Tackling Poverty Update - 2 September 2024

Fife Pension Credit Campaign Round 3 - Early Notice 

A campaign is currently being organised in Fife to reach pensioners who are eligible and not currently claiming pension credit  .

In order to be awarded the DWP Winter Fuel Payment someone has to be in receipt of  pension credit from Monday 16th September to the 22nd of September 2024  .

Fife Council is writing to those who they believe are not currently in receipt of the pension credit but who could be eligible. Work is under way to get letters to these pensioners by Saturday 14th September 2024.

There are approximately 417 people the campaign is trying to reach.

There is a chance to further reach people and get backdated eligibility during December, but the aim is to reach as many as possible from the 16th September .

Social Media messaging, press releases and briefings for key staff will be circulated from early next week . For any queries, please contact awhyte@carfonline.org.uk and visit Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)

New Trussell Trust research out this week reports on the failures of Universal Credit

Key findings:

  • 73% of people on UC are going without essentials
  • 48% ran out of food & couldn't afford more
  • 1/5 had to use a food bank
  • 4 in 10 think their ability to afford daily necessities will worsen.
  • 69% having to borrow money to tide them over
  • 18% behind with energy bills
  • 23% say finances = barrier to work (e.g. transport cost).
  • 1.3 million people (18%) on UC have been at risk of homelessness in the last 12 months
  • 68% of them didn't get any council support

Our work in Scotland - The Trussell Trust

Carer Support Payment – Campaign continuing

Carer Support Payment is the replacement for Carer's Allowance in Scotland.

From Monday 19th August the roll out extended to Fife. This is for new claims, existing recipients of Carers Allowance will have their award automatically transferred.

Carers Support Payment is paid at the same rate as Carers Allowance. This is currently £81.90 per week or £327.60 every 4 weeks.

Carer Support Payment Campaign briefing (pdf).

£13m National Drugs Mission Funds supported over 33,000 people affected by drugs in 2023-24.

The National Drugs Mission Funds Impact Report 2023-24 came out this week. This report shows the breadth of work by frontline services to prevent drug deaths and improve lives in Scotland and includes a small selection of success stories, demonstrating the high quality, compassionate and responsive support that grant holders are delivering to people affected by drugs.

National Drugs Mission Funds Report 2023-2024 (corra.scot)

Email: sheena.watson@fife.gov.uk