More families need cash aid

heavily by the switch to Universal Credit.

The authority paid out an average of £65 in each case, with the money issued within 15 days.

While the number of Community Care Grants remains at a record high with more £184,000 being paid out to help folk to continue living independent lives in their own homes.

People made 540 Community Care Grant applications in the three month period to June 2017, which is five per cent higher than in the same period of last year.

And 330 grants were paid out with the average payment, usually made for household essentials, such as floor coverings, beds, soft furnishings, white goods and furniture, working out at £559 per award, according to figures released by the Scottish Government.

And figures show a massive 78 per cent of Crisis Grants applications were accepted by council paymasters, while two thirds, or 61 per cent, of Community Care Grants were approved.

The information has been released by Scotland’s chief statistician showing how the welfare fund is being spent in council areas across the country.

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.”

Universal Credit aims to simplify the welfare system by replacing six benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment.

However, the new system’s rollout has sparked chaos for many families over the initial wait for payments of six weeks or more that leaves people penniless.