Comment on latest Discretionary Housing Payments statistics

Commenting on the latest Discretionary Housing Payments statistics released by the Scottish Government today, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said:

“These figures show a 7% increase in the number of applications made by households across Scotland for help with their housing costs. Local authorities assessed a total of 130,024 applications from people struggling to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads.

“These payments are a vital lifeline to families and individuals suffering housing-relating poverty as a result of harsh welfare reforms, the roll out of Universal Credit, zero-hours contracts, stagnant wages and the high cost of housing.”

Graeme Brown added:

“Today’s figures show the increased pressure faced by households across Scotland, and underlines the need for the continued funding of this vital housing support fund.”