INCREASED BUDGET FOR HOUSING COSTS SUPPORT

More than £90 million will be allocated to local authorities in 2024-25 to support eligible households at risk of hardship through the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) scheme.

The funding enables local authorities to mitigate the impact of UK Government policies such as the ‘bedroom tax’ and the ‘benefit cap’ which can reduce how much universal credit or housing benefit someone receives.

Payments can also be made where Local Housing Allowance doesn’t meet someone’s rent, or if a household is in hardship and struggling to meet their housing costs.

Increased budget for housing costs support

It is clearer than ever that we need rid of Westminster policies for good through independence.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I welcome this funding which will help to bridge the gap between what people need in benefits from the UK Government, and what they actually receive. This can be the difference between a family thriving, or a family experiencing financial hardship.

“The Scottish Government are clear that this is the right thing to do to support households – but we should not be forced to step in and divert money from our own housing and anti-poverty policies because of UK Government welfare reforms.

“It is clearer than ever that we need rid of Westminster policies for good through independence.”