Spike in crisis grant applications
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A 59% increase in applications for crisis grants in Scotland in March shows that low-income families are struggling to cope with the impacts of the coronavirus crisis, social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said.
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP
Monthly Scottish Welfare Fund figures show that crisis grant applications during March were almost 60% higher than for the same month last year.
Ms Somerville said: “This unprecedented health crisis is disrupting lives and causing financial hardship across Scotland and will undoubtedly be felt keenly by those who were already struggling financially. The Scottish Government is determined to protect and support those affected as best we can, which is why we announced a number of financial packages in response to the COVID-19 situation, including a £350 million emergency fund to support welfare and wellbeing.
“Financial pressures continue, and it’s no surprise that the latest data shows a significant increase in applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund, from people struggling just to make ends meet. The Scottish Government and local authorities are currently paying out record levels of crisis grant funding and are more determined than ever to protect those most at risk in our society.”
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