The five-year plan, launched in 2024, is already helping thousands of residents boost incomes, find fair work and cut their living costs.

The publication of the first annual update comes just ahead of Challenge Poverty Week (6-12 October 2025) - a national campaign to shine a spotlight on poverty and call for collective action to build a fairer future.

Locally, Falkirk partners will use the week to highlight the support and advice services available locally and show the difference that targeted support can make.

The report highlights progress across three core outcomes:

Maximising income and reducing costs

Advice services unlocked £16.6m in benefit gains, nearly 30% up on last year, and helped drive 94% take-up of the Scottish Child Payment, the highest rate in Scotland. Nearly £1m in direct payments was provided through the Household Support Fund, with linked benefit checks helping them secure a further £3.6m in other benefits and support. Housing investment delivered 123 new affordable homes and brought over 96% of council housing up to energy efficiency standards.

Opening up access to fair work

The council’s Employment and Training Unit supported 1,663 local residents - a 10% rise on the year before -with almost 850 qualifications gained, helping many parents improve their job prospects. There was also a 25% increase in Modern Apprenticeships, and local procurement activity created 17 jobs, 12 apprenticeships, and community donations for local projects.

Affordable, available and convenient transport

More than 21,000 young people now benefit from free bus travel through National Entitlement Cards, while over 41,000 older and disabled residents hold passes. Active Travel Hubs were launched in three high schools, offering free bikes, scooters, and repair workshops, while a community e-bike library made 150+ long-term loans of e-bikes, cargo bikes and trailers.

The report warns that challenges remain and for 2025/26, priorities include smarter use of data to increase take-up of support, expanding family-sized housing and embedding poverty awareness across frontline services.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said: “This update report shows the progress we are making - from boosting family incomes to creating opportunities for young people - but it also shows there is much more to do. By working with our communities and partners, we can build a Fairer Falkirk where everyone has the chance to thrive.

“Challenge Poverty Week reminds us that tackling poverty is everyone’s responsibility.”