Vital Work of Advice Agencies Highlighted

Work of Dundee advice agencies is being called “more vital than ever” to support people facing the harsh realities of the continuing cost of living crisis. 

And a report is revealing how a new partnership approach has led to an extra £15.1 million of benefits being raised in the city over last year. 

Councillors are to consider an update on the city’s Advice Strategy,which has seen the city council’s advice services team up with Brooksbank Centre and Services, Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau, SCARF and Aberlour to help improve outreach to individuals and families in need of help. 

Income Maximisation outputs reported by the three main benefits and debt agencies over 2022/23 were: 

• Council Advice Services £10,056,681
• Brooksbank Centre and Services £3,395,019
• Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau £1,699,282 

Projects undertaken to support people include the Morgan Academy Schools Project, Aberlour’s Tayside Poverty Pilot, the NHS Financial Inclusion Pathway, the Child Poverty Pathfinder Support, energy advice provision and an uptake campaign for older people. 

City governance convener Councillor John Alexander said: “The astonishing work that goes on to help people in Dundee and to direct them to lifeline funding and support is more vital than ever given the continuing cost of living crisis. 

“I am pleased to see how a number of innovate initiatives have emerged over the last year through this new partnership approach which is showing the strength in depth that we have in this city.”

Councillors will also be told of forthcoming initiatives which include Work with Public Health Scotland and partners, including SCARF, on possible options to target those with respiratory conditions access help with their heating over the winter months. 

Fairness spokesperson Councillor Siobhan Tolland added: “The achievements of this partnership show what a caring city we are. But we cannot underestimate the scale of the challenges we are facing and we cannot be complacent. 

“It is only through working together that we can hope to provide such a comprehensive service that is dedicated to helping as many people as possible.” 

The report will be considered by the City Governance Committee on Monday December 4.

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