Perth and Kinross Council’s Welfare Rights Team Praised for Efforts in Tackling Poverty
Perth and Kinross Council’s Equalities champion, Peter Barrett, commended the council’s Welfare Rights Team for their exceptional work in addressing poverty and inequalities. The team’s efforts have been recognised for making a significant impact on residents experiencing financial crises.
The latest benchmarking figures from the Improvement Service revealed that PKC leads as Scotland’s top-performing local authority in terms of Scottish Welfare Fund budget allocation. Moreover, the percentage of Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grant decisions processed within a day by the council increased from 98.8% in 2022/23 to 99.3% in 2023/24.
Peter Barrett, a Scottish Liberal Democrat councillor representing Perth City Centre and the council’s Equalities champion, lauded the Welfare Rights Team for their dedication and effectiveness in supporting those in need during the current cost of living crisis. He highlighted the team’s remarkable performance in handling over 99% of Crisis Grant applications swiftly, despite a higher volume of claims this year.
PKC has significantly improved its Scottish Welfare Fund expenditure, moving from third to first place and surpassing the national average by achieving a spend of 214.9%, compared to the national decline of 1.1%. This accomplishment demonstrates the council’s unwavering commitment to combating poverty and inequality within the region.
Councillor Barrett emphasised that behind the statistics lie human stories of reduced anxiety, worry, and improved mental health for individuals facing debt and financial hardships. He underscored the council’s dedication to real action in supporting those most in need, as evidenced by the approval of an additional £150,000 in emergency funding to sustain financial aid throughout winter and the fiscal year following a motion tabled by him and SNP council leader Grant Laing in October 2024.
The efforts of Perth and Kinross Council’s Welfare Rights Team have not only set a standard for efficient support delivery but also underscored the importance of prioritising assistance for vulnerable residents during challenging times.
Insights and Summary:
The exemplary performance of Perth and Kinross Council’s Welfare Rights Team underlines the council’s commitment to addressing poverty and inequalities in the region. Led by Equalities champion Peter Barrett, the team has demonstrated outstanding efficiency in processing Crisis Grant applications and securing vital funding to support residents in financial crisis. By prioritising quick and effective assistance, the council showcases a model of proactive governance in tackling societal challenges and supporting vulnerable community members.