The £1million Cost of Living fund has supported more than 25,000 people across Aberdeen over the past year.
The Anti-poverty and Inequality Committee heard on Thursday how the funding, that was agreed in March 2025, has helped to mitigate the ongoing cost of living crisis, with the committee overseeing how the funding was allocated for 2025/26 to support those most affected.
The allocation of funding for 2026/27 was also agreed.
Committee convener, Councillor Jessica Mennie said: “This report shows the positive difference targeted support can make for individuals and families facing real financial pressures across Aberdeen.
“Supporting access to food, energy and essential items has been vital, but just as important is the investment in early intervention and advice services which help people build resilience and avoid crisis. It’s important that despite ongoing economic challenges, continuing strong partnership working and targeted intervention will help deliver ongoing positive outcomes for communities across Aberdeen."
Committee vice convener, Councillor Kairin van Sweeden said: “Tackling poverty requires both immediate action and a long-term approach, and this funding reflects that balance.
“This report highlights the quiet, ‘under-the-bonnet’ work which is happening every day across our city, which supports our most vulnerable citizens. I am particularly encouraged by the strong partnership working of our expert officers, charities, academics and those with lived experience, ensuring that support is shaped by the people and communities it is designed to help.”
A range of early intervention measures were delivered, including financial support for people struggling with housing costs, help to address fuel debt, and opportunities for low‑income families to take part in community experiences such as attending a Christmas pantomime.
Alongside this, prevention-focused initiatives included access to financial advice services, support for food pantries, a cash‑first infant formula pathway, and awareness‑raising activities to highlight the impact of poverty on individuals and communities.
In total, 25,669 people benefited from the funding over the year. This included:
- 167 tonnes of food distributed through 86 partners, equivalent to more than 398,500 meals
- 4,376 children and young people receiving winter clothing
- 4,022 people at risk of homelessness receiving support
- 309 families supported to attend a Christmas pantomime
- 267 people receiving crisis grants
- 2,750 people received financial advice, resulting in total client financial gains of £704,120
The report also highlighted the importance of lived experience in shaping services, with 43 people contributing their insights into poverty, helping to produce five awareness‑raising films and podcasts.
Also at today’s (4 June) committee, Councillors agreed how the funding will be allocated for 2026/27, with the committee’s external advisers playing a central role in shaping the approach.
While food and fuel remain key priorities, the updated approach places greater emphasis on cash‑first support. This includes a £50,000 pilot project to build on previous work funded by the Scottish Government, alongside funding for Job Start payments to help remove barriers for parents returning to work.
A total of £1,019,000 will be allocated in 2026/27, and will include £95,000 to tackle fuel poverty, £111,000 to provide winter clothing grants, £271,197 for food procurement and distribution and £60,000 to provide crisis grants.
The Council will continue to work with partner organisations and communities to build on this approach and respond to the ongoing challenges facing people across the city.