When setting the current budget, the council agreed a range of measures to support people during this challenging period.

The Household Support Payment is a one-off payment of £150 that will be made available to 1,000 households on a first-come, first-served basis from Wednesday 1 November 2023 until all funds have been allocated.

The payment is for those East Dunbartonshire residents who do NOT currently receive means-tested benefits.

Applicants must fit the following criteria:

• You must be responsible for paying Council Tax for a property within East Dunbartonshire, which you are occupying as your home.

• You must NOT be in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits.

To be successful, you must also be one of the following:

• Single and earning less than £17,500 per year, and have less than £800 in savings.

• Part of a couple with no dependents living with you, your joint income is less than £25,000 a year and your joint savings are less than £1,200.

• Part of a couple with children living with you, your income is less than £30,000 and your joint savings are less than £1,200.

• Lone parent with children living with you, your income is less than £30,000 and you have less than £800 in savings.

Council leader, Councillor Gordan Low, said: “In our 2023/2024 budget we announced a range of cost-of-living measures to support people across East Dunbartonshire as we continue to navigate a difficult economic landscape.

“The Household Support Payment is another aspect of this package. We introduced this payment as we recognise that there are many people in employment who are struggling because of high inflation and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. We are also aware that as we come into the colder weather, families will once again have to deal with high energy bills.

“If you meet the criteria, I encourage you to apply as soon as possible so you can benefit from this one-off support.”