A DEVELOPMENT worker is to help Dunfermline residents with their finances after councillors agreed to fund the post.

Members of the City of Dunfermline area committee agreed to allocate £27,500 from the Dunfermline Community Recovery Fund (CRF) to support the costs of a 12 month part-time Financial Development Worker.

A total of £21,500 was agreed for the position, with the additional £6,000 to allow for targeted financial development projects.

A report to councillors said the project will work with established groups/partnerships to raise awareness of credit union membership and the benefits it can bring.

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Working collaboratively in the area, the post will offer support to individuals to allow them to take control of their financial situation by encouraging membership of Kingdom Community Bank (or other credit unions if appropriate).

The initiative, which follows a pilot in South West Fife, aims to increase the number of credit union members in Dunfermline, embed a culture of financial literacy and education across the area and leave a legacy of improved budgeting, saving and financial resilience in the area.

Committee convener James Calder was in support of the funding allocation.

"We are still dealing with the impact of the cost of living crisis," he said. "For many, this work will provide invaluable support."