Housing officers are increasingly on the frontline when it comes to tackling poverty and debt.
The numbers of tenants in financial difficulty have surged on the back of the roll-out of Universal Credit and a lot of time is now spent working on applications for benefits and updating applications.
Now, as part of the programme, housing officers can now issue foodbank vouchers to tenants in need.
Linlithgow’s housing manager, Phyllis McFadyen, told a meeting of the town’s Local Area Committee that the local staff had started issuing foodbank vouchers where needed and also prepared welcome packs of food stuffs and toiletries for those moving in to temporary tenancies.
Although one of the wealthiest parts of the county, Linlithgow has not been untouched by the difficulties seen elsewhere from the roll-out of UC.
The arrears position for Linlithgow is £150,178. This is an increase of £30,309 on last year’s position. The West Lothian overall position is currently £2,982,863.
Ms McFayen’s report outlined: “Officers in the team have a number of tenancies under supervision for issues such as child and adult protection, anti-social behaviour and poor tenancy conditions.
“Our officers’ work with a range of services and agencies to ensure tenants and residents are fully supported, tenancies maintained and sustained as far as possible and appropriate action taken where necessary.
“Rent arrears activity continues to be a weekly priority task for the team and will continue to work with all our tenants in offering the support, advice and assistance.”
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We currently have a pilot scheme where our housing officers can issue vouchers to the foodbank to those who need them.”
