The Council Family is being encouraged to continue the great work we already do in helping residents find the right information they need to help them access Cost-of-Living support.
A key policy called No Wrong Door is being launched to build on existing efforts to ensure that residents can access the funding or support they need – whether this be in relation to paying energy bills, accessing education grants for footwear and school meals or finding out more about state benefits.
Many Council employees are already doing their very best to support those in need of guidance when it comes to the Cost-of-Living Crisis, and No Wrong Door will help further raise awareness that many people in our communities desperately need to know where they can access the right advice and support.
The Child Poverty and Cost-of-Living Board, chaired by Council Leader Marie Burns, has hosted six mini enquiries as part of its work over the past seven months, focusing on: childcare needs; employability; access to food; specific issues for people living and working on Arran and Cumbrae and No Wrong Door.
If you need Cost-of-Living support – or someone you know does – there is lots of information on our dedicated webpage at https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/
There is also a handy Council information leaflet online which gives information about clothing grants and free school meals, Council Tax reduction, Community Larders and more.
“What we are asking for, through the No Wrong Door approach, is that staff continue do their best to help residents find and access the right advice and support in respect of Cost-of-Living information.We are not expecting everyone to be experts … just to be aware that we are receiving many more enquiries and where the best advice is available – as many of you already do.”
Chief Executive Craig Hatton
No Wrong Door was the first enquiry and was held in October 2022. Its aim is to build on the existing positive culture among Council employees and partner organisations to help ensure that residents are quickly and effectively directed to the information they require at the earliest opportunity.
In practical terms, this means that when any Council employee – or employees and volunteers connected to our partners – are asked by members of the public for Cost-of-Living information they simply do their best to help.
Many of you are already going that extra mile for members of the public on a regular basis. And it is crucial now – more than ever – that people are directed towards the support they need as quickly as possible.
Chief Executive Craig Hatton said: “I know our residents can already rely on Council employees to do their best to assist them when they need advice, and many of you will already go that extra mile to help members of the public access the services they need.
“What we are asking for, through the No Wrong Door approach, is that staff continue do their best to help residents find and access the right advice and support in respect of Cost-of-Living information.
“We are not expecting everyone to be experts … just to be aware that we are receiving many more enquiries and where the best advice is available – as many of you already do.
“Here at North Ayrshire Council, our core values are Focus, Passion and Inspiration. And we pride ourselves on these.
“No Wrong Door is a key policy that ties into these values – and through the value of Inspiration we always work better when we pull together to help our residents.”
What to do next…
Watch a video below where Council Leader Marie Burns and Craig explain No Wrong Door in full, and Council colleagues demonstrate the simple approach for members of the public seeking Cost-of-Living assistance.
The Cost-of-Living support webpage on the Council website has lots of information on the available support, including;
- How to apply for the Energy Smart: Emergency Support Grant. This provides much-needed funds directly to low-income households to help with energy bills
- The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). This is a weekly £30 allowance to help young people from low-income households continue their education
- Education grants for footwear, clothing and free school meals – which are available for children whose parents are on certain benefits
- The National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is a free electronic card offering access to Council services, concessionary travel, discounts, free bus travel for 15 to 21 year olds and special offers
- Money Matters provides free and confidential Welfare Rights assistance to ensure residents receive their legal entitlement to state benefits. You can get advice on Universal Credit, complete a benefit check and more. Call 01294 310456 (Mon-Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email moneymatters@north-ayrshire.gov.uk