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17 February, 2021 Open access

Scottish Government announces new £100 Covid Spring Hardship Payment for low income families

Funding is part of package of measures worth more than £37 million aimed at tackling poverty and inequality

The Scottish Government has announced a new £100 Covid Spring Hardship Payment for low-income families.

Following on from the Covid Winter Hardship Payment scheme, the new payment is part of a new package of measures worth £37.2 million aimed at tackling poverty and inequality during 2020/2021 and is targeted at low-income families whose children receive free meals in schools and early learning and childcare settings.

Commenting on the new funding - that also includes an additional £20 million for councils to tackle financial insecurity at a local level - Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell said today - 

'We know the financial burden the pandemic is placing on people across Scotland and this additional investment will help to make a real difference.

We will invest a further £17.2 million to support families with children. We will use this to fund a further £100 Covid Spring Hardship Payment, following the previous payment in December. This payment will reach up to 168,000 children and young people who receive free meals in school and early learning and childcare settings because their families are on a low income.

The increase of £20 million doubles the funds we recently made available to councils to specifically tackle financial insecurity at a local level. This additional investment will help them to reach more people and offer enhanced support to those who need it most in their communities.'

NB - the Covid Spring Hardship Payments will be delivered alongside the continuation of free school meal provision during the Easter holidays.

For more information, see Funding to tackle poverty and inequality from gov.scot