Continued support for low income households

More than 265,000 households have received £140 million since the creation of the Scottish Welfare Fund in April 2013.

Figures published today show that between April and June of this year councils received 42,005 applications for Crisis Grants, an increase of 11% on the same quarter the previous year.

The figures also show that 14% of those applications were due to delays in benefit payments. Most applicants requested support for living expenses, including food and essential heating costs. 

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said:

“It is not acceptable that this type of support covering the basic costs of living is needed by so many people. This Welfare Fund recognises the very real hardships that are being endured everyday by families across Scotland and is a lifeline for those struggling to get by.

“We know the impact the UK Government’s harsh welfare cuts is having on people and have repeatedly warned that the chaotic roll out of Universal Credit, particularly the in-built six week delay for first payment, is pushing more households into crisis.

“We will continue to do all we can to support hard pressed families and individuals and remain absolutely committed to a welfare system that treats people with respect and dignity.”

Background

The Scottish Welfare Fund comprises Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants.

There were 15,915 applications for Community Care Grants over the same period to local Councils . The most common request was for help to buy floor coverings, white goods and furniture.

The publication also revealed that families with children accounted for a third (33%) of Scottish Welfare Fund support through either a Community Care Grant or Crisis Grant.

Full statistics will be available on the Scottish Government website