Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 9 September 2026
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 the Council Plan
Everyone in South Lanarkshire is being encouraged to have their say on the Council Plan, Connect. Consultation is now underway on the plan, which sets out the council’s vision, values and priorities for the future - https://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/3004/Have_your_say_on_Council_Plan
Challenge Poverty Week 2026 – 5 October to 11 October
Challenge Poverty Week is an annual campaign that highlights the injustice of poverty and showcases how collective, compassionate action can build real solutions. Hundreds of charities, local councils, and community groups take part across the country. The main goal is to raise awareness of the impact that poverty has on individuals, families and communities and to show that working together we can solve the problems that poverty causes. Most of our partners, agencies, organisations and groups will be hoping to get involved by hosting a range of events, training and activities. It is our intention to create a calendar of such events for sharing with everyone to ensure that we are all able to get involved and contribute something.
Can all Financial Inclusion Network members take a few minutes of your time to provide us with the following information regarding any such events that you are hosting or organising, no matter how small the event please let us know:
Title of Event/Activity, Name of Organiserm Date/Time, Brief Description of event/activity, Link if applicable and Contact Name and Details
With the on-going cost of living situation, it is just as important now than ever before to do what we can to tackle poverty. Thanking everyone in advance for your responses. Please send any details to communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Have your say on improving Hamilton Town Centre
Consultation is underway on how Pride in Place funding should be spent on improving Hamilton Town Centre.
Pride in Place is a UK Government funding programme for towns and neighbourhoods that need long-term investment.
Hamilton Town Centre will receive up to £20 million from the programme, with the funding used over 10 years to support local improvements and help improve the centre.
Everyone who uses the town centre – who either lives, works, visits or spends time there – is being invited to take part in the survey.
https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/d9fc35a3-c9d5-4e29-8679-d7fc780eb60a
Community grants now available for climate action projects
Communities across South Lanarkshire are being encouraged to apply for a new grant that supports projects contributing to Net Zero goals.
Funded by SSE Renewables and administered by the council, the Clyde Wind Farm South Lanarkshire Net Zero Community Grant Fund is now open for applications.
