Council hands out £90,000 a month to families in need

Benefit payments delay blamed for rise in claims

Handouts helping skint families in the Paisley area are costing £90,000 a month, new welfare figures reveal.

Around 1,400 families received Crisis Grants in Renfrewshire in the last quarter of 2017.

Scottish Welfare Fund figures show a three per cent rise on the same period of 2016, with council bosses awarding 1,405 emergency payments averaging £ 63 each, costing £88,373.

The main reason for tapping into the fund was a household emergency or a delay in benefits, impacted by the introduction of Universal Credit.

Meanwhile, 310 Community Care Grants were distributed in the same period, costing £176,854 to the public purse.

These awards are usually made for household essentials, such as floor coverings, beds, soft furnishings, white goods and furniture.

Figures show a massive 73 per cent of Crisis Grants applications were accepted by council paymasters, while almost two thirds, or 63 per cent, of Community Care Grants were approved.

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

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: “The Scottish Welfare Fund provides a vital lifeline, supporting low income households experiencing emergencies and crisis situations.

“For many, it provides muchneeded financial support for the everyday items that no-one should be denied simply because of their hardships.

“It is unacceptable that people find themselves in these situations through no fault of their own.

“Under UK Government welfare cuts, money is being taken from the pockets of low income families, pushing them into crisis, debt and poverty.”

For many, it provides muchneeded financial support for the everyday items that no-one should be denied Jeane Freeman