THE spiralling cost of living crisis is more important than ever for North Ayrshire’s new SNP administration.

That was the pledge from Councillor Christina Larsen, the cabinet member for finance and procurement.

The Irvine South Councillor spoke out after attending a meeting of the Irvine Seniors Forum, which attracted around 150 people to the Volunteer Rooms at the end of May.

It provided invaluable advice and signposting for seniors in our community as they come out of the pandemic.

Councillor Larsen said: “The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum representative was telling me that people were having to heat or eat and that’s awful. They don’t feel the UK Government payments go far enough.

“Our priorities are the cost of living and helping to combat child poverty.

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“We are very new into it and we must look to better the lives of the people of North Ayrshire no matter what age they are.”

She added: “That will involve talking to officers and the executive leadership team and we will talk within ourselves within the administration. It will be a work in progress.

“We will do everything we possibly can to fulfil our commitment to the people of North Ayrshire when they voted for us.

“The stalls were busy and there was a fantastic turnout and just as I left live music was starting to play. Having an event with a one-stop-shop for advice is great.

“People could speak to different organisations and be signposted.

“Not everyone has technology.”

Money Matters NAC were there to give financial advice and other organisations present included Active Travel Hub, Citrus Energy, Alzheimer Scotland, Men’s Shed, GP Community Link Service, Trading Standards, Police Scotland, the Fire Service, CHAP housing charity and Independent Living Network.