Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local authorities on pandemic support payments

Background

Purpose

It is widely recognised that the impacts of the COVID pandemic have not been felt evenly across Scotland, with increased pressure on household budgets translating into increases in debt and food insecurity particularly for those on low incomes. Whilst restrictions are being eased, many households will continue to face increased challenges in meeting their basic needs in 2021-22 and beyond.

Whilst the Scottish Child Payment is now being delivered for children under the age of 6, the payment is expected to be rolled out to older children and young people on 14 November 2022. Given the acute need among families immediate support has been agreed through new Bridging Payments, which build upon the approach taken to deliver payments during the pandemic. On this basis around 145,000 children and young people are anticipated to benefit from this support, almost two years ahead of the full roll out of Scottish Child Payment.

The Low Income Pandemic Payment is intended to provide additional financial support to people living on low incomes, helping to mitigate the impacts of the COVID pandemic and to build financial resilience, and in doing so tackle poverty and promote the wellbeing of people across Scotland.

The payments can be used by recipients as they see fit and there is no requirement or expectation that payments received are used for a particular purpose. Common uses may include purchasing essentials, such as food and fuel.

Delivery

Following the agreement of COSLA Leaders, local authorities will deliver the new Pandemic Support Payments on behalf of Scottish Ministers. This guidance has been drafted to help deliver these payments.

The Scottish Government has made available fixed level administration funding to support the delivery of both the Low Income Pandemic Payment and Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments. Local authorities have been advised of their own funding allocation.

Funding for payments made, in line with this guidance, will be provided on a cost recovery basis through redetermination of the General Revenue Grant and paid to councils in March 2022. A similar process will be observed in 2022-23.

This funding will be made available under powers conferred on the Scottish Ministers by section 1A of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978. 

Local authorities, in delivering these new payments, should ensure compliance with GDPR regulations and review privacy statements as required.