Chamber and committees

I refer the Member to answers S6W-15324 on 9 March and S6W-16168 on 24 March 2023.

As stated in answer S6W-15324, 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.

The Statutory Guidance sets out a requirement for Local Authorities to make provision for applications to be made online, on the phone and face-to-face. Local Authorities are expected to actively promote these channels. This is important to meet the varying needs of applicants, including older people who may not be online.

The Independent Review into the Scottish Welfare Fund published on 24 March 2023. As set out in answer S6W-16168, the Scottish Government is working to publish an Action Plan by the end of Spring 2023. The Action Plan will set out next steps for policy improvements to the Fund across a range of areas, including accessibility and promotion.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers