The decision by the council’s Cost of Living Taskforce will also help anchor organisations and trusted partners to continue their holistic support provision too, with local Food Banks and Pantries set to receive additional funding.

As part of the council’s work to continually improve its services, staff across the council will be undertaking training to improve signposting to Cost of Living support to ensure residents with money worries are matched to the appropriate services. The training is being made possible with the assistance of the Independent Food Aid Network and will be delivered by Midlothian Council and NHS Lothian staff.

Midlothian Council leader, Councillor Kelly Parry, said: “Midlothian Council is determined to support our residents who are facing significant challenges due to the Cost of Living Crisis. While Winter pressures are reducing as we enter Spring, the money worries associated with the Cost of Living Crisis are not disappearing yet.

“I am therefore pleased that the Cost of Living Taskforce is extending a range of support measures to aid our residents during this challenging time to prevent further inequality. This extension will come as a relief for residents who benefit from the wide range of support we have available in Midlothian, such as our Warm and Well Hubs or Food Pantries.

“We are committed, along with our trusted partners, to ensuring our Cost of Living response makes a positive difference to the life chances of people living in poverty.”

Midlothian residents can find out more about the full range of Cost of Living support available to them here.