MORE than 3000 people in poverty across Dumfries and Galloway were able to access thousands of pounds in extra income last year.
Low income residents on welfare were given financial advice around extra benefits they were entitled to, along with debt management support, thanks to a joint partnership set up by Dumfries and Galloway Council and the region’s citizens advice service.
It costs just over £900,000 to jointly operate this Advice and Information Services Commission, but last year it generated over £9m in additional income for those who really needed it.
The total income maximisation between April 2023 and March 2024 was £9,519,299 – which was claimed on behalf of 3348 residents in poverty across the region.
This equates to an average of £2843 in the pockets of those on the lowest incomes.
This success, along with other projects mitigating the cost of living crisis, feature in a report which will be tabled at the council’s tackling poverty, inequalities and housing committee next week.
Mark Molloy, a council service manager, wrote in the report: “Our council continues to deliver in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DAGCAS) the Advice and Information Services Commission throughout our region.
“This commission of £906,500 per annum delivers a detailed range of dedicated financial services including income maximisation, debt management and additional specialist financial support to all residents within Dumfries and Galloway under the age of 60, while over 60s are supported by our council.
“This commission delivers a significant positive impact in helping to reduce poverty and deprivation and all of its devastating impacts.”
The same report also details how the council allocated a total of £1,827m to tackling poverty and the cost of living crisis in 2024/25.
This included 15 key projects, such as £165,000 being spent on bolstering the welfare and housing service team, which faces huge demand from people seeking benefits and homelessness advice.
Another example is the continuation of the taxi cards transport scheme, which received £130,000 to assist disabled people with transportation.
