Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 12 November 2025
Welcome to this week's Financial Inclusion Network news
The Financial Inclusion Network is an informal group of over 250 members taken from the Public and Third Sectors which covers all areas of South Lanarkshire. This network is to share information from a wide range of themes. We hope to provide a new update each week that can be accessed by all members at any time to see what is going on in the area under the headings below. If you would like an item included within our weekly news, please complete our short online form here: https://forms.office.com/e/Ht5w7iAuFi. For further information, please email communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Money is not the only problem – Education
Limiting the Cost of the School Day is at the heart of every school. Schools are determined poverty will not become a barrier to success in school.
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/520
Have your say on savings and your services
Everyone in South Lanarkshire has the chance to get involved as the council sets its budget for next year.
A public consultation has now opened as 17 savings options have been tabled to help bridge a £36 million gap over the next two years, with £14m needed in 2026-27 alone.
https://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2770/Have_your_say_on_savings_and_your_services
Healthy Working Lives – Spaces to Talk
As part of the Community Led Support initiative in South Lanarkshire, we are pleased to offer a Spaces to Talk opportunity at the Burnbank Community Hub in Hamilton. This initiative aims to provide community members with early access to support, advice and good conversations.
Sessions will run on a series of Fridays from November through to March, between 10.30am and 12.30pm, at Gilmour and Whitehill Parish Church, Hamilton.
In addition to the services below, a food bank and clothing bank will be available, along with free hot drinks and soup for anyone who drops in:
- Money Matters Advice Service
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- SLC Unpaid Carers Supports/Services
- SLC Early Intervention Social Work Team
- SLC Housing
- Turning Point
- Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health
- NHS Community Link Workers
- NHS Health Improvement
Home Energy Scotland – Win and save with Home Energy Scotland
Our popular quiz is back for 2025/26, giving 10 lucky winners across Scotland the chance to each win a bundle of eco gadgets and appliances worth £750. You will even get to choose the prizes that best fit your home and lifestyle.
Simply answer four quick multiple-choice questions to unlock energy saving tips that will help lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint – plus you will be in with a chance of winning.
At Home Energy Scotland we're here to offer free advice and support to help you make your home warmer, reduce your energy bills, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Our service is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust. We are committed to positively impacting the lives of people throughout Scotland.
Do not hang about - the sooner you start, the sooner you save!
Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland are evaluating the Older and Disabled Person's Free Bus Pass Scheme in Scotland. They have asked an independent research company, Wellside Research, to do the evaluation. You can give feedback via an online survey if you have one of the following free bus passes:
- an older person's pass (age 60+)
- a disabled person's pass
- a disabled person's companion (+1) pass
- a sight impaired person's pass
- a sight impaired person's companion (+1) pass.
The survey, which closes on 23 November 2025, can be accessed at - https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/f2ef0dbf-47f0-4e69-83ff-2769ac3fbe78
Living Wage Campaign
The Living Wage Campaign is an important tool in the ongoing work to Tackle Poverty and Inequalities. There are benefits of paying the Living Wage for employers, employees and local economies. In South Lanarkshire there are 196 Living Wage Accredited employers employing 1,901 employees.
The Living Wage recently had an increase of just over 10% to £13.45 per hour.
For more information contact communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
