On the 31 August 2022, £1 million was allocated to Community Food Customer Initiatives North East (Cfine), Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF), SCARF, ABZ Works and the Financial Inclusion Team (FIT) to help alleviate the impact of the cost of living crisis we are currently facing.

Additionally, Cfine has spent all funds allocated for Support, Advice, Finance and Advice (SAFE) team advice, which has been key in providing support and information on welfare and benefits, a service which has seen a significant increase in demand.

In March, the council’s Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee visited Cfine as part of a programme of visits to key organisations. The visit involved a tour of operations where committee members met with volunteers and staff, including members of the SAFE team.

Committee convener Councillor Christian Allard said: “I am pleased to see the positive impact the Cost of Living Fund is having on our communities across Aberdeen. These figures highlight the importance of this fund to help tackle poverty in our city as well as the importance of working with many partners to identify and support families.”

Committee vice-convener Councillor Desmond Bouse said: “It is great to see the progress being made to support families through access to food and help with increasing fuel costs, as well as providing money advice and information on topics such as fuel bills and employability opportunities.”

SCARF have supported 993 households with fuel bills and made 390 home visits to deliver insulation and energy efficiency measures. Additionally, 374 lone parents and 619 families with children have been supported through the programme.

ABZ Works is currently supporting 25 lone parents, the majority of which are female, through this fund, which is used to support with the costs of childcare, work clothes and working equipment as well as rent deposits to help remove financial barriers which prevent parents from entering the workplace.