£282,000 committed to strengthening cost of living support for residents
Midlothian Council is allocating a total of £282,000 for cost of living support for 2026/27.
The funding will help residents facing rising costs through a range of practical supports. The total allocation supports the council’s income maximisation project, the Midlothian Pantry Network and the Warm and Welcoming Hubs across Midlothian.
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How the funding will help
- Midlothian Pantry Network – continued support to help residents access affordable, healthy food with dignity at their local food pantry.
- Income maximisation advice – making sure people receive the benefits and financial support they are entitled to via the Citizens Advice Services in Dalkeith and Penicuik.
- Trusted Partner model – helping those in urgent need access financial support quickly.
- Citizens Advice Digital Information Points (VERA) – helping residents find cost of living support using newly installed and user-friendly digital touchscreens.
The funding will also support Midlothian libraries to deliver cost of living information and support all-year round, plus the Warm and Welcoming initiative, which offers Free Soup and a Hot Drink at Danderhall, Lasswade, Loanhead and Newbattle Hubs from October to June.
Additional funding secured for community diners
Midlothian Council has also secured a further £99,118 from the Scottish Government’s Child Poverty Accelerator Fund to deliver a 2-year community diners project, which offers families affordable meals in friendly community spaces.
The community diners project is delivered in partnership with Midlothian Community Action, other local third sector organisations and NHS Lothian Public Health.
Midlothian Cares Week
Cllr Kelly Parry, Midlothian Council Leader, said: “Midlothian Cares Week, which runs from Monday 22 June to Friday 26 June, is an opportunity to raise awareness about local cost of living supports available from Midlothian Council and our partners.
“Many families are struggling with the continued increase in living costs, especially food prices. We know that food budgets are one of the first things people cut to pay for other vital costs such as housing or energy.
“That’s why it is so important that we continue to support our local food pantries and develop new initiatives, like the community diners project. These services can be a lifeline for residents, helping them to access affordable and healthy food with dignity.
“Maximising incomes by ensuring residents receive the benefits they are entitled to continues to be an essential part of our cost of living response.
“We’re committed to working with trusted local partners and developing new initiatives to ease cost of living pressures in Midlothian. Our aim is to make it easier for residents to get the support they need.”