The extended scheme helps struggling residents who may struggle to pay for food or heating at the weekend by providing vouchers for shopping or pre-payment cards for electricity and gas.

This is an enhancement of the council’s approach to delivering the Scottish Welfare Fund and has been launched following a £12,000 investment from the council.

On week days, residents can access help through the council’s revenue and benefits team which can provide community care and crisis grants to help people who find themselves in dire need of financial assistance.

Last year the council awarded over 4,200 crisis grants to hard-pressed residents totalling over £230,000. At October this year, the council had awarded 2,177 crisis grants.

Councillor Kath Ryall, convener of corporate services, said: “It’s an outrage that there are people on benefits in our communities who are struggling so much they often have to make the choice between eating or heating. As a council, we’ve always done what we could to support these residents during the week, and I’m delighted this new money means that help can be provided seven days a week.”

Councillor Thomas Rainey, depute convener of corporate services, added: “Welfare cuts have impacted on our community and some residents cannot afford the basics which many of us take for granted. There is help available seven days a week and we want to make sure people know where they can turn if they are struggling.”

@WDCouncil