The West Dunbartonshire Information and Advice Partnership is set within the context of strategic planning within West Dunbartonshire. While each organisation remains independent they will, through this partnership agreement and strategy, contribute to the priorities set out in the Community Planning Partnership Local Outcome Improvement Planning process. The partnership consists of the following:
'To deliver advice and information services in West Dunbartonshire where anyone who wants to improve their life circumstances, wellbeing, independence and resilience is able to obtain the information and advice and support they need, when they need it and in the way they need it.'
The continued roll out of Welfare Reforms, and the speed at which legislation is now changing will provide significant challenges to people in the local community; these challenges centre on establishing and maintaining a thriving local economy where residents feel safe; our children and young people are nurtured; our older residents are supported to remain independent; and our residents are empowered.
In addition there are a number of other significant reasons why an Advice Partnership Strategy is required such as changes in the economy, demography, comparatively high levels of unemployment and individual indebtedness in West Dunbartonshire and impact of poverty on those suffering from income deprivation.
Joint local working provides the basis of a better understanding of need and demand. The Advice and Information Partnership and our network of partners will be required to implement actions that are designed to support the most vulnerable people in our communities to be included and feel part of this thriving, safe and empowered West Dunbartonshire.
The Improvement Service, in partnership with the Scottish Government, collates and analysis's of data from all local authorities for the Common Advice Performance Management Reporting Framework (CAPMRF). The framework aims to capture key performance indicators for money and welfare rights advice services funded by local authorities on both an in-house and commissioned basis.
The findings presented in these reports showcase the continued importance of Local Authority funded money and welfare rights advice services. Investment in these small but vital services, makes a significant contribution to addressing inequality.
National reports are published on the Improvement Service website annually, as well as reports for each local authority. The latest report, published February 2024, gives an overview of the local authority funded advice provision for West Dunbartonshire in the financial year 2022-2023 is available online.