The proposals were agreed at the meeting held on 16 November and include:

• The extension of the Warm and Well Borders Scheme for a further 12 months
• Creation of a Scottish Child Bridging Payment
• Enhancement of the Clothing Grants Scheme
• Creation of an Inclusion Fund to mitigate hardship and help reduce poverty, increase disposable income or offer longer term solutions
• Creation of a Tenancy Support Grant to help to prevent evictions and homelessness
• Allocation of funding to a range of existing third sector networks and other organisations working with vulnerable individuals in the Borders.

The cost of providing the additional support will be met by an allocation from the Scottish Government of which the council will receive £660k in total.

Councillor Robin Tatler, executive member for community development and localities, said: “As detailed in our Anti-Poverty Strategy launched in October, it is absolutely critical that we continue to support residents as our response and recovery from the pandemic continues. These proposals are further evidence of that commitment, with officers working hard with our communities to ensure that anyone in need will be able to benefit from them as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, there is a great deal of advice, information and support already available if someone is experiencing financial hardship.”