CARERS of vulnerable children in West Dunbartonshire are set to receive a financial boost this winter to help with the rising cost of living, it has been confirmed.

The one-off payment of £150 per child is an extra boost for families amid rising food and energy costs.

The payment is being provided by West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and is drawn from a Scottish Government winter funding package earmarked for vulnerable children.

It follows a previous payment in November, equivalent to an extra week’s allowance which was made to support the expense of Christmas.

Michelle McGinty, chair of West Dunbartonshire HSCP, said: “This is fantastic news for kinship and foster carers and I’m sure it will be a welcome boost at such an expensive time of year.

“Family budgets are tighter than ever as the cost of living continues to soar and we are determined to do all that we can to help ease the burden wherever possible.”

West Dunbartonshire HSCP gives regular financial support to foster carers and kinship carers, who look after a friend or family member’s child because the parent is unable.

Rona Sweeney, HSCP vice chair, added: “The positive difference that carers make to the lives of looked-after children and young people is of course priceless, but it’s important to seize every opportunity that we can to show they are valued by us.

“I hope this additional payment can go some way to help these families enjoy a special Christmas together.”