Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance has welcomed new figures showing that low income households in West Lothian have been supported by £5,092,890 from the Scottish Government.
Households have received £2,976,620 from Low Income Pandemic Payments and £2,116,270 from Bridging Payments that support families with children in receipt of free school meals.
Across Scotland, these payments have amounted to the Scottish Government delivering more than £145 million to more than 530,000 low income households – including more than 143,000 school age children receiving Bridging Payments.
Commenting Ms Constance said:
“The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for so many families for a variety of reasons – some have lost wages and jobs, others have seen an increase in heating bills as we all spent more time at home – I’m glad that the Scottish Government has been helping families across West Lothian to get through this tough time with £5,092,890 of support and this is in addition to other Scottish low income benefits and the Scottish Child Payment
“We know that families are going to continue to feel the pressure as we face a cost of living crisis so it is reassuring to see the Scottish Government’s focus on helping those who need it most and their commitment to delivering bridging payments this year.
ENDS
NOTES
Pandemic support payments 2021 (full payment breakdown table): https://www.gov.scot/publications/pandemic-support-payments-2021/
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01506 460403
angela.constance.msp@parliament.scot
Unit 4, Ochil House, Beveridge Square, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6QF