Scottish Welfare Fund: Update to September 2016 Statistics Published

The Scottish Welfare Fund continues to help Scottish households in need. Since the scheme began in April 2013, around 230,000 unique households have been helped by the scheme, with awards totalling £116 million to 30 September 2016.

During the first 6 months of 2016/17, £18.1 million has been awarded through the Scottish Welfare Fund. This is 46% of the £39.7 million available for 2016/17, and is £2.1 million more than was awarded during the same period last year.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released statistics on the Scottish Welfare Fund covering the period from 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2016. The Scottish Welfare Fund comprises Community Care Grants – which help people to live independently – and Crisis Grants, which provide a safety net in a disaster or emergency.

During July to September 2016, processing times for Community Care Grants worsened and Crisis Grants improved, compared to the same quarter one year ago. Overall, 88% of Community Care Grant applications were processed within the 15 working day limit, an decrease of six percentage points compared to the same quarter one year ago. Similarly, 98% of Crisis Grant applications were processed within the two working day limit, an increase of one percentage points compared to July to September 2015.

During the July to September 2016 quarter, 65% of Community Care Grant applications were successful. Around 11,000 awards were made, averaging around £590 per award. The awards were typically for floor coverings, beds, soft furnishings, white goods, and furniture.

The same quarter had 72% of Crisis Grant applications that were successful. Around 30,000 awards were made, averaging around £85 per award. For Crisis Grants, most expenditure was on food, essential heating costs and other living expenses.

Background

On 1 April 2013, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) abolished two elements of the Social Fund - Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans - and transferred funds previously spent on them to Scottish Ministers. In its place, the Scottish Government established the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF). The Scottish Welfare Fund is a national scheme run by Local Authorities, based on guidance from Scottish Ministers. The guidance has been developed in partnership with COSLA, Local Authorities and other stakeholders.  

The full statistical publication is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Social-Welfare/swf

This publication contains: an overview of who has been helped by the scheme; details on the processing times for applications; information on what the Scottish Welfare Fund has been spent on and household analyses. Local Authority analyses and details of the review process are also provided.

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About