New Scottish government plans will see families receive a six percent increase in their benefits
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THE Scottish government have announced plans for a six percent increase in social security benefits this year.
Eight social security payments are set to rise, beginning on April 1 2022, with the hope that the additional support will help with the increased cost of living.
Subject to parliamentary approval the Job Start Payment, Young Carer’s Grant, Funeral Support, Best Start Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement will all increase by six percent.
Families in Moray can also expect a rise in the Scottish Child Payment, which is set to double and a boost in the Best Start Foods payment, has risen by five percent.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “We are acting urgently in response to growing pressures on the costs of living, which were already rising and have now increased significantly again due to the illegal war in Ukraine.
“We will provide additional support as quickly as possible by further increasing several forms of devolved social security benefits and assistance - enhancing our planned three percent uprating to a six percent rise - and this will be implemented in just over two weeks’ time.
“The Scottish Government is determined to use the powers we have to move at pace to help those who need assistance most in these challenging times. The benefits we are uprating will support those on low incomes, particularly families and unpaid carers.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has also welcomed the news on the payment increase. Mr Lochhead said: “The SNP Scottish Government is reacting quickly and effectively to support the people in Moray with the increasing cost of living crisis.
“Many families across Moray are facing a squeeze on their incomes as food, fuel and household bills sky-rocket, plus many working people will have their pay packets hit by a Tory hike in National Insurance in April.
“The SNP Scottish Government is taking action to tackle the cost of living, the Tory Chancellor should follow suit and introduce a package of measures to help people in Moray and across Scotland.”
