Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison (pictured) has welcomed recent Scottish Government investment of more than £145 million in low income households.
Figures published today show Low Income Pandemic Payments of £130 were made to more than 530,000 households last year.
In addition, more than 143,000 school age children received Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments as of December 2021, with £520 paid to qualifying families in four instalments throughout 2021.
Ms Robison said:
“We know that many families experienced financial struggles due to the pandemic, whether through lost earnings, increased costs or needing to run their heating more often.
“I am pleased that we have been able to help such a significant number of low-income households.
“This shows our commitment to help those who need it most, and that will continue as we now combat a cost of living crisis.
“This will include continuing to deliver bridging payments in 2022 ahead of extending our Scottish Child Payment to under 16s and doubling the payment to £20 per week per child in April.
“It’s crucial we work together across society on transformational change that will deliver on reducing inequality and our national mission to tackle child poverty.
“It will require all partners to pull together on areas such as employment, maximising incomes and affordable housing.”
