such as Shotts Healthy Living Centre and Newmains Community Trust. ❖ A laundry workshop has been created that provides a service to charity shops collecting clothing for laundering and returning to the shops for sale. In an effort to reduce poverty, a laundry service is provided to Craigneuk Family Centre and two charitable groups; “Cool School Uniforms” and “Airdrie School Clothing Bank”, this involves the collection, laundering and distribution of recycled school uniforms to low-income families. These indirect supports contribute to supporting the Tackling Poverty Strategy and our communities across North Lanarkshire. Community Connectors North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Community Solutions programme will support the piloting of 10 Community Connectors from autumn 2023 – autumn 2025 who will support people in local communities to access the help they need which will include referral to sources of financial support. The connectors will be based in locations across North Lanarkshire working closely with Community Solutions Locality Hosts, the wider community and voluntary sector, the council and NHS. The pilot is funded through a mix of funding from North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire/NHS Charities Together and MacMillan. Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire is managing the funding awards on behalf of funders and will be supporting evaluation and reporting on the pilot. Page 127 of 236
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Financial Education in North Lanarkshire Financial Education helps people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to manage money well and make informed decisions. North Lanarkshire has the goal to ensure that financial education is available to everyone in our community regardless of age. The ambitious aim is to produce and deliver financial education packages that will be suitable for children in early years and primary school, our young people in secondary school and to adults of all ages in the community. Working together with education the Tackling Poverty Team will create packages suitable to early year, primary and secondary pupils together with packages specifically for Additional Support Needs pupils. The packages will be jointly delivered to ensure that our children and young people are given the grounding needed to make informed decisions around spending and saving. Adults in the community will be able to access financial education through the Multiply Project. 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. Financial Education is a key holistic support for our communities to make informed decisions about their money and to know what supports are available, how to access them and the importance of early intervention if it is necessary. “Education on managing money and spending/cooking on a budget” “Teach folk the value of money and how to make it stretch” Page 128 of 236
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How Will We Know We Are Making a Difference? We have to know that the measures we are taking are making a difference in our communities – how will we know this? ❖ An improvement in the health and wellbeing of our residents ❖ Fewer households living in poverty ❖ Reduction in child poverty ❖ Fewer people unemployed and in receipt of out of work benefits ❖ Reduction in the number of people economically inactive ❖ An increase in the number of people paid at least the real living wage ❖ An increase in the number of affordable homes ❖ Fewer young people who are not in education, employment or training ❖ Improved education attainment ❖ Fewer people with no qualifications or skills training ❖ Fewer households in fuel poverty ❖ Maximise income through social security benefits ❖ Maximise income via new Scottish social security benefits for children ❖ More people with numeracy skills enabling them to manage their money ❖ Reduce number of people in debt ❖ Increase number of people who have access to affordable credit ❖ Effective heat maps to inform residents of access to services ❖ Increase community consultation Page 129 of 236
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Appendix One - North Lanarkshire Profile Page 130 of 236
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Appendix Two – Cost of Living Survey Page 132 of 236
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University of Bristol’s Personal Finance Research Centre’s “Fair by Design” Campaign to end the poverty premium found that people almost 23% of households in North Lanarkshire are paying an average of £480 per year due to the poverty premium. Motherwell and Wishaw Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill Airdrie and Shotts Total cost of poverty premium £ 5,034,499 £ 3,743,300 £ 4,518,868 £ 4,439,222 *Number of households experiencing any premium 18, 623 (24.4%) 13,856 (21.6%) 16,768 (22.7%) 16,337 (23.2%) Prepayment meter premium £456,205 £ 345,872 £ 405,035 £ 387,902 Non-standard billing premium £734,721 £ 624,117 £ 695,143 £ 671,100 Non-switching premium £ 1,677,203 £ 1,283,483 £ 1,507,324 £ 1,402,565 Area-based insurance premium £ 1,046,669 £ 610,781 £ 886,538 £ 1,010,319 Single item insurance premiums £ 454,145 £ 400,708 £ 439,489 £ 392,368 Access to money premium £ 62,966 £ 48,465 £ 55,108 £ 51,707 Higher-cost credit premium £ 602,590 £ 429,874 £ 530,231 £ 523,262 Average cost to households in poverty £ 483 £ 453 £ 480 £ 507 *National Records of Scotland: UK Parliamentary Constituency (UKPC) Household and Dwelling Estimates (2011 Data Zone Bas Appendix Three - North Lanarkshire Poverty Premium Page 140 of 236
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Power BI Desktop Page 141 of 236
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Power BI Desktop Page 142 of 236
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information North Lanarkshire to increase the number of people employed and receiving the real living wage Payment of the living wage 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 accreditation Brighter Futures 123 employers have achieved accreditation, with 7053 employees benefiting from the living wage 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 Social Values North Lanarkshire will look to integrated social values and the objectives into the tendering process that will allow the weighting for fair work to be flexible to ensure that social values and community benefits are embedded in the contract . An increase in NL residents receiving the “real living wage”. transforming places 5% current weighting applied Ongoing on TP Strategy and LCPAR Procurement Number of tenders where higher weighting was applied to living wage providers Parental Employment Support Fund 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 22/23 - 40 parents have secured employment. Further 18 employed parents have progressed within employment. 104 parents have registered and are engaging with the Project. subject to annual funding from the SG - further activity planned for 2023/24 2023 / 24, however, subject to funding may continue beyond this TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Routes to Work Number of parents entering and within target groups progressing in employment 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 young people (in schools) and those economically active in the labour market (through Routes to Work) to consider increasing their qualification levels and job prospects to improve average weekly wage levels and alleviate “in work” poverty. 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 Average weekly wage in North Lanarkshire £548.90 Ongoing The gross weekly pay for local residents is now higher than the national average for the first time ever - an increase of 10% (£63.90 per week) for North Lanarkshire residents from the previous years results TP Strategy and LCPAR 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 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 22/23 - Supported Employment currently supporting 210 people on the different stages of the 5 stage employment model - 129 people currently receiving various levels of work support 41 people currently job finding 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 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 Rise in employment figures in targeted groups * Workforce for the Future * Economic Regeneration Plan Brighter Futures 22/23 - Engaged with 101 people and supported 49 into employment. The focus is on 2 groups, the over 50s and those of any age who are long term unemployed. TP Strategy and LCPAR No One Left Behind Phase 2 implement grant programme in 2022/23 to distribute £1.6 million to employment projects across North Lanarkshire which target support on groups who may be in poverty due to unemployment Brighter Futures TP Strategy and LCPAR North Lanarkshire Youth Guarantee Scheme Deliver a range of employment focused activities eligble for funding under the Scottish Youth Guarantee guidelines to support 868 young people aged 16 - 24 into employment, training or education * Workforce for the Future * Economic Regeneration Plan * Developing the Young Workforce Brighter Futures 22/23 - 200 unemployed 16-24 year olds supported into employment from a range of target groups including those with additional support needs, care experienced and those with barriers to entering employment. Subject to annual funding from the SG but further activity planned for 23/24. TP Strategy and LCPAR Employability Number of people from target groups in employment Living Hours Adequate income is reliant on both living wage rate and also sufficient working hours to provide a liveable income. Living hours are 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 accreditation. Brighter Futures tbc ongoing ongong TP Strategy and LCPAR NLC Employability VANL for CVS number of employers providing living hours employment. Number of employees working living hours Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2023 - 2026 INCREASE INCOME VIA EMPLOYENT Page 144 of 236
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information Increase uptake of School Clothing Grants Introduce online application form for FSM & CG Continue to automatically award where we have customer consent Use automation to process our auto award caseload The number of School Clothing Awards are increased from Await publication of National Guidance on School Uniforms, following consultation exercise 12,784 Clothing Grants awarded from June 2022 - May 2023 For School Pupils. An additional 937 Grants for made for nursery pupils Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The number of clothing grants claimed and distributed Increase uptake of Free School Meal Awards Introduce online application form for FSM & CG Continue to automatically award where we have customer consent Use automation to process our auto award caseload 12,151 FSM awards in 2020, 11,176 awards in 2021, 10,683 awards in 2022 TP Strategy and LCPAR Club 365 Promote Activities and meal provision through Club 365 Initiative Numbers of Children attending and meals provided. £2.50 per day paid during school holidays to those in receipt of FSM Club 365 has provided over 88, 000 meals and activity sessions since inception TP Strategy and LCPAR Increase uptake of education maintenance allowance (EMA) Ensure full take of Education Maintenance Allowance. Promotion of EMA through Education Newsletter to schools and locally within schools to raise pupil awareness. Review publicity - posters leaflets etc not distributed recently Discussion within EMA and SMT meetings on improving up-take. Young People can access EMA in 22/23 1327 applications. 876 awards. 66% award rate (down from 73% award rate in 21/22) Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The number of EMA grants claimed Increase take up of Free School Meals In situ Trial new methods of engagement with parents and carers, e,g attend parent council meetings and inviting parents for a school meal and information session •New management information system to give insights into trends, most popular choices, which ages take up free meals •Work with other local authorities developing menus, to improve sustainability and better safety and choice for those with special diets (>>ASIST and APSI) •Work with schools around different “sittings”, and overflow areas. •Capital investment to return more schools to Production kitchens •Continued roll out of electronic menu notifications to parents and carers •Consultation with secondary school pupils via a QR code (promoted via a ‘Tell us what you think’ poster displayed around schools allowing pupils to scan / access via mobiles) •Primary school parents online survey (targeted via menu email / Percentage of Children taking up free school meals when they have entitlement is increased Currently (May 2023) at 65-70% TP Strategy and LCPAR Fuel Poverty Provision of a short term funded Energy Advice Service to comprehensively alleviate the levels of fuel poverty evperienced by vulnerable households Number of households assisted Local Housing Strategy Unknown as SHCS data unavailable for Local Authorities however, zero has been used as the starting point for the introduction of this service 2 years launched and ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR will be monitored via NLAN and Wise Group reporting 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 to increase credit union membership and reduce payday lending in North Lanarkshire Establish credit union forum in North Lanarkshire Resilient People 5 credit unions affiliated to the Scottish League of Credit Unions have 9,642 adult members and 1,462 junior members. Unable to get contacts for ABCUL credit unions at present. 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 Debt Advice 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 Resilient People 1744 referrals received in 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to the Debt Advice Team Level of debt assisted New Affordable Homes Deliver 5000 new affordable homes by 2035 reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficient, affordable homes Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. At 1 December 2022, 1,566 homes delivered (970 new build + 596 OMPS) 2035 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing New Supply Number of new homes built New Affordable Homes Support housing association and co- operative partners to deliver new homes reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficient, affordable homes Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. 2126 homes have been delivered ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing New Supply REDUCE THE COST OF LIVING Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2023 - 2026 Page 145 of 236
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Improved Energy Efficiency Ensure all housing stock is EPC D or above by 2025 by improving energy efficiency all housing stock is EPC D or above by 2025 Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. At 2021/22, 99.2% of the homes are at D or above Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Investment all housing stock is EPC D or above by 2025 Improve Energy Efficiency to owner occupied properties Utilise ECO4 funding to improve energy efficiency of owned stock Reduce the cost of living by increasing the energy efficieny of homeowners housing stock Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. At 2021/22, £0.1 m spent Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Support homeowners to adapt, repair and maintain their homes deliver advice and assistance (including financial assistance) to homeownder through the Scheme of Assistance reduce the cost of living by preventing and addressing disrepair and improving health and wellbeing by suporting owners to adapt their homes 187 disabled adaptations grant provided in 2022 - the scheme has been revised with no funding available for owner grants GREY TP Strategy Only Private Sector Housing reduce the cost of living by preventing and addressing disrepair and improving health and wellbeing by suporting owners to adapt their homes. *Revision of scheme of assistance completed. Other than mandatory (Disabled Adaptation Grants) no funding available for owner grants for disrepair. Current grant funding for NLC capital programmes is scheduled to end this year and no new financial assistance has been identified. Owners will continue to be provided with advice/ assistance when possible but no financial assistance Furniture Fund Provides items beyond SWF- Community Care Grant items in place for Housing First clients and people people who are homeless/at risk of homelessness Reduce the cost of living by providing financial support for better quality furniture to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to settle in their accommodation. Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan. Local Child Poverty Action Report. In 2021/22, 23 Housing First households assisted at an average figure of £861.39 per household from RRTP. Ongoing and extended in 2022 GREEN TP Strategy Only Housing Solutions Reduce the cost of living by providing financial support for better quality furniture to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to settle in their accommodation Support homeowners to adapt, repair and maintain their homes Deliver capital investment programmes HEEPS ABS and other initiatives. Provide advice to households on energy efficiency measures supoprted by online information and in person advice provided by council and CVS. reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficieny of housing stock across all tenures 99.2% of the homes are at D or above TP Strategy and LCPAR Free Transport for Under 22's Promote and Maximise uptake of Free Bus Travel for 5-21 year olds No of travel cards issued and in use Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. TP Strategy and LCPAR CLD Improved and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling network. Creating or enhancing active travel routes will improve the ability of all people to walk, wheel or cycle for any journey purpose within North Lanarkshire Equity of access for all our communities with mid term target of 50km to be created by 2026/27 7.8 kms of active travel routes created in 2021/22 125kms to be created by 2032 Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Transportation / Planning The Multiply Project (financial education) 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. Sustainable Travel Resilient People not applicable Project finishes March 2025 launched and ongoing TP Strategy Only The Tackling Poverty Team number of courses delivered / number of attendees Address Period Poverty Provide women with access to sanitary 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 LanarkshireNo of products distributed 311, 767 products to NLC establishments (excluding education and culture venues >> AC to Clarify and get timescale) 87396 to education TP Strategy and LCPAR 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. Yearly target 23/24 for 52 pregnant women who live in 40% most deprived areas to successfully stop smoking at 12 weeks (to be reviewed in 2024 after national tobacco control action plan is published). Awareness raising training sessions to be completed with Tackling Poverty staff. 24 pregnant women living in the 40% most deprived areas successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks (April 2022-Dec 2022 data). Published and confirmed data for April 2022 – March 2023 will be available in January 2024. NL % of pregnant women smoking at booking in appt 12.6% year ending Dec 2022 (scotland rate 11.9%) TP Strategy and LCPAR NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way Service Number of Tackling Poverty staff members trained. Number ofpregnant women supported to stop smoking. Recycled Bicycle Initiatives Individuals subject to unpaid work work within the bicycle recycling project Bicycles provided to low income families and donated to the Christmas Toy Appeals Justice Partnership Resilient People 320 biscyles reconstructed ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Restorative Justice Number of bikes restored Page 146 of 236
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information 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 Resilient People 18,521 benefit checks carried out in 2022/23 - £35,480,020 generated in addtiional income Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 Resilient People 4888 benefit checks carried out in 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 700 referrals in 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Food Poverty Referral Gateway Mitigate the need for foodbank use by ensuring access to advice services and claims to crisis grants A decrease in the use of foodbanks Resilient People not available Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to foodbanks Number of Crisis Grant applications Food Poverty Action Group Group to consider uniform recording across all emergency food providers Uniform recording adopted by all emergency food providers Resilient People n/a 2023 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of foodbanks recording Welfare Reform Group The welfare reform group to ensure serviceds, elevted members etc are kept fully abreast of welfare reform changes and their impact on our communities updates are provided and action taken when necessary Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR North Lanarkshire Advice Network Issues raised / campaigns Health Staff refer to income maximisation and debt advice services Health Staff will ensure money issues are addressed and referrals are made to the tackling poverty team patients will be directed to the tackling poverty team to ensure income is fully maximised NHS Cost of Living Resilient People 394 referrals 22/23 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 Resilient People 357 referrals 22/23 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Relaunch Health Visitor & District Nurse Referral Pathway Poverty Awareness Training and pathway training to take place health visitor and district nurses make referrals to the tackling poverty team NHS Cost of Living Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of referrals to the tackling poverty team GP Community Link Worker Programme community link worker embedded within GP practices across North Lanarkshire making referrals to information and advice services embed link workers and increase support to patients Resilient People 482 welfare rights referrals (22/23) 146 debt advice referrrals (22/23) Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 Resilient People £5,267,650 income generated for north lanarkshrie residents 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Rent Assistance Fund 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) Fund directed to people in need Resilient People 522 tenants awarded in 22/23 Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Number of people Assisted Universal Credit Assistance Fund 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. Resilient People n/a ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Housing Services number of loans provided / loan repayments Uptake of Scottish Child Payment Work with the Registrar Offices throughout North Lanarkshire to promote the Scottish Child Payment when registering the birth Uptake of Scottish Child Payment increases Resilient People 77% national uptake Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Uptake of Bereavement Benefits Work with the Registrar Offices throughout North Lanarkshire to promote Bereavement Benefits when registering a persons' death Accessing all bereavement benefits to help alleviate funeral poverty Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Community Solutions Community Connectors 10 Community Connectors working across North Lanarkshire to refer residents to sources of income support as part of a wider support package Number of referrals Community Solutions Strateegy and Investment Plan 2022-25 and HSCNL Commissioning Strategy 2023-26 Autumn 2023 for two year pilot TP Strategy and LCPAR Number of people referred Universal Credit Campaign Awareness raising campaign re changes to Universal Credit widening entitlement to benefit Increase in universal credit claimants Resilient People 7420 people claiming in work benefits (Dec 2022) Ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of people claiming in work Universal Credit Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2023 - 2026 INCREASE INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY Page 147 of 236
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information Sustain Tenancies Deliver increased financial advice and assistance via 8 income maximisers increase incomes from social security, reducing rent arrears and sustaining tenancies in social rented homes TP Strategy and LCPAR 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 2023 - 26 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Children and Families inter service referrals Arrest / Referral Service The North Lanarkshire Arrest Referral Service is focussed on early intervention by providing support to people whilst held in police custody and connecting them to services within the community to address individual needs. Number of referrals to the tackling poverty team Community Justice Improvement Plan Resilient People n/a 2025 ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The service is delivered by Scottish Drugs Forum and Phoenix Futures and funded by North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership for a period of 18 months as a Test of Change. number of referrals / income generated / debt advice provided / financial education Poverty Awareness Sessions Bespoke poverty awareness sessions for council, nhs and third sector partners Number of people attending the sessions and ultimately the number of referrals this leads to Resilient People n/a onggoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions delivered / number of people attending / referrals following the training Community Benefits To increase the number of tackling poverty interventions / fair work interventions within community benefits improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of our communities transforming places Recent figures show the loal economy continues to grow, reflecting a positive position in North Lanarkshire compared to a negative growth position locally, however, moving forward we must see more tackling poverty related interventions within community benefits ongoing ongoing TP Strategy Only Enterprise and Communities Number of Tackling Poverty Interventions 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 ongoing ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR VANL Learning and impact reports Financial Education Following the "three questions" delivery of financial education to our young people Young people asked for financial education - the programme will ensure that we meet the needs and requests of our young people Resilient People n/a in development in development TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions completed in schools Number of young people who attend the sessions Revamp of MACA for younger children Following the "three questions" delivery of a revamped MACA session for the primary children the younger children asked for financial educaiton - the programme will ensure that we meet the needs and requests of our children Resilient People n/a in development in development TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions completed in schools Number of young people who attend the sessions Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2023 - 2026 HOLISTIC SUPPORTS Page 148 of 236
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Key TP Strategy Only TP Strategy and LCPAR Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Identify if applies to TPS &/or LCPAR Lead Team Monitoring Information Tackling Poverty Awareness Sessions Bespoke awareness sessions delivered to internal and external services - relevant to care group and locality People aware of the drivers to tackle poverty and how to access appropriate services Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team Number of staff in attendance Staff using the referral gateway The Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group (TPOAG) to deliver the Action Plan The TPOAG will support cross sector deliver the action plan/report on the strategy and will review the action plan every quarter Meet the requirements of internal audit Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR TPOAG "The Three Questions" Communities and children are asked "the three questions" which will help shape our services services act upon the requests of our residents Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions completed in schools Number of sessions completed in the community Cost of Living Survey Cost of Living Survey delivered to the residents of North Lanarkshire - this will help develop and deliver services services and resources directed with the outcomes of the survey Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy Only The Tackling Poverty Team number of surveys completed Cost of Living Survey Further interogation and responding to the community needs from the survey responses services and resources directed with the outcomes of the survey Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy Only The Tackling Poverty Team responses to community needs Community Boards to support the tackling poverty agenda Through tackling poverty awareness sessions and delivery of the councils tackling poverty agenda the community boards will support the Strategy Those representing communities understand their roles and responsibilities in raising awareness of key poverty messages, challenging stigma Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Heat Map identifying services within the locality services and information we hold on our communities to be layered to identify areas to direct resources accordingly Direct resources and become more proactive n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR A Local Information System for Scotland (ALISS) VANL is promoting use of ALISS across NL CVS to share online information on sources of local support for people in poverty /at risk of poverty n/a Spring 2023 - onwards Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR VANL Number of NL groups listed Number of people accessing information Childrens Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIA) CRWIAs aim to ensure reasoned and evidence based policy and decision making into account the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. Policies and strategies being impact assessed Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing TP Strategy and LCPAR Education, Children and Families Number of CRWIA completed Tackling Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2023 - 2026 SUPPORTING THE PLAN Page 149 of 236
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Document control Title Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022 23 Document status (final or draft version) Draft Owner Alison Gordon e-mail address gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Governance group Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group Author John Campbell e-mail address campbelljohn@northlan.gov.uk Revision history Number Originator Date Revision description / record of change 1.0 AGC 30 june 2023 First draft 2.0 AGC 20th July 2023 Additional Sections added 2.1 AGC 24th July 2023 Case study added 2.2 AGC 31st July 2023 Appendix – the three questions quotes Document approvals Number Governance group Date approval granted Date approval to be requested (if document still draft) 1.0 2.0 Consultation record (for most recent update) Status of document consulted upon Stakeholders consulted / date Page 151 of 236
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Foreword Tackling child poverty in our communities remains a priority for North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire and our third sector partners, we have demonstrated this through a number of measures we have taken this year reflected in this Local Child Poverty Action Report. For our families in North Lanarkshire with children living on low incomes who were already struggling, the onset of the cost of living crisis has caused even more desperate financial circumstances and for some families will have deepened their experience of poverty. This Report will highlight the work that has been carried out across our communities by all the partners to ensure that we are tackling poverty, using all the drivers and resources available, including the fourth driver; Holistic Supports, introduced in Best Start, Bright Futures. We are delighted that this report and its action plan has been greatly influenced by our children and young people who have took part in “The Three Questions”, a programme itself, that will continue to be developed throughout our education clusters to ensure that our approach does not stagnate but continually develops to meet the needs of our young population. Hand in Hand with this report is the Councils’ second Tackling Poverty Strategy which embraces the Plan for North Lanarkshire’s Programme of Work, where Whole Family Support is a prevalent theme. The three year strategy will ensure that our shared ambition for North Lanarkshire to be the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit will be realised for all our population. Councillor Jim Logue Martin Hill Councillor Geraldine Woods Leader of the Council Chair, NHS Lanarkshire Convenor Wellbeing & Tackling Poverty Committee Page 152 of 236
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Contents Page Number Title Introduction North Lanarkshire Child Poverty Profile Priority Groups North Lanarkshire Children’s Services Partnership The Drivers of Tackling Poverty Increase Income Via Employment ➢ Prospects for Parents Reducing The Cost of Living ➢ Helping People To “Quit Your Way” ➢ Promoting Free Travel For Under 22s ➢ The Pledge Income Via Social Security Benefits ➢ It Starts With A Benefit Check ➢ How Will We Do This? ➢ NHS Lanarkshire ➢ The Third Sector ➢ Promoting Uptake Of Benefits For Children In Education ➢ The Improvement Service Holistic Supports ➢ Infant Minds Matter ➢ Whole Family Support ➢ North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership ➢ Justice Services Let’s Talk……. ➢ The Three Questions ➢ What’s Next For The Three Questions ➢ Financial Education ➢ Additional Support Needs Schools Achievements and Challenges Appendix One – Cost of Living Survey Quotes Page 153 of 236
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Introduction “Poverty means not being able to heat your home, pay your rent or buy the essentials for your children. It means waking up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty and impossible decisions about money. It means facing marginalisation – and even discrimination – because of your financial circumstances. The constant stress it causes can lead to problems that deprive people of the chance to play a full part in society.” The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 places a duty on Local Authorities and NHS Boards to jointly develop and publish an annual Local Child Poverty Action Report (LCPAR). North Lanarkshire took the approach to embed the local child poverty action report into its overall Tackling Poverty Strategy to help ensure that tackling poverty is an area that is considered in decision making across the Partnership. North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group (TPOAG) has representatives from Council Services, NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector and this is the fifth LCPAR produced by them. This report will identify work that is being carried out across North Lanarkshire using the drivers to tackle poverty and inequality across our communities. This report aligns with the Best Start, Bright Futures; tackling child poverty delivery plan 2022 – 26 and using this approach we have introduced “holistic supports” as the fourth driver to tackle poverty and inequality. In recognising Holistic Supports as a driver, we will ensure that people and families do not exist in siloes and are often not aware of the kinds of support that are available given the multiple channels through which this support can be delivered. The holistic support driver to tackle poverty embeds the “no wrong door” approach to ensure that those in poverty and those at risk of falling into poverty, receive the right support at the right time. Increase Income from Employment Reduce the cost of living Income from Social Security Benefits Holistic Supports Page 154 of 236
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North Lanarkshire Child Poverty Profile Historically, the local authority has experienced higher than average levels of deprivation. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020 identified across North Lanarkshire 50,897 people are income deprived, equating to 15% of the population. The Scottish average is 12%. Around 22,426 of the 50,897 income deprived people mentioned above, live in neighbourhoods, spread across North Lanarkshire, that are not classed within the 20% most deprived. Income deprivation is defined as those of working age (and their dependants) who are on low incomes. North Lanarkshire remains 6th in terms of its share of datazones in the 20% most deprived in Scotland, sitting behind, Inverclyde, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire and Dundee. Ward No of children living in poverty % of children living in poverty Airdrie Central 679 23.4% Airdrie North 772 20.4% Airdrie South 616 16.3% Bellshill 535 20.8% Coatbridge North 541 22.9% Coatbridge South 708 21.2% Coatbridge West 545 20.3% Cumbernauld East 595 20.8% Cumbernauld North 324 10.6% Cumbernauld South 547 19.7% Fortissat 576 20.7% Gartcosh, Glenboig & Moodiesburn 360 11.7% Kilsyth 491 18.4% Mossend and Holytown 493 21.1% Motherwell North 697 19.0% Motherwell South East & Ravenscraig 790 22.5% Motherwell West 497 18.9% Murdostoun 667 17.4% Stepps, Chryston & Muirhead 251 10.6% Thorniewood 464 19.1% Wishaw 549 19.2% Page 155 of 236
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North Lanarkshire has five datazones within the 1% most deprived areas of Scotland. This strategy will ensure resources are directed to these areas as a priority. Priority Groups The Scottish Government identified “priority groups” where evidence indicated that it was children in these groups that were at the highest risk of experiencing child poverty. To help measure the impact and support provided to these priority groups, adjustments were made to North Lanarkshire’s Tackling Poverty Team recording system where all financial assessments/benefit checks are recorded. Within these screens the following groups were added; ❖ Lone Parent Families ❖ Minority Ethnic Families ❖ Families where a member of the household is disabled ❖ Families with a mother under 25 ❖ Families with 3 or more children ❖ Families where the youngest child is under 1 This then allows us to track any work we are doing with the priority groups, for 2022/23 the Team carried out over 22,700 benefit checks, 6207 benefit checks were completed for families within the priority groups; ❖ 2886 for lone parent families ❖ 218 for ethnic minority families ❖ 1774 for families where a member of the household is disabled ❖ 232 for families where the mother is aged under 25 ❖ 742 for families with three or more children ❖ 355 for families where the youngest child is under one Referral routes to the Tackling Poverty Team set up with One Parent Families Scotland, may account for 46% of the referrals from the priority groups coming from lone parent families. Further work has to be done to ensure that services to tackle child poverty are directed to priority family groups within North Lanarkshire. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) is a relative measure of deprivation across 6976 small areas in Scotland known as datazones. SIMD measures on seven domains; income, employment, health, education, housing, crime and access to services. North Lanarkshire with a population of 341,400 (2021 mid year estimate) has 447 datazones, 144 (35%) of those datazones are within 20% of the most deprived communities in Scotland. Page 156 of 236
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North Lanarkshire Children’s Services Partnership In North Lanarkshire we will work collaboratively with children, young people, their families and our partners to ensure they get the best start in life and support families to provide loving care. We will do this by making sure we have the right supports available, at the right time, for as long as needed, and delivered in the right places to ensure equity for all and reducing inequalities throughout. North Lanarkshire Children's Services Partnership is where they key agencies and organisations work together to identify shared priorities and to plan, deliver and improve services and supports for children, young people and their families. Partners include infants, children, young people and families, key public sector agencies, independent sector organisations and the community and voluntary sector. Key to this Partnership, members of the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group (TPOAG) are represented on this group and likewise members of the Children’s Service Partnership are represented on the TPOAG, this ensures that tackling poverty is seen as a measure to lift people out of poverty but is a preventative measure in ensuring we have resilient communities. The Partnership aim to strengthen the ethos of Whole Family Support, working with families in a preventative way and supporting parents and carers to build on their strengths. Tackling poverty will be a central feature of the approach to family support; providing help to maximise income; develop skills for employment and taking a cash first approach where necessary. The principles of family support outlined in The Promise, will underpin the work to improve outcome for our families, children and young people within North Lanarkshire. Staff from all sectors involved in providing support and services to children and young people will be provided bespoke Poverty Awareness sessions which promote discussion about the impact of poverty together with easy referral routes to ensure people have access to professional support to help maximise their income and reduce the cost of living, whilst receiving the holistic supports which builds on the strengths of the family. Page 157 of 236
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The Drivers of Tackling Poverty INCREASE INCOME VIA EMPLOYMENT Driving up income from employment remains one of the mechanisms in North Lanarkshire which offers real opportunities to support unemployed and underemployed residents out of poverty. Employability is integrated within Education & Families and contributes to the Brighter Future Programme of Work within the Plan for North Lanarkshire. It has the aim of transforming how we prepare young people and other residents for the world of work by delivering an interconnected programme of education, volunteering, and entrepreneurship throughout various stages of their life. The aims and objectives of this are to: ❖ Drive the recovery of North Lanarkshire’s labour market to pre-covid levels ❖ Deliver significant jobs growth ❖ Shape innovative employment pathways in key growth industry sectors ❖ Provide inclusive and accessible support to boost entrepreneurship ❖ Embed volunteering programme as a normal part of life ❖ Transform how young people experience learning and teaching The post pandemic labour market that has emerged is characterised by low unemployment levels but increased economic inactivity and within North Lanarkshire the employment rate is still below the pre- pandemic levels. The North Lanarkshire claimant count, which acts as a measure of unemployment, was 14,415 (6.6%) people in March 2021 compared with 8,225 (3.8%) in March 2020, a 75% increase on the pre-pandemic level. However, in May 2023 it had decreased to 7,640 (3.5%) and average earnings in North Lanarkshire are now above the Scottish and UK averages for the first time. This is good news, but real challenges remain due to levels of economic inactivity. The number reported as ‘long term sick’ in North Lanarkshire has increased from 14,900 in the 12 months up to December 2019 to 26,300 in the 12 months up to December 2022. While unemployment is lower than pre- pandemic levels the number of people in the workforce in North Lanarkshire has reduced from 174,000 (78.1%) in December 2019 to 157,100 (70.1%) in December 2022. The forecast for unemployment currently is uncertain as the UK remains within a period of high inflation and with further expected rises in interest rates which will have an impact on business. From an employability perspective this simply reinforces the long-term strategy of continuing to support those further from the labour market in North Lanarkshire to gain the skills needed to get a job and be part of the economic growth of the area. Alongside this we will continue to work with local employers to create opportunities for our unemployed residents, including those who are economically inactive. All employability programmes delivered by or on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council are based on the No One Left Behind Policy which is aimed at inclusive growth, economic transformation and tackling child poverty; and aims to deliver a system that is more tailored and responsive to the needs of people of all ages who want help and support on their journey towards, into and in work - particularly people with health conditions, disabled people and others who are disadvantaged in the labour market. Page 158 of 236
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Case Study Joe was 17 and under the care and supervision of the authority when his support worker referred him into Roots. His only income was £15 per week pocket money. Joe received bespoke 1:1 support from his job coach, who introduced him to a number of work tasters and opportunities. Joe then gained his full time Roots placement in June 2021, working in an area he felt very passionate about (Gym and fitness) earning modern apprenticeship rate of pay. Joe gained independence and confidence and could purchase items for himself and go out for meals with friends. He became a valued member of the team within his workplace and received fantastic feedback. We then worked closely with Joe and his employer to create a paid opportunity within the business. He is now a fully qualified personal trainer working in a full-time position, earning £9.50 per hour for 30 hours per week. In addition, he already has a few of his own clients which increases his wage further. Joe’s support worker says “It’s made a huge difference to his life in every way imaginable. Joe keeps in touch with us and will happily come along and speak to future Roots clients to share his journey with them. He has gained so many skills on the programme including formal qualifications and leaves roots a far more confident young man than when he first walked through the door. Joe says “I feel from everything I have learned I am a lot more confident now, I love helping others and working hard. I have my own flat now and I am doing well. I want to help others feel happier and healthier” Prospects for Parents The aim of Prospects for Parents is to help families in North Lanarkshire become better off, by supporting parents to get into work or by helping those in low paid work to increase their wages. The programme is supported by a Welfare Rights Officer who ensure that any parents entering the programme income is fully maximised prior to entering employment and during employment, the welfare rights officer is also able to offer money/debt advice and refer on if more in depth support is required in this area. The Prospects for Parents programme also provides access to child care advice and access to funds such as the child care development fund and the discretionary fund, as well as health interventions and access to training/work experience. The Prospects for Parents programme is specifically for the priority groups; ❖ Lone Parents ❖ Disabled parent, or the parent of a disabled child ❖ Parent with more than three children ❖ Parent with a child under 1 year old ❖ Parent under the age of 25 ❖ Parents from an ethnic minority Page 159 of 236
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The programme is a key tool in tackling poverty and inequality for our children and young people in our communities. Case Studies from Parental Employment Support The welfare rights officer met with a woman who was living in refuge following domestic abuse. She had two young children, one starting nursery, she wanted to go back to work but didn’t think due to her benefits she would be able to do this. The welfare rights officer completed a “better off” calculation to show what the impact would be on her income were she to take a 16 hour job. The woman was delighted with this, and explained to the welfare rights officer that she also had debt issues with catalogues, housing, loans and council tax. I advised of the service we could provide and take the burden away from creditors harassing at a difficult time and contact them on her behalf. The woman is currently working with a Debt Advisor to manage her debts. A woman was referred to the welfare rights officer seeking a “better off” calculation and advice around the minimum income floor for universal credit if she became self employed. Following the advice and reassurances that the welfare rights officer was always there to assist, she took up employment as a self employed delivery driver for Just Eat. After one year, the DWP were now implementing the minimum income floor, meaning she could lose essential income. She advised the welfare rights officer that universal credit were refusing to offset her tyre repair costs to her car as an expense, stating that her car was essential to allow her to do her job. The welfare rights officer argued that this should be an allowable expense. The welfare rights officer also advised that she should also declare this to HMRC as an expense to HMRC. REDUCE THE COST OF LIVING Helping People To “Quit Your Way” Research by Ash Scotland showed that 63,000 households in Scotland would no longer experience relative poverty if people were empowered to successfully give up tobacco. 42% of all households in Scotland containing people who smoke are currently living in relative poverty, a figure which could be reduced by around 10% if tobacco was not a factor. Reducing smoking prevalence in Scotland by just one percent could lift more than 3,700 households out of relative poverty. The percentage of pregnant women smoking at booking appointment in North Lanarkshire is 12.6% for year ending December 2022. This is above the Scotland figure of 11.9%. The Quit Your Way service targets pregnant women who live in areas of higher deprivation and between April 2022 and December 2022, 24 pregnant women living in the 40% most deprived areas successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks. Collaborative work has commenced in Airdrie, Motherwell and Wishaw localities. Referral prompt cards have been developed to enable a more simplified referral route using a QR code. This referral route can be used by clients, staff, third sector organisations or community partners. Very brief advice for smoking on smoking for pregnant women will be promoted via national centre for smoking cessation training for external partners. Page 160 of 236
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Promoting Free Travel For Under 22s Since its launch in January 2022, the scheme has been promoted widely and continually through schools, within the community, on NLC and NHSL websites, by social media (Corporate and youthwork, CLD channels), and by colleagues working with children, young people, and families. Parents and Carers have received text messages direct to parents and Community Learning & Development Staff continue to engage with applicants. Efforts have been made to encourage applications from disadvantaged groups such as care experienced young people, refugees, families living in poverty, social work service users, and young job seekers, students and those working with partner agencies. Uptake varies widely amongst different age groups with. At either end of the age spectrum 5 year olds and 21 year olds have taken up fewest travel cards but 80-90% of 10-12yrs have obtained a travel card. What difference does free travel for under 22s mean? Free travel can make a big difference to a families income, the table below shows some examples; A 14 year old pupil uses the bus daily to commute to school A saving of £442 per annum A 17 year old student from North Lanarkshire commutes to New College Lanarkshire by bus A saving of £711.10 per annum An 18 year old student from North Lanarkshire commutes to University of Glasgow by bus £863.20 per annum A training module has been developed by ASH Scotland and NHSL Tobacco Control Team which will be used by ASH Scotland to facilitate training on smoking and poverty. The NHSL Tobacco Control team have already offered this training locally to advisors within the Tackling Poverty Team, so that Welfare Rights Staff and Debt Advisers can promote the “Quit Your Way” programme and signpost people to the service. “I’ve been putting this cash by in a tin that I would spend on cigarettes. My Grandson wanted a football strip which I thought was too much money to buy him, but after 10 days of quitting smoking I was able to buy it for him. I’m also keeping the money I’m saving for Christmas and other bills. That was just a part of it though, my health was the main reason and I now have more energy and my house doesn’t smell of smoke anymore.” Page 161 of 236
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INCREASE INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS It Starts with a Benefit Check “I don’t think I’m entitled to anything else”, “I tried before and didn’t get that” are all too common phrases for the Tackling Poverty Team, with over £99 million generated in the last 3 years. The Tackling Poverty Team’s response is always “let’s start with a benefit check.” Through discussion with the person a benefit check identifies if a person is entitled to any other benefits and the Tackling Poverty Team will assist people to help make a claim, in the last 3 years the Team have assisted with 40,178 claims for benefit. The case study below is a great example of how a benefit check can make a significant difference to people; Increasing income via social security benefits is a key driver to tackling poverty in our communities, we know from recent analysis by Policy in Practice that the total amount of unclaimed income- related benefits and social tariffs is now £18.7 billion a year. The tackling poverty team received a referral from an MSP, the referral was for a family where a member of the household is disabled, who had received a bill for a sink repair and they were struggling to pay it. A welfare rights officer from the First Point of Contact Team contacted the family who advised that the situation had been resolved, the WRO asked; “Do you want me to check your benefits”?, and they agreed to this. The welfare rights officer found that the family were short a premium in their Employment and Support Allowance claim and sought about to get this put into payment for them. The work carried out resulted in them receiving an additional £76.40 per week (£3972.80 per annum) but through the diligence of the WRO, he also got them a backdated payment for the 4 years they should have been receiving the payment, meaning the family received a backdated payment of £13,000. The family were delighted with the service they received and stated; “The service from the Tackling Poverty Team is definitely worthwhile, they really know what they are talking about and they have done a grand job for my family”. Page 163 of 236
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From these findings it is important that our Action Plan for Tackling Poverty ensures the “no wrong door” approach is embedded into our practice across all internal services together with our partners in NHS Lanarkshire and the Third Sector. How will we do this? The Tackling Poverty Team has produced Poverty Awareness Sessions, which can be tailored not just to the Services we are delivering to, such as; social work, health, education, addiction etc, but can also be drilled down to impacts in each Community Board area. In doing this we can look at referral gateways and solutions that are bespoke to each service and locality, therefore supporting referrals to income maximisation services. The Poverty Awareness Sessions have now been delivered to over 200 staff and practitioners to date, and the feedback has been really positive; “informative session and great examples shared today” “I learned lots from the session that I didn’t know” “Seeing the information for my locality was hard hitting, but we were then told about the referral routes for us……I feel more confident to approach the issue of money now” The Tackling Poverty Awareness sessions are designed to ensure that the ethos within the Programme of Work where we muster our resources and recognise that poverty is not something that we can look at on its own is reflected in this. Page 164 of 236
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Poverty impacts all areas of life, the Joseph Rowntree definition the Strategy has adopted reflects this; “Poverty means not being able to heat your home, pay your rent or buy the essentials for your children. It means waking up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty and impossible decisions about money. It means facing marginalisation, and even discrimination, because of your financial circumstances. The constant stress it causes can lead to problems that deprive people of the chance to play a full part in society.” In recognising this, it is important to acknowledge that in working to achieve our goal to reduce and tackle poverty in North Lanarkshire this is not something that one service can do on its own. Referral pathways ensure that services have access to specialised advisors, investing in internal and external services ensure that people have access to those advisors. NHS Lanarkshire The Health Foundation in 2020 stated that Income is associated with health; people in the bottom 40% of the income distribution are almost twice as likely to report poor health than those in the top 20%. Poverty, in particular, is associated with worse health outcomes. Income and health can both affect each other – lower income is associated with more “stressors” which can harm health and allow fewer opportunities for good health. Poor health can limit the opportunity for good and stable employment and so affect income. NHS Lanarkshire has made significant investment in tackling poverty measures in North Lanarkshire including within income maximisation services. Recent investments include the funding of a Cost of Living Helpline hosted by the Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team giving people access to both income maximisation and money advice services. A grandmother in the Wishaw area was referred to the Tackling Poverty Team after the DWP had applied the two child limit to her Universal Credit therefore was receiving no payment for her grandson who was in her care. This was an informal kinship arrangement, the Welfare Rights Officer escalated this with DWP, and it was agreed that the two child limit should not apply in this case, and the child element was awarded and backdated. The Universal Credit Child Element was backdated and a lump sum of £1200 was awarded, in addition to an ongoing £62.21 per week. The Welfare Rights Officer also made applications for child benefit and the Scottish Child Payment these payments will increase the grandmother’s income by £212.33 per week, this is a total increase in annual income of £11,041.16. The woman stated that the assistance from the Tackling Poverty Team “helped really a lot, made a difference for her grandson as the can now do things”. Page 165 of 236
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Referral pathways have been established to make it easy for health staff to refer patients into the team to get the supports they need; “As a Health Visitor it is reassuring to know that the Tackling Poverty Team have the knowledge and skills to assist the families we work with both by providing advice and practical support. “As a Health Visitor it is very easy to make a referral to ensure our families receive the best support in maximising their incomes.” NHS Lanarkshire have established “GP Link Workers” with a referral route to their partners in both the councils’ Tackling Poverty Team and the Citizens Advice Bureaux. The Link Workers are available in various Health Centres and Surgeries across North Lanarkshire, over the last two years the link workers have referred 860 people for help with welfare rights and 252 people for help with money/debt advice. The total income generated to date from these referrals is £330,260. The Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children Project supports families and children who are either inpatients or outpatients. In 2022-23 the service supported 32 North Lanarkshire families, who received support with a total financial gain of £169, 074.91 Most of the beneficiaries were families caring for children with a disability under the age of 19 years. The Improvement Service have also funded a project within North Lanarkshire; Welfare Advice and Health Partnership, where we are improving access to money and welfare rights advice in health care settings. This is achieved by embedding advice workers in health settings and providing consensual access to medical records. Based in three surgeries across North Lanarkshire this project has proven to be extremely successful, with 357 referrals received in one year generating £715,865. CASE STUDY A 39 year old lone parent was referred to the Tackling Poverty Team via her GP. Her physical health limitations, financial challenges and being a single mum of two children (aged 16 and 10), one with disabilities was having a significant impact on her mental health and she was finding it a struggle to work. The woman had had her claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) refused and the GP referred to the Tackling Poverty Team to help her. The Team challenged the decision, and she was awarded Standard Rate Daily living component of PIP, the welfare rights officer then assisted to have the disability element added to her working tax credit. The woman received £8643.88 in backdated payments of PIP and Working Tax Credit, her weekly income was increased by £132.42 (an annual increase of £6885.84 for the woman and her family). The woman has returned to work and is able to deal with those financial challenges she was facing. Page 166 of 236
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The Third Sector The Tackling Poverty Team are responsible for the commissioning of external advice services to provide welfare rights and debt advice. The successful candidates for 2023-25 have been 5 local Citizens Advice Bureaux. The Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABx) are committed to working with the Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group in implementing the Strategy and Action Plan. The CABx have contributed to maximising income across the local authority generating £22.6 million the last three years in additional income for residents. The CABx are also committed to tackling food poverty by implementing the councils’ Food Poverty Referral Gateway which promotes the Cash First approach. Trussel Trust are working in conjunction with the local CABx over the next 2 years focussing on enhancing access and engagement with the North Lanarkshire Food Poverty Referral Gateway. Augmenting the existing Gateway as the preferred route for cash first support and ensuring a dignified and holistic approach to tackling food poverty and insecurity. The pilot will be delivered in communities with Motherwell, Wishaw and Airdrie in local community hubs working alongside community organisations in both one to one and group settings, providing advice, support and training. Promoting Uptake of Benefits for Children in Education Promotion and maximisation of those benefits which North Lanarkshire Council administers, including Free School Meals remains a priority detailed in the accompanying Action Plan. However, that is not the end of the story, we also need to look at whether those who are entitled to a free meal are actually taking up this offer. Uptake of Free School Meals whether children qualify for universal provision or due to their family’s income is at 65-70%. This is certainly lower than we would want but is a trend which is being experienced in other areas across the Country. The reasons why take up is low are many are varied and not entirely understood, particularly at a time when household budgets have never been tighter. The challenge for us is to fully understand the reasons why children are not taking up the offer of a free meal. A new management information has recently been implemented to give insights into trends amongst different age groups, most popular menu choices etc. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU – COATBRIDGE A 41 year old man with 4 children presented to Coatbridge Citizens Advice Bureau, he himself had health issues. He contacted the Citizens Advice Bureau explaining he had a £12,000 benefit overpayment which had resulted as a clerical error by the DWP five years previous. The man himself had tried to dispute this himself with DWP but was getting nowhere, he asked the CAB to help him. The case worker took the man’s case to appeal and was successful in their argument meaning that the overpayment was written off. Page 167 of 236
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Changing the culture and stigma around free school meals is key to increasing take up and work is already underway: • invitations to children and their parents to come along and sample a school meal together as they move from Nursery to Primary • taster sessions across Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools • a targeted exercise to educate parents who choose to provide packed lunches rather than take up a similar offering provided at school The Improvement Service North Lanarkshire was chosen to host one of the Improvement Service’s Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships (WAHPs) that will provide access to welfare rights and money advice in health care settings. The approach by the Improvement Service is to embed advice workers in health settings and provide consensual access to medical records. GP practices were selected by identifying those where the patients from SIMD 1 and 2 were highest; 6 practices were identified in North Lanarkshire, with 4 agreeing to take part in the project, however, only 3 practices came on board; Old Mill Practice, Bellshill, Waverley Surgery, Coatbridge and Coatbank Surgery, Coatbridge Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships provide a simple, effective, person centred approach to tackling health inequalities, improving individual health and well-being. Providing advice in GP settings is one approach to delivering services out with the traditional routes ensuring that we can meet the needs of all our community. In one year the project has dealt with 357 referrals and generated £715,865 in additional benefit income. The GP practices recognise the impact the Project is having on their patients; “The welfare rights officer joined the practice once a week to help with our patients and has been a great help to the patients not only from a financial point of view but also from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, some people are in a situation where they don’t know what to do or what to turn too, the welfare rights officer goes over and above to help sort out their affairs or tries to make sure they are getting what is right, in turn patients seem relieved and feel light is at the end of the tunnel which often lifts the anxiety they have been living with” Waverley Medical Practice, Coatbridge “The welfare rights officer has been an amazing addition to our practice MDT. She is very hard working, approachable and a great team member. The project has been helping our patients greatly and easing their financial pressures, which has a very positive impact on their mental and physical health. This is more important than ever whilst in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. Page 168 of 236
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The project has been welcomed fully at Old Mill, patients are engaging well and getting the help they need due to their poor health and mobility. I would honestly say this project has been the most helpful and useful addition we have ever had, and patient feedback has been excellent.” Dr Aimee McGinness – Old Mill Practice, Bellshill Case Study – Waverley Practice – Welfare Advice and Health Partnership Ken was referred to the Welfare Rights Officer (WRO) based in the Waverly Practice as his claim for Personal Independence Payment had been refused. The WRO using the medical records submitted an appeal which was successful with Ken receiving enhanced rate of both mobility and daily living, Ken received a backdate of £5020.80 and an annual income of £8983. When carrying out the benefit check for Ken and his family, the WRO identified that the Scottish Child Payment was not in payment for his two children, the WRO assisted with this claim meaning the family had an additional £2600 per annum. The welfare rights officer maximised the family income by £11,583 per annum, making an incredible difference to them. Page 169 of 236
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HOLISTIC SUPPORTS In North Lanarkshire we recognise that to deliver sustained reductions in child poverty over the long term we need to break that cycle of poverty, ensuring that our children living in poverty do not grow up to be adults living in poverty. We will work with our partners to provide the integrated and holistic support parents need to enter employment, improve their wider wellbeing and engage with the drivers of poverty. In North Lanarkshire we are committed to delivering a “No Wrong Door” approach to our services to ensure that all residents, including those in poverty and those at risk of falling into poverty receive the right support at the right time. Ensuring all families have the support they need, regardless of what those supports may be, is essential if we are to enable families to thrive in all aspects of their wellbeing. Infant Minds Matter A new Infant Mental Health service has been established in Lanarkshire. The aim of this service is to provide an infant centred approach to Infant Mental Health in Lanarkshire through direct clinical intervention with infants and their families, and support to professionals working across Lanarkshire, who contribute to the mental health and emotional well-being of infants. Infants are the most vulnerable group in society; however, they have often been omitted from mental health services and policies. There is a continued lack of awareness and understanding that infants can suffer from serious mental health difficulties and disorders, when in fact epidemiological research indicated that approximately 16% of 18-month-olds in the general population have serious mental health difficulties. The Infant Mental Health Team is multi-disciplinary and multi-agency, and each discipline and agency brings its particular training and perspective to addressing the mental health of infants. Our team consists of: Lead for NHSL Infant Mental Health Service; Consultant in Infant Mental Health Psychiatry; Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist; Clinical Psychologist; Social Worker (North and South Lanarkshire); Early Years Practitioner; and Admin support. The Tackling Poverty Team will deliver Poverty Awareness Sessions to the multi-disciplinary team and implement a referral route for parents to ensure parents and carers have access to income maximisation and money advice services. Breastfeeding NHS Lanarkshire have been working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council to pilot the national Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Local Authority award - a 1st for Scotland. This sees every department within the council receiving training, have staff policies in place for staff breastfeeding and returning to work and includes the education schemes within Early learning and Schools amongst others. Roll out of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme ensures premises and buildings signing up to the scheme create a supportive, welcoming environment for breastfeeding families when out and about as one of the main reasons many site for not initiating breastfeeding or stopping before they wanted to, is feeding out with the home. We have many local authority Page 170 of 236
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premises such as libraries and leisure signed up as well as many private cafes, third sector groups and other businesses. Whole Family Support The aim of the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund is to provide additional resource to support the transformation of the system of support to children and families. This is in line with the National Principles of Holistic Family Support and ambition of The Promise to provide flexible family support, enabling more children to remain loved and supported within their own families. The Promise places a requirement on Local Authorities and their partners to transform whole systems and culture to ensure all children, in any aspect of care, thrive through nurturing and loving relationships with access to support that strengthens communities and families. The Promise places prevention and family support at the heart of its vision. The Promise Plan 21-24 published on 31st March 2021 sets out 5 key priorities for the first phase of implementing The Promise including a focus on ‘Whole Family Support’. There is an expectation that the 10 key principles of family support outlined within the Promise are embedded into practice by 2024 and that there is a place in every community for families with children ‘to stay and play with their children and get support and advice’. This aligns closely with the Tackling Poverty strategy and the aspirations of the Plan for North Lanarkshire; and in particular plans to develop community hubs as a central vehicle to deliver support, enhance community capacity and support every child to reach their potential. Research has shown there is a relationship between poverty and longer-term negative outcomes for children (Lewer et al, 2019) and that while the relationship between poverty and child abuse and neglect is complex, studies have also shown that financial support and increased income lead to lower levels of child maltreatment (Bywaters et al, 2016). North Lanarkshire Council, as part of the Covid-19 Tackling poverty plan, adopted a ‘cash first’ approach to supporting the most vulnerable families to address basic needs, which proved effective in promoting improved outcomes. By providing money directly to families North Lanarkshire’s strength based and collaborative approach offered welcomed financial relief. In order to provide holistic family support that truly aligns with the Promise and Tackling Poverty action plan, there is a clear need to join up services so that people can experience a seamless transition into additional and intensive level supports and services. This improves access to existing expertise within our services. These national policy aims align with the Plan for North Lanarkshire and the Council’s new Programme of Work which makes family support central to its operating model through the Resilient People workstream. North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership Page 171 of 236
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North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (NLADP) is a multi-agency strategic partnership focused on understanding and mitigating the impact of problematic alcohol and drug use in the local area. The purpose of the ADP is to co-ordinate and lead a collective response to tackle harms and improve the lives of people who use alcohol and drugs, and those around them. The ADP is made up of key agencies and stakeholders with an interest in tackling harms and improving lives. This includes the wider community and those who have lived experience and families. Much of our work involves bringing people together to plan and improve services whilst setting out what needs to be put in place to support change and keep people safe and well. The strong links between drug and alcohol related harms and poverty, inequality and trauma are widely acknowledged. Deprivation has been linked as a significant factor in drug and alcohol problems developing. The ADP are tasked by Scottish Government to ensure the implementation of national policy and evidence-based practice. Improving Choice, Quality and Connections are key drivers underpinning the work of the ADP. We have 5 key priority areas of focus for our work which includes; Prevention, Education and Early intervention, Whole Family Approach, Treatment and Care, Public Health Approach to Justice and Reducing Alcohol Harms. Each of our sub-groups are tasked with understanding and mitigating harms from substances, and poverty, and have a linked programme of work to support change and keep people safe and well across our communities. Justice Services Whilst The Tackling Poverty Team and others will support Services by providing income maximisation, debt and money advice, employment advice, the services themselves such as the Restorative Justice Service also contribute to tackling poverty and inequality through a number of initiatives, such as; ❖ Individuals who are subject to Unpaid Work can undertake work with the Bike Recycling Project. During the last reporting year over 650 bicycles were retrieved from recycling centres in North Lanarkshire. Some were scrapped for parts, however, over 320 bicycles have been reconstructed. These recycled and repaired bikes are donated to the Councils’ Christmas Toy appeal as well as being donated low income families. ❖ Bikes are also donated to local schools to ensure that all pupils can take part in Cycle Safety Awareness Courses and the healthy living programme. ❖ A craft workshop has been developed to repair clothing and soft furnishings for low income families. ❖ A kitchen workshop has been developed to deliver a programme consisting of food hygiene, nutrition, budgeting and basic meal preparation. The workshop performs a platform to undertake placements in foodbanks and community cafes such as Shotts Healthy Living Centre and Newmains Community Trust. ❖ A laundry workshop has been created that provides a service to charity shops collecting clothing for laundering and returning to the shops for sale. In an effort to reduce poverty, a laundry service is provided to Craigneuk Family Centre and two charitable groups; “Cool School Uniforms” and “Airdrie School Clothing Bank”, this involves the collection, laundering and distribution of recycled school uniforms to low income families. Page 172 of 236
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“We got your delivery of the balance bike and the guys were very helpful. THE CHILDREN LOVE IT and have been having great fun on it today. Thank you so much again” – Allanton Primary School These indirect supports contribute to supporting the Tackling Poverty Strategy and our communities across North Lanarkshire. LET’S TALK….. THE THREE QUESTIONS The Tackling Poverty Team have embarked on a communications programme called “The Three Questions” across all our schools, this will be a continuous programme which will become the heartbeat of our approach to tackling child poverty, shaping and underpinning everything we are doing across the local authority. The “Three Questions” have been shaped around the cost-of-living crisis, we simply ask; “How is the cost of living impacting you?” “How is the cost-of-living impacting others in the community?” “What would you like us to do about it?” The children and young people are invited to put their experiences and thoughts on how to make things better by using post it notes and posters. The post it notes were introduced to avoid stigmatising anyone who wanted to have their voice heard but did not want to speak out, but welfare rights officers and debt advisors are also on hand, not just to provide advice but to write down any comments anyone wishes to make. The format used has proven to be very successful in giving a voice to our children and young people. Welfare Rights Officers have met with pupils from both Primary and High School. The presentation starts with “poverty awareness” letting the children know the extent to which it is affecting their local area – and the children and young people are then presented with The Three Questions. Page 173 of 236
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The children and young people told us that the cost of living crisis was having an impact in their home and on themselves; “Buying things causes arguments in my house” “I get anxious when I got to the shop to buy food. My dad is off work and is on sick pay. In the next couple of months he will be on half pay and im worried how we will be able to afford things” “my mum panics about money now” “I am poor now” When asked what the children and young people wanted us to do about it, the top two answers from the children and young people were; Free School Meals for everyone and financial education. The children and young people expressed that they wanted to learn about money “make everyone feel equal and understand more about poverty and money….learn about money, how to pay bills, budgeting and money management”. (all findings available at appendix one) What Next For The Three Questions? 21% 10% 10%11%3% 45% How Does Cost of Living Affect You - Activities I am unable to afford out of school activities/ socialising with friends I am unable to afford driving lessons Less time watching TV cant play on my consoles as much less or no money to buy things for the house unable to charge my phone/games as often as I did The young people gave an insight into how the cost-of- living crisis is affecting them and their families, together with what they would like to be done around this. When asked how the cost of living affected them, the impact of socialising was a major issue for the children and young people, whilst 21% stated that they could no longer afford after school activities and socialising with friends, 56% stated that they could no longer play their consoles, charge their phones as much, all forms of socialising for younger people. Page 174 of 236
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Following the response from The Three Questions, we will build upon the work we have done and ensure that the responses and ideas from the children and young people are at the heart of what we will be delivering. The Team have been to 13 schools to date, speaking to 277 pupils however, in the next semester it is our intention to co-ordinate our three questions in line with the Cluster Model that is in place in North Lanarkshire. The cluster model identifies each Secondary School with their feeder primary schools and nurseries. The Tackling Poverty Team will meet with children and young people from each establishment within the Cluster. Following the work they will do with the children, the welfare rights officers from the Tackling Poverty Team will identify each Clusters priorities. Together with the Tackling Poverty Team, the schools will identify not only these priorities but how they plan to address them in the Tackling Poverty Plan each school has. Financial Education In response to the children and young people, the Tackling Poverty Team and Education will develop a financial education package for all ages; early years, primary and secondary school pupils. The package will be developed, evaluated and reviewed by the Tackling Poverty Team with delivery in the main being done by education staff. To involve the young people more in this, education will identify pupils in 4th, 5th and 6th year who are interested in delivering the programme in conjunction with the Tackling Poverty Team to early years and primary schools. This will give the young people an excellent opportunity to develop important lifeskills, such as those pupils from Coltness High School identified when they answered; “learning about money within schools, how to pay bills, budgeting and manage money”, when asked what do you want us to do to help? The financial education package will be a reviewed and renewed version of the existing MACA programme; Money Advice / Consumer Advice providing pupils with the skills they need for the future. The package will have an additional part to it where we can offer parents advice on the impact of family income when a child leaves school. Parents and other adults can access financial education through the Multiply Project, which can provide up to 5 sessions taking adults through money management, budgeting and savings tips. North Lanarkshire recognise that financial education is key in helping tackling poverty and inequality in our communities, offering packages from early years to any age across all of the authority. “Taught about money” – Cathedral Primary School “Teach pupils how to manage our money” – Clydevalley High School “Get taught more about money in school” – Kildrum Primary School “Learn about money and how to budget for when we leave school” – Kilsyth Academy “How to budget and handle money as part of the WPS course” – St Aidan’s High School “Learn about money management at school” – St Margaret’s High School Page 175 of 236
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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS SCHOOLS North Lanarkshire’s Supported Enterprise Team, work with our Additional Support Needs schools providing support to 5th and 6th year students who are ready to leave school and want to find employment opportunities. Our Job Coaches start working in the schools around September/October to prepare the students for leaving the following summer. The job coaches will work with the young people to create a vocational profile with them, observe how they are in classroom settings and take them out of school for job tasters, giving them an opportunity to taste the world of work. Students are also offered the opportunity to work in Sunnyside Café in Volvo Construction’s staff restaurant where young people will gain valuable work experience in aspects of catering. Young people will be supported by job coaches from the Supported Enterprise Team to build skills and confidence in a real work setting and gain qualifications in catering and hospitality. To ensure that the young person and their family are aware of the impact of leaving school, a Welfare Rights Officer (WRO) from the councils’ Tackling Poverty Team links in with the job coach to set up meetings with the students to offer advice and support to the families. Leaving school can have a huge impact on the families income, to prepare for the student leaving school, the WRO will attend the school in December to carry out a general talk to ensure families are prepared. This is followed by the offer to all students and their families of a benefit check which will give them the full picture of the impact when the student leaves education. The WRO will support the family with all forms / correspondence and advocacy to ensure that their income is fully maximised. Page 176 of 236
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Achievements and Challenges With the country facing the perfect storm of increasing prices, ever increasing bills, tax rises and mortgage increases; the cost-of-living crisis is having a substantial knock on effect on families and children, with those who were previously “just getting by” experiencing financial difficulties and others plunging deeper into poverty. North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire and our Third Sector Partners have worked to try and minimise the impact the crisis is having on our communities. Since the first Local Child Poverty Action Report was produced, over £139 million in additional benefit income has been generated by the Councils’ Tackling Poverty Team, this Belle Belle is a summer leaver from an ASN school and has been given a place on the No Limits Project via Supported Employment and will work 25 hours a week and paid at an apprentice wage. The No Limits programme is for ASN school leavers with the placement including more intensive support (including links to all other support services) with further training and development. The WRO met Belle and her mother at their family home, where it became apparent that Belle’s mum was going to lose money from her Universal Credit when Belle entered employment. During the home visit it was highlighted that Belle’s mum had mental health issues and that neither Belle nor her mum were receiving any disability benefits. The WRO also identified that Child Benefit had also stopped as Belle went into 6th year. The WRO assisted both with a claim for Adult Disability Payment and with evidence from the school sought to have the child benefit reinstated. The discussions also revealed that there were also £2000 in debt from rent arrears, mum had been trying hard to maintain payments but was struggling to do this, the thought of losing some additional Universal Credit when Belle left school was an additional worry to Belle and her mum. The WRO worked with the Debt Advisor, and they were able to make a claim to the Rent Assistance Fund and had the debt cleared off through this, this took an immense pressure off the family. The WRO successfully assisted in getting the child benefit backdated and reinstated, this together with the debt cleared has enabled Belle’s mum to feel better about things, the mother and daughter are awaiting the outcome of the ADP claims. Page 177 of 236
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together with over £22 million generated via Citizens Advice Bureaux, means that over £161 million has been generated by supporting people through the benefit system. Other notable achievements have been; ❖ North Lanarkshire Child Payment has been made to families; £125 payment to families for each child who are in receipt of free school meals and/or school clothing grant, including nursery children. A total of 11,979 children from 7396 families were assisted. ❖ A fuel hardship payment was developed to provide financial support to low-income households who would only receive the UK Government universal payment, payments of £150 were made with applications exceeding 6000. ❖ Recognising the impact, the cost of living crisis is having on our communities, the Integrated Joint Board funded a Cost of Living Helpline hosted by the Tackling Poverty Team, giving our communities access to advice and support. ❖ educational attainment rates for all pupils gaining 5+ awards at level 6, and for pupils living in the 20% most deprived areas, have seen a steady year on year improvement. ❖ Improvements can also be evidenced in the number of leavers achieving a positive post school destination with North Lanarkshire achieving a high level of 94.2%. This reflects a drop in pupils not entering a positive destination from 8.2% to 5.5% (around 100 pupils). ❖ Overall school exclusion rates and exclusion rates for looked after children both show significant improvement with overall exclusion rates dropping by 56% and rates for looked after children dropping by almost 70%. ❖ The establishment of a Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee in North Lanarkshire was a clear indication of the Councils’ commitment to the Strategy and working toward a fairer North Lanarkshire for everyone in our communities. Net migration to North Lanarkshire has picked up again after a small dip in the trend and projections. Estimates predict that North Lanarkshire’s population will grow and remain favourable up to 2028. ❖ Recent figures show the local economy continues to grow, reflecting a positive position in North Lanarkshire compared to a negative growth position nationally. ❖ The gross weekly wage for North Lanarkshire residents is now higher than the national average for the first time ever – an increase of 10% (£63.90 per week) from 2021 ❖ The number of people claiming employment related benefits has decreased by almost 48% from 14,195 as at December 2020 to 7,420 as at December 2022 and this claimant count is now lower than pre-pandemic levels. Challenges There is a need to build on these successes and minimise the impact poverty has on people and communities. Whilst there has been a 2-percentage point reduction in the proportion of children living in poverty (from 25.2% to 23.2%), we still have significantly high levels of child poverty. With Page 178 of 236
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61,452 children aged 15 and below in North Lanarkshire, 14,256 of those children live in poverty. 5,455 children live in areas where the poverty figure is over the national average of 24% and 3,185 of those children live in areas where poverty levels are over 30%. The North Lanarkshire Local Child Poverty Action Plan details the actions the council and other services are undertaking to support the Scottish Government to achieve its stated targets for reducing child poverty by 2030. Although there is a downward trend in the number of working age population with no qualifications, there remains 12.8% of North Lanarkshire’s working age population (around 27,600) who are restricted from accessing employment opportunities. The proportion of the working age population who are economically active had shown signs of improvement in the aftermath of the pandemic, however, this has stalled and will continue to be monitored closely for signs of stability. Other factors will require further investigation in terms of employability, as 69,100 people are currently recorded as being economically inactive, with 41% of these recorded as long term-sick and 84% recorded as not wanting a job. Within the Action Plan of the 2020 -23 Tackling Poverty Strategy, Funeral Poverty was identified as an issue for people within our community. There was a lack of engagement from Funeral Directors and as a result, this issue will be addressed in terms of accessing bereavement and funeral payments. Within North Lanarkshire there are other challenges which will impact upon our strategy and approach, a key factor being the continued impact of welfare reform from the UK and Scottish Government’s with the migration of Personal Independent Payments to Adult Disability Payment and Disability Living Allowance to Child Disability Payment. Whilst the UK welfare reform changes estimates are that 20% of people won’t remain on benefit following migration, the Scottish versions of the benefits have a more favourable qualification criterion. However, the migration process will have a significant impact on disabled people, their families and carers and will take at least until late 2024 to be completed. Whilst we had been able to reduce referrals to foodbanks by using the Food Poverty Referral Gateway in North Lanarkshire, evidence from the foodbanks indicate that referrals have started to increase again. Work carried out with the foodbanks has identified that the timescales and process around the administration of universal credit remains to be impacting on this, as well as the pandemic, recovery of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. The Cash First approached adopted by North Lanarkshire in 2015, continues to lead the way across the country with the Scottish Government, Trussell Trust and other Local Authorities adopting the model. An example of how well the Cash First approach works is outlined by a resident who was assisted with the model; “I thought my only option was a foodbank the welfare rights officer helped me get a grant and I could choose what I wanted for my family….When they checked my benefits I didn’t know that I could get help with looking after my daughter……it has made a big difference” Mother with 3 children (Coatbridge) Across Scotland, there are also some early reports of the impact of the Scottish Child Payment benefit on referrals to foodbanks reducing for families, since its introduction in November 2022, for all children under 16. Over the next two years, North Lanarkshire Council are working in partnership with the Trussell Trust and the Third Sector Advice Services in a pilot to augment the existing Food Poverty Gateway, this Page 179 of 236
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together with embedding The Pledge and Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire’s commitment to “cash first” approaches will ensure no one is left without food. The strategy and action plan 2023-26 will build on our achievements and work towards meeting the challenges our communities face. Page 180 of 236
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LOCAL CHILD POVERTY ACTION REPORT – ACTION PLAN 2023 - 2026 Page 181 of 236
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Appendix One – Cost of Living Survey – Quotes From Children and Young People In North Lanarkshire How is the Cost of Living Affecting You? Comments Made In Respect of Food Number of Comments Comments Regarding Activities Number of Comments Comments Re Energy/ Fuel Number of Comments Comments on clothing & Other Issues Number of Comments I cant really afford as much food as I used to, I must ration and save some 3 I am unable to afford out of school activities/socialising with friends 8 Being told to switch off lights and appliances to use less electricity 50 Cannot afford to buy clothing / buy clothing that I would like 7 Affording school meals is tough with how much everything costs 7 I am unable to afford driving lessons 5 Increase in heating prices and heating is on less 40 Less treats / treats are too expensive 4 I am unable to get the things I want in a weekly shop, like snacks or branded foods 22 Less time watching TV 5 Waking up cold and going to bed cold 40 Tutoring is expensive 2 Unable to heat food 2 Can’t play on my consoles as much 21 Using more blankets to stay warm 1 I never get the treats that I used to get 5 Less money is given to me for lunch 2 Less or no money to buy things for the house 19 Being told to be quicker in the shower 45 Unable to replace things (school clothing/equipment) 3 Harder to afford food and electricity as I now have a brother 1 Unable to charge my phone/games as often as I did 20 I need to put on more clothes rather than using the heating 6 My pet food is really expensive 2 I am told not to waste food as it costs too much now 1 Less or no money when I am going out 1 Not able to travel as petrol costs too much 6 The strawberry and chocolate milk has been taken away at school 1 My food costs more 5 Prices have gone up at football 1 Energy saving hour 1 Vet bills are expensive 2 School dinners are too expensive 7 Travel costs to and from school are increasing 1 Put less water in the bath 1 I am not allowed to spend money in shops 4 There is not a lot of food in my house 14 Having less friends because you can’t afford to go out 1 Told to always close the door to keep the heat in 11 More arguments at home 7 Food and drink is more expensive 13 Can’t afford to do sports 1 No longer use heaters or dryers to dry clothing 1 More worry in the household to keep everything working 1 Not getting the food I want as it is getting dearer 2 I am not allowed to have the heating on 20 Cost of lunch is rising 5 Buying cheaper food, not branded, not good quality 7 More cautious about using electricity and lights 4 Travel too expensive 1 Buying less food and fridge rarely stocked 3 I am told that gas and electric is expensive 2 Not able to go out with friends 6 Food prices are rising 11 Wary about using heating 2 Less going out for meals 6 Takeaway food costs rising 3 Cant afford to heat home 4 Things cost a lot of money/ price increase 2 Smaller portion sizes 1 Lack of opportunities at school 6 Page 182 of 236
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How Does The Cost Of Living Affect Others In The Community? Comments Made In Respect of Food Number of Comments Comments Regarding Activities Number of Comments Comments Re Energy/ Fuel Number of Comments Comments on clothing & Other Issues Number of Comments People cannot afford to feed family and have 3 meals a day 31 People cannot afford to socialise 8 People cannot heat their homes 41 Unable to afford dental care 3 Students unable to concentrate on learning as they have not eaten 2 People cannot afford to pay for clubs 2 Elderly unable to heat their homes/bills 2 People are unable to purchase new clothing to keep warm 7 More people relying on foodbanks and having to choose whether to eat or heat their homes 17 House prices and rent increasing, so its harder to buy or keep houses, leading to more poverty 1 Unable to travel to work which leads to unemployment (maintain / fix a care or afford travel) 2 People cannot afford to pay for their house or their rent 23 People are unable to heat their food 1 More unemployment 1 People are unable to heat their food 1 People are unable to give their kids treats 1 Hungry at school because the breakfast club has stopped 1 People are without jobs and cant pay for things 4 Too expensive to travel (public transport / petrol) 16 Unable to socialise due to costs of gas and electricity / petrol 3 Unable to help feed family members due to cost of food 1 Community no longer open 1 People cant heat their homes or their food 16 People can’t afford school supplies 2 People are going days without food 2 House prices and rent increasing, so its harder to buy or keep houses, Can’t afford to wash themselves 1 People can’t afford pet bills 2 People are unable to afford food or hygiene products 6 Cost of travel means unable to see family/friends 7 People are going to bed cold 2 More people becoming homeless 18 People can’t feed themselves or their children 14 Unable to heat or feed themselves which makes the unwell and unable to work 10 More strikes 3 People losing jobs 3 People are having to buy in cheaper shops 3 Costs more for fuel 16 Rise in crime 1 No money to buy lunch 5 Going cold 1 Not a lot of money 1 Rising food prices / branded foods are too expensive 4 Bills increasing 3 Shops closing 3 People unable to afford food and relying more on foodbanks 18 More people taking on second jobs 3 People becoming stressed 2 Unable to help feed family members due to cost of food 1 Making people poorer 3 Debt increasing 1 Page 183 of 236
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What Can We Do To Help? The Cost Of A School Number of Comments Financial Education Number of Comments Transport, Fuel and Food Number of Comments Other Comments Number of Comments Lower the cost of school meals 39 Financial Education 36 Free transport 18 Free child care 2 Ensure students get a free meal (Breakfast during or after school) 16 Learning about money within school (how to pay bills, budgeting and managing money) 36 Free electric car charges 1 Reincorporate the library its critical part of the school and gives people a space to read 2 Free after school activities 18 Taught about money / managing money in school 7 Cheaper trains 1 Ask for opinions from school pupils on new developments before implementing things that don’t get used 2 Free school uniforms 22 How to budget and handle money as part of the WPS course 2 Face problems in front of us and reduce stress, such as school buses arriving on time 1 Clubs for families to get food and heat 1 Free clubs 9 Make everyone feel equal and understand more about poverty and money 2 Help kids with cooking so we can make meals on basic food as opposed to buying pre-made expensive 1 Give people money 1 Free school meals for everyone 67 More foodbanks / food donations 10 Lower prices 25 Free/lower price of school trips 32 Clubs for families to get food and heat 1 Advertise more help 3 Borrow laptops from school to use at home 6 More food donations 8 More homeless places 3 Free after school clubs to allow people to work longer 13 Lower prices of electricity / gas 3 Pay less rent 6 More fundraising 2 Free breakfast clubs 18 Have emergency money to give people for heating 1 Ensure that poverty proofing is in place in all schools 1 Make after school clubs more affordable 7 Cheaper gas prices 2 Lower costs for basic needs 2 All equipment/stationary needed for school should be free 4 Give additional money to those struggling 2 Wages are enough to afford things 4 Give money for school lunches to let us choose what we want 12 More money from government 1 Make a uniform bank 4 More grants to assist with costs 1 Stop school uniform as it costs a lot 1 Reduced days in the school week so people can afford to come to school 1 Lower the price of football parks 1 Lower locker charges 3 Free Glasses 2 Change the requirements for free school meals as salaries are not changing but food is 1 Allow people longer to pay back loans and their rent 1 Lower price of clubs outside school 2 Increase wages and lower taxes 3 Increase our EMA 4 Page 184 of 236
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“The Three Questions” Sessions – General Comments From Children and Young People Across North Lanarkshire My mum panics and cries about money Harder to afford food and electricity as I now have a brother I worry about if we can afford my needs now rather than my wants Buying things causes arguments in my house More worry / stress for adults at home I only have one meal per day as its too expensive I am poor now I get anxious when I go to the shop to buy food. My dad is off work and is on sick pay. In the next couple of months, he will be on half pay and I am worried how we will be able to afford anything. Dad is usually out of money when is on full pay. I’m worried what will happen if he runs out of money half way through the month Buying things causes arguments in my house My clubs cost to much You need to think about trips and how much they are My brother needs help to pay for his electricity Money is becoming a controversial subject between friends Granpa who has grandchildren staying at his home has had to stop them staying as he cant afford to feed them Our gas isn’t lasting as long as it used to, needing topped up more often I go to bed cold My house is cold I am cold in my room People are being bullied My gran has went for surgery and needs heating on all the time which is very expensive My aunty needs to stay over or wash at ours because she cant afford her bills or cousins needs My neighbour is very sick and he is worried about the cost of his rent My neighbour is very sick and he is worried about the cost of his rent During the strikes, students taking exams were struggling because teachers were off so much to get paid more because of rising costs Page 185 of 236
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Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Lead Team Monitoring Information North Lanarkshire to increase the number of people employed and receiving the real living wage Payment of the living wage 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 accreditation Brighter Futures 123 employers have achieved accreditation, with 7053 employees benefiting from the living wage Ongoing Ongoing NLC Employability VANL for CVS * Number of employers paying the living wage * Number of employees receiving the living wage Social Values North Lanarkshire will look to integrated social values and the objectives into the tendering process that will allow the weighting for fair work to be flexible to ensure that social values and community benefits are embedded in the contract . An increase in NL residents receiving the “real living wage”. transforming places 5% current weighting applied Ongoing on Procurement Number of tenders where higher weighting was applied to living wage providers Parental Employment Support Fund 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 22/23 - 40 parents have secured employment. Further 18 employed parents have progressed within employment. 104 parents have registered and are engaging with the Project. subject to annual funding from the SG - further activity planned for 2023/24 2023 / 24, however, subject to funding may continue beyond this Employability Routes to Work Number of parents entering and within target groups progressing in employment 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 young people (in schools) and those economically active in the labour market (through Routes to Work) to consider increasing their qualification levels and job prospects to improve average weekly wage levels and alleviate “in work” poverty. 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 Average weekly wage in North Lanarkshire £548.90 Ongoing The gross weekly pay for local residents is now higher than the national average for the first time ever - an increase of 10% (£63.90 per week) for North Lanarkshire residents from the previous years results 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 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 22/23 - Supported Employment currently supporting 210 people on the different stages of the 5 stage employment model - 129 people currently receiving various levels of work support 41 people currently job finding Ongoing Continued support planned for the next 3 years 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 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 Rise in employment figures in targeted groups * Workforce for the Future * Economic Regeneration Plan Brighter Futures 22/23 - Engaged with 101 people and supported 49 into employment. The focus is on 2 groups, the over 50s and those of any age who are long term unemployed. No One Left Behind Phase 2 implement grant programme in 2022/23 to distribute £1.6 million to employment projects across North Lanarkshire which target support on groups who may be in poverty due to unemployment Brighter Futures North Lanarkshire Youth Guarantee Scheme Deliver a range of employment focused activities eligble for funding under the Scottish Youth Guarantee guidelines to support 868 young people aged 16 - 24 into employment, training or education * Workforce for the Future * Economic Regeneration Plan * Developing the Young Workforce Brighter Futures 22/23 - 200 unemployed 16-24 year olds supported into employment from a range of target groups including those with additional support needs, care experienced and those with barriers to entering employment. Subject to annual funding from the SG but further activity planned for 23/24. Employability Number of people from target groups in employment Living Hours Adequate income is reliant on both living wage rate and also sufficient working hours to provide a liveable income. Living hours are 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 accreditation. Brighter Futures tbc ongoing ongong NLC Employability VANL for CVS number of employers providing living hours employment. Number of employees working living hours Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 2026 INCREASE INCOME VIA EMPLOYENT Page 189 of 236
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Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Lead Team Monitoring Information Increase uptake of School Clothing Grants Introduce online application form for FSM & CG Continue to automatically award where we have customer consent Use automation to process our auto award caseload The number of School Clothing Awards are increased from Await publication of National Guidance on School Uniforms, following consultation exercise 12,784 Clothing Grants awarded from June 2022 - May 2023 For School Pupils. An additional 937 Grants for made for nursery pupils Ongoing The number of clothing grants claimed and distributed Increase uptake of Free School Meal Awards Introduce online application form for FSM & CG Continue to automatically award where we have customer consent Use automation to process our auto award caseload 12,151 FSM awards in 2020, 11,176 awards in 2021, 10,683 awards in 2022 Club 365 Promote Activities and meal provision through Club 365 Initiative Numbers of Children attending and meals provided. £2.50 per day paid during school holidays to those in receipt of FSM Club 365 has provided over 88, 000 meals and activity sessions since inception Increase uptake of education maintenance allowance (EMA) Ensure full take of Education Maintenance Allowance. Promotion of EMA through Education Newsletter to schools and locally within schools to raise pupil awareness. Review publicity - posters leaflets etc not distributed recently Discussion within EMA and SMT meetings on improving up-take. Young People can access EMA in 22/23 1327 applications. 876 awards. 66% award rate (down from 73% award rate in 21/22) Ongoing The number of EMA grants claimed Increase take up of Free School Meals In situ g g with parents and carers, e,g attend parent council meetings and inviting parents for a school meal and information session •New management information system to give insights into trends, most popular choices, which ages take up free meals •Work with other local authorities developing menus, to improve sustainability and better safety and choice for those with special diets (>>ASIST and APSI) •Work with schools around different “sittings”, and overflow areas. •Capital investment to return more schools to Production kitchens •Continued roll out of electronic menu notifications to parents and carers •Consultation with secondary school pupils via a QR code (promoted via a ‘Tell us what you think’ poster displayed around schools allowing pupils to scan / access via mobiles) •Primary school parents online survey (targeted via menu email / Percentage of Children taking up free school meals when they have entitlement is increased Currently (May 2023) at 65-70% Fuel Poverty Provision of a short term funded Energy Advice Service to comprehensively alleviate the levels of fuel poverty evperienced by vulnerable households Number of households assisted Local Housing Strategy Unknown as SHCS data unavailable for Local Authorities however, zero has been used as the starting point for the introduction of this service 2 years launched and ongoing will be monitored via NLAN and Wise Group reporting 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 to increase credit union membership and reduce payday lending in North Lanarkshire Establish credit union forum in North Lanarkshire Resilient People 5 credit unions affiliated to the Scottish League of Credit Unions have 9,642 adult members and 1,462 junior members. Unable to get contacts for ABCUL credit unions at present. ongoing ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team The number of employers promoting payslip deductions The number of people joining the credit union Debt Advice 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 Resilient People 1744 referrals received in 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to the Debt Advice Team Level of debt assisted REDUCE THE COST OF LIVING Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 2026 Page 190 of 236
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New Affordable Homes Deliver 5000 new affordable homes by 2035 reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficient, affordable homes Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. At 1 December 2022, 1,566 homes delivered (970 new build + 596 OMPS) 2035 Ongoing Housing New Supply Number of new homes built New Affordable Homes Support housing association and co- operative partners to deliver new homes reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficient, affordable homes Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. 2126 homes have been delivered ongoing Ongoing Housing New Supply Improved Energy Efficiency Ensure all housing stock is EPC D or above by 2025 by improving energy efficiency all housing stock is EPC D or above by 2025 Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. At 2021/22, 99.2% of the homes are at D or above Ongoing Housing Investment all housing stock is EPC D or above by 2025 Improve Energy Efficiency to owner occupied properties Utilise ECO4 funding to improve energy efficiency of owned stock Reduce the cost of living by increasing the energy efficieny of homeowners housing stock Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. At 2021/22, £0.1 m spent Ongoing Ongoing Support homeowners to adapt, repair and maintain their homes Deliver capital investment programmes HEEPS ABS and other initiatives. Provide advice to households on energy efficiency measures supoprted by online information and in person advice provided by council and CVS. reduce the cost of living by increasing the supply of energy efficieny of housing stock across all tenures 99.2% of the homes are at D or above Free Transport for Under 22's Promote and Maximise uptake of Free Bus Travel for 5-21 year olds No of travel cards issued and in use Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Local Child Poverty Action Report. CLD Improved and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling network. Creating or enhancing active travel routes will improve the ability of all people to walk, wheel or cycle for any journey purpose within North Lanarkshire Equity of access for all our communities with mid term target of 50km to be created by 2026/27 7.8 kms of active travel routes created in 2021/22 125kms to be created by 2032 Ongoing Transportation / Planning Address Period Poverty Provide women with access to sanitary 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 LanarkshireNo of products distributed 311, 767 products to NLC establishments (excluding education and culture venues >> AC to Clarify and get timescale) 87396 to education 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. Yearly target 23/24 for 52 pregnant women who live in 40% most deprived areas to successfully stop smoking at 12 weeks (to be reviewed in 2024 after national tobacco control action plan is published). Awareness raising training sessions to be completed with Tackling Poverty staff. 24 pregnant women living in the 40% most deprived areas successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks (April 2022-Dec 2022 data). Published and confirmed data for April 2022 – March 2023 will be available in January 2024. NL % of pregnant women smoking at booking in appt 12.6% year ending Dec 2022 (scotland rate 11.9%) NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way Service Number of Tackling Poverty staff members trained. Number ofpregnant women supported to stop smoking. Recycled Bicycle Initiatives Individuals subject to unpaid work work within the bicycle recycling project Bicycles provided to low income families and donated to the Christmas Toy Appeals Justice Partnership Resilient People 320 biscyles reconstructed ongoing ongoing Restorative Justice Number of bikes restored Page 191 of 236
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Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Lead Team Monitoring Information 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 Resilient People 18,521 benefit checks carried out in 2022/23 - £35,480,020 generated in addtiional income Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 Resilient People 4888 benefit checks carried out in 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 700 referrals in 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Food Poverty Referral Gateway Mitigate the need for foodbank use by ensuring access to advice services and claims to crisis grants A decrease in the use of foodbanks Resilient People not available Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of referrals to foodbanks Number of Crisis Grant applications Food Poverty Action Group Group to consider uniform recording across all emergency food providers Uniform recording adopted by all emergency food providers Resilient People n/a 2023 ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of foodbanks recording Welfare Reform Group The welfare reform group to ensure serviceds, elevted members etc are kept fully abreast of welfare reform changes and their impact on our communities updates are provided and action taken when necessary Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing North Lanarkshire Advice Network Issues raised / campaigns Health Staff refer to income maximisation and debt advice services Health Staff will ensure money issues are addressed and referrals are made to the tackling poverty team patients will be directed to the tackling poverty team to ensure income is fully maximised NHS Cost of Living Resilient People 394 referrals 22/23 Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 Resilient People 357 referrals 22/23 Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Relaunch Health Visitor & District Nurse Referral Pathway Poverty Awareness Training and pathway training to take place health visitor and district nurses make referrals to the tackling poverty team NHS Cost of Living Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team number of referrals to the tackling poverty team GP Community Link Worker Programme community link worker embedded within GP practices across North Lanarkshire making referrals to information and advice services embed link workers and increase support to patients Resilient People 482 welfare rights referrals (22/23) 146 debt advice referrrals (22/23) Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated 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 Resilient People £5,267,650 income generated for north lanarkshrie residents 2022/23 Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Rent Assistance Fund 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) Fund directed to people in need Resilient People 522 tenants awarded in 22/23 Ongoing Ongoing Housing Number of people Assisted Universal Credit Assistance Fund 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. Resilient People n/a ongoing Ongoing Housing Services number of loans provided / loan repayments Uptake of Scottish Child Payment Work with the Registrar Offices throughout North Lanarkshire to promote the Scottish Child Payment when registering the birth Uptake of Scottish Child Payment increases Resilient People 77% national uptake Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Uptake of Bereavement Benefits Work with the Registrar Offices throughout North Lanarkshire to promote Bereavement Benefits when registering a persons' death Accessing all bereavement benefits to help alleviate funeral poverty Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of Benefit Checks / Benefit Claims / Resolutions Income Generated Community Solutions Community Connectors 10 Community Connectors working across North Lanarkshire to refer residents to sources of income support as part of a wider support package Number of referrals Community Solutions Strateegy and Investment Plan 2022-25 and HSCNL Commissioning Strategy 2023-26 Autumn 2023 for two year pilot Number of people referred Universal Credit Campaign Awareness raising campaign re changes to Universal Credit widening entitlement to benefit Increase in universal credit claimants Resilient People 7420 people claiming in work benefits (Dec 2022) Ongoing ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of people claiming in work Universal Credit Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 2026 INCREASE INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY Page 192 of 236
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Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Lead Team Monitoring Information Sustain Tenancies Deliver increased financial advice and assistance via 8 income maximisers increase incomes from social security, reducing rent arrears and sustaining tenancies in social rented homes 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 2023 - 26 ongoing Education, Children and Families inter service referrals Arrest / Referral Service The North Lanarkshire Arrest Referral Service is focussed on early intervention by providing support to people whilst held in police custody and connecting them to services within the community to address individual needs. Number of referrals to the tackling poverty team Community Justice Improvement Plan Resilient People n/a 2025 ongoing The service is delivered by Scottish Drugs Forum and Phoenix Futures and funded by North Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership for a period of 18 months as a Test of Change. number of referrals / income generated / debt advice provided / financial education Poverty Awareness Sessions Bespoke poverty awareness sessions for council, nhs and third sector partners Number of people attending the sessions and ultimately the number of referrals this leads to Resilient People n/a onggoing ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions delivered / number of people attending / referrals following the training 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 ongoing ongoing VANL Learning and impact reports Financial Education Following the "three questions" delivery of financial education to our young people Young people asked for financial education - the programme will ensure that we meet the needs and requests of our young people Resilient People n/a in development in development The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions completed in schools Number of young people who attend the sessions Revamp of MACA for younger children Following the "three questions" delivery of a revamped MACA session for the primary children the younger children asked for financial educaiton - the programme will ensure that we meet the needs and requests of our children Resilient People n/a in development in development The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions completed in schools Number of young people who attend the sessions Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 2026 HOLISTIC SUPPORTS Page 193 of 236
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Action Brief Description How We Measure Success Links to Other Strategies Link to Programme Of Work Baseline Timescales Status Lead Team Monitoring Information Tackling Poverty Awareness Sessions Bespoke awareness sessions delivered to internal and external services - relevant to care group and locality People aware of the drivers to tackle poverty and how to access appropriate services Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team Number of staff in attendance Staff using the referral gateway The Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group (TPOAG) to deliver the Action Plan The TPOAG will support cross sector deliver the action plan/report on the strategy and will review the action plan every quarter Meet the requirements of internal audit Resilient People Ongoing Ongoing TPOAG "The Three Questions" Communities and children are asked "the three questions" which will help shape our services services act upon the requests of our residents Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing The Tackling Poverty Team number of sessions completed in schools Number of sessions completed in the community Community Boards to support the tackling poverty agenda Through tackling poverty awareness sessions and delivery of the councils tackling poverty agenda the community boards will support the Strategy Those representing communities understand their roles and responsibilities in raising awareness of key poverty messages, challenging stigma Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing Heat Map identifying services within the locality services and information we hold on our communities to be layered to identify areas to direct resources accordingly Direct resources and become more proactive n/a Ongoing Ongoing A Local Information System for Scotland (ALISS) VANL is promoting use of ALISS across NL CVS to share online information on sources of local support for people in poverty /at risk of poverty n/a Spring 2023 - onwards Ongoing VANL Number of NL groups listed Number of people accessing information Childrens Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIA) CRWIAs aim to ensure reasoned and evidence based policy and decision making into account the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. Policies and strategies being impact assessed Resilient People n/a Ongoing Ongoing Education, Children and Families Number of CRWIA completed Local Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 - 2026 SUPPORTING THE PLAN Page 194 of 236
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Appendix 3 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 is 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. Page 195 of 236
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The Plan for North Lanarkshire sets out the committed to focus on the things that will significantly improve the quality of life and well-being for all our residents, but the supporting evidence base highlights that challenges remain. A Programme of Work to 2028 has been developed to ensure a heightened and more strategic focus on not only sustaining the economic and community aspects that will enable local people and communities (and the place that is North Lanarkshire) to thrive, but also on ensuring a more targeted approach to improving social, health, and economic conditions and maximising opportunities to escalate the delivery of improved outcomes for those that need it most, thus turning the vision of inclusive growth and prosperity into a reality. Moving forward, the Tackling Poverty Strategy is a key area of activity in the Programme of Work and a major step in ensuring that our residents are offered opportunities, support, advice, and information that will address the drivers of poverty through: - • Increasing income via employment; • Maximising income via social security benefits; • Reducing the cost of living; and • Holistic Supports. The Action Plan within the Tackling Poverty Strategy details the key elements and priorities of the new Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire – Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023 to 2026. In addition, the Strategy encompasses the statutory requirement to prepare and publish a Local Child Poverty Action Report for North Lanarkshire for 2022/23. (Appendix 2) and reflects the ambition of the national Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-26 – Best Start/Bright Futures published by the Scottish Government in April 2022 as the second of 3 delivery plans required by the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. 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. 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, NHS Lanarkshire, Community Planning Partners, Third Sector and Private Businesses. 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 the fourth largest authority area within Scotland, with a population of 340, 180. It is situated in the heart of Scotland with connectivity to the rest of Scotland, the UK and the world. As the fifth most densely populated council area, North Lanarkshire is divided into 21 wards which are represented by 77 elected members. 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 Page 196 of 236
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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; ➢ 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 Strategy aims to increase the income of unemployed and employed residents of North Lanarkshire Low wealth The Strategy will provide financial inclusion and improve residents ability to deal with the cost of living Material deprivation The Strategy will reduce material deprivation among residents Area deprivation The Strategy will target areas of 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) ✓ Older People and Children and Young People can be more affected by poverty than other age groups e.g., Older women experience poverty worse than older men, underemployed young people and those on zero hours contracts etc. Page 197 of 236
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Disabled people and people with long term health conditions ✓ Approximately, 30,000 people in North Lanarkshire are in receipt of a disability benefit and the cost of living with a disability costs on average £550 per month than a non- disabled person. All of this means that 47.5% of disabled people live in poverty. Women and men, girls and boys ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit, 2 child rule and under occupancy rules, can have a worse impact on women. People defined by their race, colour and nationality, ethnic or national origins. ✓ Unemployment rates for BME people is higher in NL than for white people. Married people and civil partners ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit, can have on people. Pregnant women and new mothers ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit, 2 child rule and under occupancy rule, can have an impact on women. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit and under occupancy rule, can have an impact on lesbian, gay and bisexuals. Gay men are known to experience greater poverty than straight men. People transitioning from one gender to another ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit and Page 198 of 236
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work commitments/sanctions, can have an impact people transitioning. People of different religions or beliefs or non-beliefs ✓ Muslim people are more likely to experience poverty than other religious groups. Other groups Children and families ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit, 2 child rule and under occupancy rule, can have an impact on children and families. Homeless people ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit, work commitments and under occupancy rule, can have an impact on homeless people. Looked after and accommodated people ✓ The welfare reforms changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit, can have an impact on looked after and accommodated people. Care leavers ✓ The welfare reforms / changes and cost of living crisis, in particular Universal Credit, can have an impact on Care leavers. Carers – paid / unpaid, family members ✓ It is well documented that many carers are living in poverty. Asylum seekers ✓ 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. Employees – full and part time. Including SES, MAs etc. ✓ Some of our employees may be experiencing in work poverty. Others Page 199 of 236
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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 ✓ Please provide details. 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. There has been and is good work being done by all services and partners, however, this is fragmented and at times duplicated or in fact at odds with other policies and approaches we are taking. 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; ➢ Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan ➢ Community Engagement Strategy ➢ Education and Families Improvement Plan ➢ Local Housing Strategy ➢ Equality 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 and links to relevant documents, as well as any actions Age (a particular age or range of ages) ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process. We did not ask the age of respondents, therefore there was no comments made from this group. However, of the 476 respondents who completed the survey. The main household types responding were: Page 200 of 236
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• 104 couples living with child(ren) in education and/or working age child(ren) (22%) • 99 single adults living with dependent child(ren) (21%) • 91 single adults living alone (19%) • 48 working age couples (19%) Disabled people and people with long term health conditions ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process 131 of the respondents lived in a household with someone with a disability. The main concern for this group pressures of paying household bills (fuel), transport, cost of food, employment for disabled people, mental health impact and benefits, in particular disability benefits Women and men, girls and boys ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process. The survey did only ask the household type, e.g. older retired person, single adult living alone, single adult with children, couple with no children etc. Of the respondents to the survey: - • 104 couples living with child(ren) in education and/or working age child(ren) (22%) • 99 single adults living with dependent child(ren) (21%) • 91 single adults living alone (19%) • 48 working age couples (19%) People defined by their race, colour and nationality, ethnic or national origins. ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process. We do not know the ethnicity of those who completed the questionnaire. Married people and civil partners ✓ Please see section other groups about the consultation and engagement process. We do not know the status of those involved in engagement but of the respondents • 104 couples living with child(ren) in education and/or working age child(ren) (22%) • 99 single adults living with dependent child(ren) (21%) • 91 single adults living alone (19%) • 48 working age couples (19%) Pregnant women and new mothers ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process. Page 201 of 236
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We do not know if there were any pregnant or new mothers who responded. However, of the respondents 99 were single adults living with dependent child(ren) (21%) Lesbian, gay and bisexual people ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process We do not know the sexual orientation of the respondents People transitioning from one gender to another ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process. We do not know the transgender status of the respondents People of different religions or beliefs or non-beliefs ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process. We do not know the religions or belief of the respondents. Other groups / general consultation √ In developing our Strategy and approach to tackling poverty we sought the views and opinions of those people in our community with lived experience via a questionnaire that was available online and internal/external services complete with residents on a paper form. We also held a number of Community Matters meetings which focused on Poverty. We also held development sessions with the extended Corporate Management Team, Tackling Poverty Officer Action Group, Third Sector, NHS Lanarkshire and presented our approach at numerous events throughout North Lanarkshire. We also took part in the National Challenge Poverty Week (Oct 21). In the autumn of 2019, the council developed and conducted a survey asking the public via online surveys and group discussion, what factors contributed currently or in the past to financial difficulty. Paper copies of the survey were distributed via community discussion groups and the voluntary sector as well as being available on the council website during “Challenge Poverty” week in October. A total of 476 respondents completed the survey. The main household types responding were: • 104 couples living with child(ren) in education and/or working age child(ren) (22%) • 99 single adults living with dependent child(ren) (21%) • 91 single adults living alone (19%) • 48 working age couples (19%) Within this wider group: Page 202 of 236
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• 131 of the respondents lived in a household with someone with a disability • 96 respondents were carers A quarter of the respondents gave a home postcode of ML5 (Coatbridge), followed by 14% from ML4 (Bellshill) and 13% from Cumbernauld (G67) and 12% from Motherwell (ML1). The survey was divided into ten categories: household; home; food; education; transport; income; employment; debts, benefits and health. It also asked whether respondents had sought help from the council, partners or health professionals, as well as asking whether respondents felt their financial position would improve in the next year. Children and families ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process. The main household types responding were: • 104 couples living with child(ren) in education and/or working age child(ren) (22%) • 99 single adults living with dependent child(ren) (21%) • 91 single adults living alone (19%) • 48 working age couples (19%) Within this wider group: • 131 of the respondents lived in a household with someone with a disability • 96 respondents were carers Homeless people ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process We do not know if any of the respondents were homeless. Looked after and accommodated people ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process We do not know if any of the respondents were looked after and accommodated. Care leavers ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process We do not know if any of the respondents were care leavers Carers – paid / unpaid, family members ✓ Please see section Other Groups about the consultation and engagement process 96 people who responded to the survey were carers. Trade Unions ✓ Employee Equality Forum ✓ Others Page 203 of 236
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3.2 What additional research or data is required? The Council is about to undergo an extensive community engagement exercise into the lived experiences of the BME communities of North Lanarkshire and this will inform our strategy. This engagement will also have the added benefit of being disaggregated by age, sex and religion. 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. >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 Page 204 of 236
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action is planned please say why not Age (a particular age or range of ages) We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see peoples income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Disabled people and people with long term health conditions We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see peoples income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Women and men, girls and boys We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would Page 205 of 236
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expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. People defined by their race, colour and nationality, ethnic or national origins. We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Married people and civil partners We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Page 206 of 236
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Pregnant women and new mothers We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. People transitioning from one gender to another We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via Page 207 of 236
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employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. People of different religions or beliefs or non-beliefs We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Other groups Children and families We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Homeless people We have focused on the key drivers to Page 208 of 236
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reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Looked after and accommodated people We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Care leavers We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social Page 209 of 236
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security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Carers – paid / unpaid, family members We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Employees – full and part time. Including SES, MAs etc. We have focused on the key drivers to reduce poverty which are; Income from employment, reduce the cost of living and increase income from social security benefits. Therefore, we would expect to see people’s income increase either via employment, income from social security benefits and assisting them to reduce their cost of living, given them more disposable income. Others N/A Page 210 of 236
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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. It is clear that North Lanarkshire need to address poverty, additional research will be needed through the period of the strategy to ensure that the planned outcomes are being met. We would also require any additional update research from a national basis. Internal Audit carried out an audit of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council approach to progressing the Tackling Poverty and the associated key corporate risk. Internal Audit assessed the audit as providing ‘reasonable assurance’ as they considered that the Tackling Poverty Strategy and action plan have been appropriately integrated into the Council’s wider plans and appropriate governance and risk management arrangements in place and identifying a small number of areas where scope for improvement exists. Consideration will need to be given to target particular groups in ways that meet their needs. For instance – Connect with local Mosques and Muslim Women’s Groups/ DPOs / Older people’s organisations etc. to ensure they are targeted as part of any campaigns / income maximisation efforts, / opportunities etc. Make sure information is accessible to different people. 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 2023 - 2026 John Campbell Business Manger Tackling Poverty Yearly (March 2024) Page 211 of 236
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Section 5. Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing 5.1. How will you monitor the impact and effectiveness of the new policy? The Strategy has a number of key measures which we will work together to fulfil, with the responsibility for monitoring this detailed. Our communities and protected groups will know we are getting things right by having; Fewer households and children living in poverty Measurable increase in average household Credit Union increased membership A reduction in indebted households Fewer households living in fuel poverty Reduction in referrals to foodbanks More people seeking advice and More people in meaningful employment Involvement (Lived Experienced) Group 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 Introduce the policy ✓ September 2023 Adjust the policy then introduce Introduce the policy with justification regarding potential adverse impact Stop and withdraw the policy Page 212 of 236
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Name of Policy Tackling Poverty Strategy – Forward to a Fairer North Lanarkshire Head of Service /Senior Manager sign-off: Name Job title and division/ team Date Signature Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) 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 Page 213 of 236
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Appendix 4 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 2023 – 26; • 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 communities, working with partners in NHSL and the third sector to achieve the outcomes detailed within the Action Plan. Page 215 of 236
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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 Children’s Services Plan. Direct Impact – work identified within the action plan in relation to income maximisation 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. 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 Page 216 of 236
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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 (Children, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) July 2023 Person or group completing paperwork. John Campbell, Manager Tackling Poverty Team On behalf of Tackling Poverty Officers Action Group July 2023 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. Article Six – Right to life, survival, and development Article Eighteen - Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that children of working parents have the right to benefit from child care services and facilities for which they are eligible. Page 217 of 236
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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 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 Best Start, Bright Futures 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. 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. Page 218 of 236
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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 completing 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. 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 Children’s 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 Children’s 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) Page 219 of 236
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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 wellbeing 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 on an annual basis and reported on. 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; ➢ 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 within our 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”. Page 220 of 236
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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”. With a programme being developed to ensure that this is a continual process throughout the school clusters. Page 221 of 236
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CRWIA – Stage 3- cannot complete until final copy – draft from pervious CRWIA below Publication Template CRWIA title: North Lanarkshire Children’s Services Plan 2023-26 Publication date: Summary of policy aims and desired outcomes. The Tackling Poverty Strategy 2023-26 outlines the priorities for the next three 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 2023-26 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 disadvantaged or in need of some support. 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. Page 222 of 236
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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 July 2023 Chief Officer Date Page 223 of 236
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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 18/08/23 Tackling Poverty Team Report 2022/2023 From Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) E-mail gordanal@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 01698 332001 Executive Summary This report provides details of the income maximisation work carried out by the Tackling Poverty Team and council services during 2022/23 which generated £35,480,020 in additional benefit income for the residents of North Lanarkshire. It also highlights the activity of the external services commissioned by the Council under the new commissioning model which started in April 2018 which generated £5,267,650 in additional benefit income for the residents of North Lanarkshire during the same period. Over this period legacy issues of the coronavirus pandemic alongside the impact of the cost-of-living crisis have impacted disproportionately on the most vulnerable in driving poverty and inequalities in our communities and bringing the importance of income maximisation and wider work to tackle poverty into sharp focus, 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. This report focuses in particular on the key area of income from welfare benefits and therefore also updates on the continued programme of welfare reform and its impact, including on the introduction of benefits devolved and now provided through Social Security Scotland as well as the challenges which the Council, partners and our communities will face over the next three to four years. Recommendations It is recommended that the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee: (1) Approves the content of the report; and (2) Remits the report to the Integration Joint Board for information. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities Ambition statement (11) Increase economic opportunities for adults by understanding, identifying, and addressing the causes of poverty and deprivation and barriers to financial inclusion Item 5 Page 225 of 236
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1. Background 1.1 Due to the complexity of the benefits system, general and specialist welfare rights services are crucial to individuals and families dependent on out of work and in-work benefits. The Tackling Poverty Team provide support, advice and assistance to staff on the range of state benefits and directly assist service users and residents to claim all benefits to which they are entitled. The main thrust of all welfare rights work is the maximisation of income for individuals, with consequential benefits for the council and for the community as a whole. Given the poverty levels within North Lanarkshire, it is important that the council mobilises its resources to tackle poverty amongst both users of key council services and in the wider community. 1.2 The Tackling Poverty Team, Social Work Services and Housing Services provides 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. Income maximisation also plays a vital role in longer term Social Work services such as Adult Social Work, Children and Families, Kinship Care, Justice Services, Mental Health and Addictions. 1.3 A key role of the Tackling Poverty Team is to support the income maximisation service through the First Point of Contact Team directly to residents in addition to providing support services for fieldwork staff, supporting specialist Social Work Services, Education Services and Housing Services and through the Resolution Team representing clients at tribunals and hearings. Successful welfare rights intervention, where individuals are awarded extra benefit, frequently means that, as a result of increased income, they are better able to manage their own affairs and, in some instances, may not require further social work services. 1.4 Since 2011, the council has succeeded in securing financial contributions from a number of partner organisations to help fund programmes aimed at reducing the impact of welfare reform. These additional resources, which to date amount to approximately £3.3m, have been used to enhance capacity to deal with the significant increase in demand for representation, training, advice, information and support. 1.5 The Coronavirus pandemic brought inequality into sharp focus, highlighting the impact of low paid and insecure work in particular. The impact of the measures to combat the pandemic have had an unequal impact across Scotland and North Lanarkshire, in particular with a greater impact on people living in socio-economic disadvantage and with a number of specific impacts on children who were already living in poverty, or whose families have now been pushed into poverty. 1.6 Progress in developing local approaches to tackling poverty and reducing inequality in North Lanarkshire, have continued to be strengthened with activity focused on the key drivers of poverty, via the Towards a Fairer North Lanarkshire Tackling Poverty Strategy. 1.7 In addition to the challenges already referenced relating to the Coronavirus pandemic and the extended Cost-of-Living Crisis, the 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 have required continual review and targeting of activity to meet evolving needs. Page 226 of 236
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2. Report Income Maximisation 2.1 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 Early intervention with income maximisation assists in the prevention of rent arrears and the sustainability of tenancies. 2.3 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). 2.4 From 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, Housing Services generated £15,041,770 in benefits for 4,007 new and existing tenants, making 6,663 claims for benefits of which 4,542 were claims for Housing Benefit (including Supported Accommodation), 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). 2.5 Similarly, the TPT, together with Social Work Services completed 18,521 Benefit Checks in 2022/23 generating an income to local residents of £17,930,624, with additional financial gains of £97,294, (benefits, charities, and energy suppliers etc.) generated via Debt Advisors within the FIT. 2.6 The MacMillan Lanarkshire Advice Service is provided by North Lanarkshire Council and provides home visits, telephone interviews, office visits and surgeries in local hospitals. The TPT manages this service. Between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023, there were 700 referrals to the service, of which 387 were for DS1500/BASRiS cases (relating to those coping with terminal illness). It should be noted that this is a reduction from previous years, due mainly to cancer services pausing due to coronavirus nonetheless £2,410,332 of income was generated for those residents referred affected by cancer. 2.7 The table below summarises the income maximisation work undertaken throughout the year: Social Work / TPT £17,930,624 Housing Services £15,041,770 Macmillan Lanarkshire Service £2,410,332 Charities, and energy suppliers £97,294 Total £35,480,020 2.8 The TPT and Social Work Service generated 54.38% of the council total, with Housing Services making up the remaining 45.62%. In cost/benefit terms, it is worth noting that Page 227 of 236
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every £1 invested by the council in income maximisation during 2022/23 generated £27.81 for residents and the local economy. 2.9 The TPT also received 10,337, referrals from Elected Members, MSP’s/MP’s, NHSL and other agencies, for welfare rights advice and information. Appeals 2.10 The TPT restructured in October 2022 and again in March 2023. One of the main changes was the establishment of a Resolutions Team which would provide representation for residents at mandatory reconsideration stage and appeals which is a core element of a Welfare Rights Officer’s work. During 2022/23, Welfare Rights Officers represented at 293 individual claims at the mandatory reconsideration stage with a success rate of 64% and represented residents at 139 appeals (a significant decrease on previous years due to decrease in DWP activity, mandatory reconsiderations, and the impact of coronavirus). 2.11 The overall success rate for Social Security Appeal Tribunals by the Tackling Poverty Team was 81%, which is an improvement on last year and above the national average of 66%. 2.12 Service Users Questionnaires/Surveys to monitor customer satisfaction did not take place during 2021/22 due to coronavirus however the Business Intelligence Team have advised they are currently developing an online consultation tool called SNAP, where surveys can be emailed to a client’s email address / put onto the council website. It is anticipated that this will support this activity going forward and ensure that feedback from customers supports quality assurance and is influential in the continued development of the services. Debt Advice 2.13 The TPT received 1744 referrals for Money Advice/Debt Advice during 2022/23 from residents, elected members, CABx, Health and Social Care Services, Housing Services, NHS Lanarkshire and other Advice and Information agencies. 2.14 The Tackling Poverty Team dealt with 18 Debt Payment Programmes (DPP) and 36 Bankruptcies were awarded. Whilst there has been an increase in the number of Debt Payment Programmes and Bankruptcies, the cost-of-living crisis and people’s circumstances continuing to be unstable has impacted on the number of formal debt solutions being accessed. This year saw a further increase in the number of payment/crisis breaks, variations and revocations being dealt with by the team for current Debt Payment Programme’s. The total debt dealt with was £5,912,307 which was an increase of £827,536. 2.15 The Money Advice, Consumer Advice Project (MACA project) for first and second level primary school pupils is currently being reviewed and updated therefore no sessions were carried out during 22/23. The Future Fridays project for S4-S6 secondary pupils carried out 14 sessions with 46 pupils attending. 2.16 As the Money Advice casework system is being reviewed and updated, the Customer Satisfaction Surveys did not take place in 2022/23 however the new casework system will have a survey facility built in. Page 228 of 236
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Training 2.17 Throughout 2022/3, the TPT has provided training to Council and External Partners, via online video tools, face to face 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. 2.18 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 2.19 The Tackling Poverty Team commissions and monitors the external services and has carried out monitoring visits of each Citizen Advice Bureaux as outlined in the funding agreement and can provide 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. 2.20 The External Services have had 6,532 welfare rights enquiries, 2,708 Housing Advice enquiries with 1,351 referred to other agencies, 6,475 Money Advice enquiries with 2,684 referred to other agencies and completed 4,784 Benefit Checks in 2022/2023, generating benefit income to local residents of £5,267,650m. 2.21 In cost/benefit terms, every £1 invested by the council in External Services during 2022/23 generated £14.36 for residents and the local economy. 2.22 It is important to reaffirm that the council commissions the External Services to provide specific advice and information services (not CAB Services) and that these providers also receive funding from other funders, the above information relates only to activity associated with the funding that these external services receive from the council. Legislative/Policy Changes (Welfare Reforms) 2.23 The UK Government/DWP have now resumed the welfare reform programme, as has the Scottish Government. 2.24 As previously reported, the full impact of the UK Government welfare reform agenda is not yet known as the reforms are still being embedded into the system whilst the number of claimants being migrated from legacy benefits on to Universal Credit increases on an ongoing basis. Full service Universal Credit went live in North Lanarkshire in April 2018. 2.25 DWP have announced that Migration Notices issued will be issued to tax credit claimants from April 2023 and this will be expanding into additional parts of the country by September 2023, with moves to Universal Credit activity taking place in all regions Page 229 of 236
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of Great Britain, by the end of the financial year, with plans to undertake Move to Universal Credit in all Jobcentre Districts nationwide. 2.26 Migration Notices to tax credit claimants in North Lanarkshire will start from August 2023. 2.27 The UK Government Budget Statement for 2023, introduced some further reforms as set out below: • Interventions focus on removing barriers to work for people at any age and career stage. • Parents on Universal Credit will be further supported with upfront childcare costs. • Boost to employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions building on reforms. • Parents, over-50s, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions will have opportunities arising from changes announced in the Budget set to be delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions. 2.28 Overall, DWP measures at Budget represent an investment of £3.5 billion over five years to boost workforce participation and grow the economy. That includes: • £2 billion investment in support for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. • £900 million investment in support for parents on Universal Credit. • £70 million investment in support for over-50s. • £485 million investment in support for unemployed people and people who are on Universal Credit and working fewer than full time hours. 2.29 Further reforms as set out below were announced by the UK Government on, principally to address the impact of fuel price rises: • Windfall Tax on Oil and Gas Companies (Levy) of 35% on profits. The tax will be expanded to electricity generators with a levy of 45%. • Low Income Families to receive £900 in three payments, £301 in May 2023, £300 during autumn 2023 and £299 in spring 2024 administered by DWP. • Pensioners to receive an additional payment of £150 or £300, on top of the Winter Fuel Payment. • Disabled people to receive a one off £150 payment in summer 2023. • Energy Price Guarantee will remain at £2,500 for the next three months. • State Pension and benefit will increase by 10.1 per cent in line with inflation (March 2023). Scottish Social Security Agency and devolved benefits 2.30 A number of benefits have now been devolved to Scotland and the Scottish Social Security Agency are in the process of gradually rolling these out, as detailed below: Page 230 of 236
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Job Start Payment Implemented 2020 Scottish Child Payment for under 6’s Implemented February 2021. Disability Assistance for Children & Young People Implemented Summer 2020 Children who receive the highest care component of Disability Assistance become entitled to Winter Heating Assistance Implemented January 2021 Disability Assistance for Working Age People Roll out Nationally will be August 2022 Additional payments to carers who look after more than one disabled child Implemented early 2021 Pension Age Disability for Older People Implemented 2021 Winter Heating Assistance (to be called Low Income Winter Heating Assistance) Implemented Winter 2022/23 Cold Spell – Heating Assistance Implemented Winter 2021 Scottish Carer’s Allowance Full national rollout Spring 2024 Employment Injury Assistance Implemented Autumn 2022 Scottish Child Payment for under 16s Implemented November 2022 2.31 Many of these benefits are replacing existing DWP benefits, but with eligibility criteria being broadened and payments amounts increased, in addition to a number of brand- new benefits being created, this is an import raft of reforms which will have the potential to provide a positive impact on the income of the residents of North Lanarkshire. The TPT will continue to maximise the income of residents, ensuring to check eligibility for these new benefits and support applications where appropriate. Scottish Government - Cost of living crisis – Assistance 2.32 The Scottish Government has identified funding of £35 million for a range of new measures, including: • doubling the value of the December Scottish Child Bridging Payment to £260 per eligible child. • a new £1.4 million Island Cost Crisis Emergency Fund. • establishing a joint taskforce with business, COSLA, local authorities and agencies to consider the differing impacts of regulation on business. • extending energy advice to businesses by investing £300,000 to expand the services of Business Energy Scotland, while doubling the value of the SME energy efficiency Loan and Cash Back Scheme for energy efficiency to £20,000. • new payment break options to help protect those who have agreed to repay debt through the Debt Arrangement Scheme but face unexpected increases in the cost of living. • for anyone in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment, an automatic increase to £25 per week will be in place from 14 November. Applications for the Scottish Child Payment will also be open to all eligible under 16s from that date, with all payments backdated to the date of application. • the introduction of the new Winter Heating Payment allowance which guarantees a £50 annual payment to around 400,000 low-income households. • doubling of the Fuel Insecurity Fund to £20 million in 2022-23, to help households at risk of self-disconnection or self-rationing energy use. Page 231 of 236
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• widening eligibility for the Tenant Grant Fund, to support those struggling with increasing costs. • giving local authorities more flexibility to take account of energy bills in their prioritisation of households for Discretionary Housing Payments. We will also increase funding for Discretionary Housing Payments by £5 million. Future Context and Challenges 2.33 In terms of the labour market the story of North Lanarkshire over the last 18 months has closely reflected that of the Scottish and UK markets over that period. Far from the high levels of unemployment and redundancies that were expected to result because of the restrictions placed on the economy by the pandemic, a complete and unprecedented reversal in the labour market occurred in the last 18 months resulting in an inadequate supply of labour and with all sectors struggling to fill existing vacancies and it became clear that a major factor in this shortage of workers was due to people leaving the labour market. 2.34 The North Lanarkshire claimant count, which acts as a measure of unemployment, was 14,415 (6.6%) people in March 2021 compared with 8,225 (3.8%) in March 2020, a 75% increase on the pre-pandemic level. However, in April 2023 it had decreased to 7,940 (3.6%) and average earnings in North Lanarkshire are now above the Scottish and UK averages for the first time. This is good news, but real challenges remain due to levels of economic inactivity. The number reported as ‘long term sick’ in North Lanarkshire has increased from 14,900 in the 12 months up to December 2019 to 26,300 in the 12 months up to December 2022 and the number reported as ‘looking after family/home’ in the council area increased from 8,500 to 9,900 in the same period. While unemployment is lower than pre-pandemic levels the number of people in the workforce in North Lanarkshire has reduced from 174,000 (78.1%) in December 2019 to 157,100 (70.1%) in September 2022. 2.35 Throughout 2023 unemployment is expected to rise again as the UK enters recession and high inflation continues to hinder economic growth. From an employability perspective this simply reinforces the need to continue to support those further from the labour market in North Lanarkshire to gain the skills needed to get a job and continue to work with employers to create opportunities for our unemployed residents, including those who are economically inactive. 2.36 Residents will be migrated to UC full service over the next two years and are expected to fully comply with the UC rules as someone not in employment. This means that they could be sanctioned and lose their UC payments if they fail to follow their Claimant Commitment. 2.37 DWP focus throughout the 2023/24 financial year will be on those households claiming tax credits only (working tax credit and/or child tax credit). Throughout 2024/25, all cases with tax credits (including those on both Employment and Support Allowance and tax credits), all cases on Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income Based) and all Housing Benefit cases (including combinations of these benefits) will be required to move to Universal Credit. 2.38 Whilst it is problematic to be absolutely accurate based on DWP information and data with regards to Working Tax Credit from HMRC, it is likely that the minimum number of residents who migrated from their current benefits to UC across the period July 2020 to 2024, will be 49,200, meaning that nearly 65,000 residents will be impacted by Universal Credit and/or other welfare reform changes over the next 2 years with the Page 232 of 236
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majority being Council tenants in receipt of Housing benefit/Council Tax Reduction Scheme and/or users of IJB Services. 2.39 Despite the potentially positive impact of some of the new benefits listed at 2.2.2 above the biggest emerging issues from April 2023, is the end of the financial measures and supports for coronavirus, along with elements of financial supports for the cost of living crisis and energy costs with fuel prices still higher compared to 2021 and 2022, highest inflation in over 40 years (peaking at 10.1%), real term cuts in wages, benefits and pensions and the National Insurance increase for workers. These have the potential to result in major issues for our community and council services with respect to increased issues with rent/council tax arrears, debt, food poverty, fuel poverty, homelessness, and impact on capacity of Services. 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 N/A Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) Page 233 of 236
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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? No groups will be disadvantaged or excluded through the implementation of the recommendations of the report. Indeed noting, the recommendations presents an opportunity to promote equality and ensure greater access to public services. The current activity of the TPT, Housing Services and North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Services mitigates the impact of the welfare reform changes within North Lanarkshire and meets the requirements of the Fairer Scotland Duty by reducing inequalities. 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 ☐ Page 234 of 236
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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? 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? There is a potential impact on the Council’s Corporate Tackling Poverty Risk (which is already a high risk), and the service risks in respect of the Council’s capacity to respond to the challenges arising from the Tackling Poverty (Child Poverty), Welfare Reform Act 2012, the impact of coronavirus and the cost of living crisis, in the terms of Council priorities and Services' activities and assisting residents of North Lanarkshire, principally those currently in receipt of benefits (out of work and in work) and welfare assistance. This risk and the controls which support its management is regularly reviewed and will be supported by the new Tackling Poverty Strategy for 2023-26 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. Page 235 of 236
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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). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☒ No ☐ Page 236 of 236