More than 265,000 households have received £140 million since the creation of the Scottish Welfare Fund in April 2013. Figures published yesterday 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.”
Scotland’s Chief Statistician released the latest statistics on the Scottish Welfare Fund covering the period from 1 April 2013 to 30 June 2017 yesterday. The statistics showed that of the 265,000 households helped to 30 June 2017, almost 144,000 were single person households and more than 87,000 were families with children.
The Scottish Welfare Fund comprises of Community Care Grants – which help people to live independently – and Crisis Grants, which provide a safety net in a disaster or emergency.Households
Between April and June 2017, a total of £8 million was awarded through the Scottish Welfare Fund, this was 23% of the £34.4 million budget available (£33 million allocated for 2017/18 by the Scottish Government, plus £1.4 million underspend carried forward from 2016/17).
Community Care Grants
• Between 1 April and 30 June 2017, 16,430 Community Care Grant applications were decided and an award was made in 9,830 cases. Overall, 60% of cases were successful, six percentage points lower than the same quarter last year.
• Between April and June 2017, Local Authorities awarded £5.8 million in Community Care Grants, with an average award value of around £590, the most common expenditure was on floor coverings, white goods, and furniture.
Crisis Grants
• Between April and June 2017, 42,155 Crisis Grant applications were decided and an award was made in 28,825 cases. Overall, 68% of applications were successful, a four percentage point decrease compared to the same quarter last year.
• Between April and June 2017, Local Authorities awarded £2.2 million in Crisis Grants with an average award value of around £75. The most common expenditure was on food, essential heating costs and other living expenses.
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