Five things you need to know today

Nearly 80,000 grants have been made to help the most vulnerable across Scotland. The grants worth nearly £19 million have been provided to those in need through the Scottish Welfare Fund, Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess revealed this week.

The most recent informal figures from local government on the £33 million fund showed local authorities have notably increased their spend since the Scottish Government revised its guidance in October and organised further promotional activity.

Yesterday, the Scottish Government made contact with more than 100 charities and other organisations which work with people who may need help from the Scottish Welfare Fund, to make sure that they are aware of the support on offer and asking them to help promote the fund.

Established in April the fund provides support to the disabled, elderly, lone parents and other vulnerable groups. It awards money to individuals dealing with emergency situations like a theft or other type of financial crisis, as well as helping people get essential household items to set up or stay in their own homes, rather than be in care. It can also help families facing exceptional pressures, to buy one-off items such as a cooker or washing machine.

By the end of December more than 79,000 grants had been made from the fund with grants totalling over £5.4 million spent in Glasgow City, 1.2 million in the City of Edinburgh and £1.4 million in South Lanarkshire.

The Welfare Minister today announced the Fund still has capacity to give out more than £14 million in grants.

Mrs Burgess said: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the poorest in society are protected during these tough economic times.

“I’m delighted to see an increase in the uptake of the Scottish Welfare Fund with nearly £19 million distributed across Scotland’s 32 local authorities between April and December and thousands of people up and down the country receiving help and assistance.

“But it is vital that people know what support is available to them and how to apply. We have the capacity to give grants to many more people in need and will continue to work with local authorities and the third sector to promote the fund. Whether it’s a family trying to get back on its feet after a financial crisis, or a household in urgent need of support we want to help them in this challenging economic climate.

“There is no doubt that people in Scotland are paying a heavy price for Westminster decisions but we will do all we can to help. However, only in an independent Scotland will we have the full powers we need to protect people from poverty and help them fulfil their potential in work and life.”