Our budget consultation 2023/24 is now closed.
We will make sure that your comments are reviewed and used to inform the 2023/24 budget that will be set by Council on 23 February 2023.
Poverty affects people in many ways and can have long term effects on an individual's health, the education of our young people and future employment opportunities. We are committed to addressing the inequality that exists within our communities and will continue to prioritise work that addresses the causes of poverty and mitigates and undoes its effects on our most vulnerable residents.
Free school meals are available to families receiving benefits or tax credits, and since the start of 2022, every child from Primary 1 to Primary 5 is now entitled to free school meals.
We also collaborate with our communities to improve food security and make healthy and nutritious food accessible. We will continue to build on the community resilience that worked so well throughout the pandemic to redouble our efforts to tackle economic and health inequalities in our communities.
The pandemic and continual increases in the cost of living have put even greater pressure on many individuals and families in East Ayrshire. We are deeply concerned at the impact this is having.
Our Universal Credit and Financial Inclusion teams already work closely with other statutory and third sector bodies to address a wide range of issues, such as child poverty, debt, fuel poverty, rent arrears, homelessness and housing issues and employability. With this plan we will continue to address these issues in partnership with our communities and other sectors.
How to have your say
Our budget engagement process took place from 18 January to 1 February 2023 and is now closed.