Scottish Government gives local authorities flexibility to spend a further £20m of Scottish Welfare Fund resources to support people during the COVID-19 crisis

Additional £10 million has also been made available to fund continuation of free school meals through the winter holiday and Easter breaks

The Scottish Government has released £20 million of Scottish Welfare Fund reserves to help local authorities support people during the COVID-19 crisis.

As part of the Scottish Government’s initial £350 million of funding announced in March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, £45 million was added to the existing Scottish Welfare Fund budget, of which £25 million has been allocated. Confirming today that the remaining £20 million held in reserve has now been made available to local authorities to support people in their communities, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said -

'Those experiencing financial hardship can currently apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund and seek advice on which benefits they can receive. However, this will not be suitable for everyone: some people are not eligible for crisis grants or already receive the full benefits they are entitled to, while others may need immediate support with food and essentials.

We are giving local authorities greater flexibility over funding held in reserve for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to support local action and address people’s needs. This may include supplementing local budgets for the Scottish Welfare Fund to meet demand, providing financial support to tackle food insecurity or to meet fuel costs, or boosting local funding for Discretionary Housing Payments.'

In addition, Ms Somerville confirmed that a further £10 million has been made available to local authorities to continue the provision of free school meals over forthcoming winter school holidays and the Easter break.

For more information, see Funding for those who need it most from gov.scot