The report, discussed at the latest North East Fife Area Committee, highlighted the progress made over the past year to support people experiencing poverty, particularly in rural communities where access to services, transport and support can be more challenging.

Members agreed the recommended Anti‑Poverty budget spend for 2026/27 and approved the next three‑year plan, which focuses on connection, dignity and prevention. The plan has been shaped by local data, partnership working and, crucially, the voices of people with lived experience of poverty.

Local people have played a direct role in shaping this work through the Rural Voice Panel. The panel brings together people from across North East Fife who have experienced the challenges of living on a low income in rural communities. By talking openly about issues like fuel costs, transport barriers and isolation, they help ensure local support is practical, relevant and focused on what will make the biggest difference.

Panel members have also played a central role in developing the new three‑year plan and have contributed to wider engagement, including a rural art exhibition that toured North East Fife earlier this year and gathered further community views.

The report also highlights the importance of improving access to services, with funding supporting outreach‑based projects that take help into communities. One example is the H.E.A.R.T. project (Health, Energy and Resilience Team), which provides outreach support on fuel poverty, energy advice and wellbeing. The project brings together partners from health, environmental and welfare services and has helped people get support locally, reducing the need to travel and the risk of problems escalating into crisis.

Welcoming the report and the decisions taken, Area Committee convenor Councillor Jonny Tepp said: “We are pleased to welcome this report and to approve both the Anti‑Poverty budget for 2026/27 and the new three‑year plan.

“What stands out is the strong focus on listening to people with lived experience. Through the Rural Voice Panel and projects like HEART, we are hearing directly from our communities about what support makes the biggest difference. This approach helps us target funding where it’s needed most and make sure our response to poverty is dignified, preventative and rooted in real local experience.”

The approved funding will continue to support partnership working, outreach services, Cash First approaches, transport support, lived experience activity and projects that reduce social isolation and pressure on households.