Applications for housing cost support top 120,000

SCOTLAND’S 32 local authorities together received over 120,000 applications for help paying housing costs, according to figures released by the Scottish Government.

According to the latest Scottish Welfare Statistics, here: “From April 2020 to February 2021, local authorities received 121,090 applications for Discretionary Housing Payments, and had spent or committed to spend £74.2 million. “

It adds: “This represents 94 per cent of the £78.9 million budget for awards in 2020/21.”

The statistics define the use of Discretionary Housing Payments “when a housing benefit or Universal Credit (including the housing element) claimant requires further financial assistance towards housing costs”.

Continues the announcement: “The Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) includes Community Care Grants – which help people to live independently – and Crisis Grants, which provide a safety net in a disaster or emergency.”

Picture credit: PlaceDesignScotland