Control over Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) has been transferred to the Scottish Government as of Saturday 1 April under the Scotland Act 2016.

The Scottish Government has been topping up DHPs since 2014 and will now take over full funding, which it said will allow it to support people who are the worst affected by UK government welfare cuts.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: “We have taken action to make sure DHPs are available to all households affected by the Bedroom Tax so no one has to pay it, and have committed to abolishing it as soon as practically possible. We have also increased the funding available in the first year we have had responsibility for DHPs to nearly £58 million, as we want to protect low income families and households from the worst effects of the UK Government’s welfare cuts.

“When all of the powers over social security are devolved the Scottish Government will have control of 15 per cent of social security spend in Scotland. The transfer of these powers is not be a simple inheritance, we are working in partnership with the people of Scotland to deliver social security in a different way – one that is rights based, fairer and respectful.”