Question reference: S6W-15324
- Asked by: Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 23 February 2023
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Current status: Answered by Ben Macpherson on 9 March 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve awareness of the Scottish Welfare Fund’s Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants among pensioner households.
Answer
The Statutory Guidance for the Scottish Welfare Fund sets out the responsibilities for Local Authorities in their administration of the Fund, including promotion and raising awareness across all potentially eligible individuals. This includes providing information on the Fund and making clear guidance available on how to apply for a grant. Local Authorities are also required to ensure that other services which have contact with people in crisis have up to date information about the Fund, including promotional posters and leaflets.
As recently indicated by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government in correspondence to the Committee for Social Justice and Social Security, the Independent Review of the Scottish Welfare Fund is due to publish soon and will inform next steps across a range of areas, including accessibility and promotion.