The report shows that targeted action and partnership working have helped improve outcomes for residents, with child poverty levels reducing from 26.6% to 24.9% over the lifetime of the strategy.

Councillor Chris Costello, convener of wellbeing and tackling poverty, said: “This report highlights the real difference that can be made when services work together to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“While we know there is still more to do, it is positive to see the progress made in reducing child poverty and helping residents increase their income. Our focus on early intervention and whole-family support is helping people access the right support at the right time.

“We will continue to build on this work, strengthening our approach and ensuring that people across North Lanarkshire have access to the opportunities and support they need to improve their lives.”

The council’s Tackling Poverty Team, together with other council services and commissioned services, has generated more than £171.9 million for residents through benefits advice and support services over the last three years.

Alongside this, over 520 parents have been supported into employment and a further 138 have moved into self-employment, helping more families to increase their income and improve long-term prospects.

Practical support to reduce the cost of living has also made a difference, including help with fuel costs and the distribution of more than 3.5 million period products across communities.

The strategy has taken a whole-family approach, bringing together services and partners to provide early support, improve access to opportunities, and help people manage rising living costs.

Engagement with children and young people has also helped shape this work. Through the ‘Three Questions’ initiative, more than 20,000 responses were gathered from pupils across North Lanarkshire, providing valuable insight into the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Costello added: “Looking ahead, we will build on this progress through our new Tackling Poverty Strategy for 2026–2031, with a continued focus on early intervention, partnership working and creating sustainable support for residents.”