We created a survey to capture the voices of those with lived experience of poverty to help shape both the strategy and our future approach to tackling poverty and inequality in our community.

In the autumn of 2019, 476 people responded to the survey answering questions around issues such as:

• what impacts on the household and home
• the cost of the school day
• the pressures of food
• transport
• employment on household budgets

44% of the respondents stated that the cost of heating their home was a pressure for them, as was, buying essentials for the home (47%) and council tax costs (42%). 45% of people stated that replacing things that break was a pressure on their household income.

Responses from the survey

“Make help more available – help people buy things they needs that are essential without using payday loan companies” single adult, Airdrie

“Constant requests for money for fundraising in the school puts pressure on” couple, Cumbernauld

“I worry about the future, I am disabled and live on benefits … I keep hearing they cut very ill people off … I don’t know how I will survive … I worry all the time” - single adult, Wishaw

“We need to teach children about budgeting money” - single parent, Wishaw

“Services need to be accessible to the working poor, I need help, but, can only see someone in working hours, I cant afford to leave work” -couple, Cumbernauld

“Affordable holiday clubs open to all” - retired couple

While these comments only represent a snapshot of the voices from the community, they highlight issues linked to the three drivers for tackling poverty:

• income from employment
• income from social security benefits
• the cost of living

Challenge Poverty Week - 4 to 10 October 2021

We are again taking part in Challenge Poverty Week.

Challenge Poverty is an opportunity for you to raise your voice against poverty and unite with organisations across North Lanarkshire in calling for a more just and equal say.

The Tackling Poverty Strategy and the Local Child Poverty Action Reports detail the work that has already been done and the work planned to tackle poverty in our communities by the council and our partners.