Scottish Welfare Fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund continues to help Scottish households in need.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released statistics on the Scottish Welfare Fund covering the period from 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2016.

The fund comprises Community Care Grants – which help people to live independently – and Crisis Grants, which provide a safety net in a disaster or emergency.

Since the scheme began in April 2013, more than 241,000 individual households have been helped, with awards totalling £124 million to 31 December 2016.

During the first 9 months of 2016/17, £26.1 million has been awarded. This is 75% of the £34.8 million available for 2016/17, and is £1.8 million more than was awarded during the same period last year.

Community Care Grants

During the October to December 2016 quarter, 15,600 applications  were received, which is down four percentage points compared to the same quarter a year ago.

61% of applications were successful with around 10,500 awards at an average of £564 being made. The awards were typically for floor coverings, beds, soft furnishings, white goods and furniture.

Crisis Grants

During the October to December 2016 quarter, 37,000 Crisis Grants were received, which represents an increase of 11 percentage points when compared to the same quarter one year ago.

70% of applications were successful with around 26,000 awards at an average of £78 being made. Most expenditure was on food, essential heating costs and other living expenses. 

Background

 On 1 April 2013, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) abolished  two elements of the Social Fund -  Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans  - and transferred funds previously spent on them to Scottish Ministers.  In its place, the Scottish Government established the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF). The Scottish Welfare Fund is a national scheme run by Local Authorities, based on guidance from Scottish Ministers.  The guidance has been developed in partnership with COSLA, Local Authorities and other stakeholders.   

The full statistical publication is available to read.

This publication contains:  an overview of who has been helped by the scheme; details on the processing times for applications; information on what the Scottish Welfare Fund has been spent on  and household analyses.  Local Authority analyses and details of the review process are also provided.

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About