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Scottish Welfare Fund

25th April 2017

The Scottish Welfare Fund continues to help Scottish households in need.

Scotland's Chief Statistician today released statistics on the Scottish Welfare Fund covering the period from 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2016.

The fund comprises Community Care Grants - which help people to live independently – and Crisis Grants, which provide a safety net in a disaster or emergency.

Since the scheme began in April 2013, more than 241,000 individual households have been helped, with awards totalling £124 million to 31 December 2016.

During the first 9 months of 2016/17, £26.1 million has been awarded. This is 75% of the £34.8 million available for 2016/17, and is £1.8 million more than was awarded during the same period last year.

Community Care Grants

During the October to December 2016 quarter, 15,600 applications were received, which is down four percentage points compared to the same quarter a year ago.

61% of applications were successful with around 10,500 awards at an average of £564 being made. The awards were typically for floor coverings, beds, soft furnishings, white goods and furniture.

Crisis Grants

During the October to December 2016 quarter, 37,000 Crisis Grants were received, which represents an increase of 11 percentage points when compared to the same quarter one year ago.

70% of applications were successful with around 26,000 awards at an average of £78 being made. Most expenditure was on food, essential heating costs and other living expenses.