Discretionary Housing Payment figures for North Ayrshire Revealed

DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENT FIGURES FOR NORTH AYRSHIRE REVEALED

SNP MSP: SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT STILL MITIGATING TORY CUTS

Ruth Maguire SNP MSP for Cunninghame South has highlighted the millions being spent on mitigating Tory welfare cuts by the Scottish Government, after new figures revealed that a total of £2,375,220 was paid to people in North Ayrshire under the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme

In North Ayrshire, 3960 people in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit were given additional assistance towards housing costs by the Scottish Government. A massive £1,977,290 was spent solely on mitigating the Tories hated Bedroom Tax in North Ayrshire during the period 1 April to 30 September 2018.

The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme provides financial assistance towards housing costs for those claiming housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

Between April and September, local Authorities in Scotland made a total 100,635 awards under the DHP Scheme, with a total value of £56.9 million and an average award of £565.

Ruth Maguire said:

“These figures provide further evidence of the cost of protecting people from the very worst impacts of UK Government welfare reform, and make clear that the SNP will always stand up for a fairer welfare system which treats people with respect and dignity.

“It shouldn’t fall to the Scottish Government to mitigate the impact of damaging Tory policies like the bedroom tax – but we know that providing a lifeline for families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet is the right thing to do.

“Instead of being left trying to convince an uncaring Westminster government to recognise just how wrong their welfare cuts are the Scottish Parliament should be making all decisions on tax and social security for ourselves.”