£2bn BENEFITS LEFT UNCLAIMED BY POOR SCOTS
Scottish Labour urge Holyrood to shape fairer social security system
THE poorest Scots are missing out on more than £2billion in social security a year.
The shocking amount left unclaimed includes £251million in housing benefit and in £100million council tax reduction.
Older Scots could have claimed £210million in pension credit and £190million in carers’ allowance has not been given out.
Families and workers also failed to claim £428million worth of working or child tax credits.
The estimates were worked out by analysts at the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP Government don’t control the majority of the social security system but are preparing for a “benefits take-up” campaign next year.
Labour social security spokesman Mark Griffin said: “Behind every one of these figures is a missed opportunity for Scotland to be a fairer place, delivering more support to those who need it most.
“Thousands of families across Scotland are one big unexpected bill away from really struggling.
“Thanks to Labour pressure, the Scottish Parliament recently voted for a legal duty to ensure everyone gets the social security payments they are entitled to – that must form part of the forthcoming Social Security Bill.”
The Scottish Government said: “In 2017, we will be taking our own action to support people to take up benefits to which they are entitled including our benefit take-up campaign.”
£428m work or child tax credits
£251m housing benefit
£190m of carers’ allowance
£100m council tax reduction
£210m in pension credit