More than 9,000 apply for crisis grants in West Lothian as cost-of-living bites

More than 9,000 people in West Lothian applied for crisis grants from the Scottish Welfare Fund last year.

The Holyrood funding is administered by West Lothian Council and paid out more than £610,000 in emergency grants.

The council’s Advice Shop also helped people in southern Livingston secure just over £3m by maximising their income from social security benefits.

Council officers said the figures proved the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite hardest on the poorest.

The Anti-Poverty Service gave its annual update to councillors on the Livingston South Local Area Committee.

In total, 5,670 individuals or families received a crisis grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund in West Lothian last year. The one-off, non-repayable payments are designed to help people experiencing an emergency.

A total of 2,258 community care grant applications were also received, with 1,094 awarded and more than £714,867 paid out.

These grants are intended to help people establish or maintain a settled home and live independently, and can be used to purchase furniture and white goods such as washing machines.

Councillors heard the Livingston South ward represents 10% of the Advice Shop's client base.

Residents in the ward made energy efficiency savings of £50,935 through access to financial support and advice, while support to deal with £731,949 of problem debt resulted in a reduction of £453,426.

The Advice Shop also issued 232 emergency food vouchers and 187 emergency fuel vouchers to households at risk of disconnection.

Councillor Moira McKee-Shemilt said: “Keep on doing the great work. Thank you.”

Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who chaired the meeting, said: “I think I was the first to say this, but the service is the jewel in the crown for the council because you are very much an open door and are full of compassion.

"It has helped many, many people, so please pass on our thanks.”