Council Executive have approved plans to reduce the priority level for Scottish Welfare Fund grants, which will mean more local people will be eligible.
The council administers both Crisis and Community Care grants from the Scottish Welfare fund, to support vulnerable West Lothian families. Crisis Grants meet short term financial emergencies, while Community Care Grants provide furniture for homes to help applicants set up or maintain their home.
The priority level for grants was increased earlier this year, after the cost of providing each grant increased significantly due to rising living costs. This meant that the limited budget would not be enough, so grants were restricted to those assessed as in the greatest need.
However, the fund is set to be increased by an estimated £550,000 for West Lothian, after additional Scottish Government support was confirmed.
For more details of the funds, or to apply, please Scottish Welfare Fund
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "We are pleased to be able to extend Scottish Welfare Fund grants to more West Lothian families once again.
"Reducing the priority level will enable us to offer more support to local people when they need it. There is been huge demand for this type of support, as many local families feel the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis.
"The winter months bring increased challenges for households, and I'm sure many will welcome this extra support to stay warm and manage essential expenses at this time."
