The Scottish government has announced £35m of funding to help tackle budget pressures caused by rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
The Emergency Budget Review (EBR) for 2022-23 identifies funding for a range of initiatives to support people with the increased cost of living, including doubling the Fuel Insecurity Fund, doubling the Scottish Child Bridging Payment to £260 and a new £1.4m Island Cost Crisis Emergency Fund to help island households manage higher energy costs.
It has also confirmed funds to local authorities to support Discretionary Housing Payments
Deputy first minister John Swinney said: ‘The Scottish government's budget today is worth £1.7bn less than when it was published last December. At the same time, demand for government support and intervention is understandably increasing while we continue to try to fund increased public sector pay claims, particularly for those on lowest incomes.
‘These savings are not ones we would wish to make, but in the absence of additional funding from the UK Government, we are left with no alternative.
‘We must balance the books while prioritising funding to help families, back business, provide fair pay awards and to protect the delivery of public services. This Emergency Budget Review delivers on these objectives.’
