Supporting People Through the Cost of Living

Supporting people through the cost of living remains a key priority across North East Fife, and it’s encouraging to see the continued work of the Rural Poverty Action Plan Group to provide practical, joined-up support.

Led by Fife Council, the group brings partners together on a quarterly basis to ensure that people across Fife can access the help that they need, when they need it. Their updated 2026 plan, due to be published in April, focuses on building stronger, more resilient communities and helping individuals not only access support in a crisis, but also develop the confidence and skills to do so independently.

A key part of this work locally is the network of community job clubs, which are available in every ward across North East Fife. These sessions, supported by Welfare Support Officers, offer a wide range of help in a welcoming and accessible setting.

At job clubs, people can get support with:

• Accessing benefits and completing benefit checks

• Managing Universal Credit journals

• Communicating with utility companies

• Maximising income and accessing grants

• Developing CVs and applying for jobs

• Improving digital skills

• Accessing adult basic education

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Fife Benefits Calculator - a helpful online tool that looks at entitlement to UK Government and Social Security Scotland benefits, as well as local support. This makes it easier to ensure that individuals and families are receiving everything they are entitled to.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, I would strongly encourage you to get in touch with your local services or attend a job club session.