MSP welcomes over nine million in support for Highlands and Islands households

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed new figures showing that low income households in the Highlands and Islands have been supported by £9,415,350 in financial support from the Scottish Government.

Households in the Highlands and Islands have received £4,455,980 from Low Income Pandemic Payments and £4,959,370 from Bridging Payments that support families with children in receipt of free school meals.

Across Scotland, these payments have amounted to the SNP Scottish Government delivering more than £145 million to more than 530,000 low income households – including more than 143,000 school age children receiving Bridging Payments.

Commenting SNP MSP Emma Roddick said:

“The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for so many families for a variety of reasons – some have lost wages and jobs, others have seen an increase in heating bills as we all spent more time at home – I’m glad that the SNP Scottish Government has been helping families in the Highlands and Islands to get through this tough time with over £9m of support, and this is in addition to other Scottish low income benefits and the Scottish Child Payment.

“We know that families in the region are going to continue to feel the pressure as we face a cost of living crisis so it is reassuring to see the Scottish Government’s focus on helping those who need it most and their commitment to delivering bridging payments this year.

“Sadly, the contrast between the SNP Government in Holyrood and the Tories at Westminster could not be clearer. While the SNP get on with extending the Scottish Child Payment to under 16s and doubling the payment to £20 per week per child from April, the Tories are cutting support for those who need it most and implementing unfair tax hikes on households.

“It’s now beyond all doubt that Westminster control is not working for people in the Highlands and Islands.  The only way to keep Scotland safe from Tory cuts is to become an independent country, with the full powers needed to build a fairer society.”