Sharon McDougall - 21st October 2020 - 2 minutes to read
The Scottish government has said it will be providing local authorities across the country with an extra £30 million to help them tackle financial insecurity in their areas.
The additional support is being provided in response to the pressures that so many more people are dealing with because of the Covid-19 crisis.
Of the £30 million being pledged, £10 million has been earmarked to cover the costs of providing school children with free meals throughout their half term and winter holidays.
Further support is also set to be provided to pay for free meals for school children through to the Easter break in the first half of next year.
“We know a healthy meal during the school day helps children to learn – but right now it’s an essential to support families at such a difficult time,” said Shirley-Anne Sommerville, cabinet secretary for social security and older people.
“This money will offer nutritious free meals for children or allow families to get food they desperately need,” she said.
Ms Sommerville went on to explain that most of the extra money being provided to local authorities is designed to give them a greater capacity to address the needs of people dealing with financial hardship in their areas.
A rise in joblessness is anticipated this winter as the UK government’s job support scheme ends and while widespread restrictions remain in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.
With those issues in mind, local budgets are being bolstered so that local authorities are better able to help people who find themselves struggling to pay for food, cover their fuel costs or keep a roof over their heads.
“The funding for Free School Meals during the Christmas, February and Easter breaks will come as a great relief for many hard-pressed parents,” said Bill Scott, chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission.
“We would urge local authorities to use the flexibility given to them by Scottish government to ensure that every penny of extra help available gets to those who need it most,” he added.
If you live in Scotland and your biggest problem right now is your personal debts then Scotland Debt Solutions can help. Contact us directly to arrange a FREE and confidential consultation.
Sharon McDougall
Manager
Levels of unsecured debt in Scotland increased dramatically during 2022 as the cost of living crisis took its toll on household finances.
Close to half a million Scots are in a position of profound financial hardship, according to a new set of figures.
Disabled people in Scotland are being urged by the government to check whether they might be eligible for benefits that could help make their life a little easier.
About
Why Choose Us
5 Offices in Scotland
National Coverage
Ask us About
Home Visits
Helping Scots Get
Out of Debt Since 1989
We offer an
Instant Initial Consultation
We'll Help You
Lower Monthly Payments
HELPING SCOTS GET
Out of Debt Since 1989
We'll give you a call
Our Scottish based team can help advise you on your debt problems.
Tools
Useful tools
Our personalised debt report will help you better understand your financial position and see where your money is going.
Arrange a call with an expert advisor at a time to suit you or contact our team via WhatsApp for immediate help and advice.
We have five offices located across Scotland. Find your nearest one here.
Our Insolvency Practitioners are regulated by ICAS or the IPA and our firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Fees and Information: There are fees associated with our services. These will be fully explained before entering into any of the personal debt solutions referred to on this website. Full details of our fees and how these are charged are fully explained to you prior to you committing to any particular service.