Government extends funding for debt and benefit advice

An extension of funding for projects that help people cope with issues such as debt, mortgage worries and benefit problems has been announced by the Scottish Government.

Set up between October 2012 and October 2014, the 102 projects across a number of jointly funded advice programmes are managed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board. The Scottish Government has provided £4.1m, with a further £2.35m coming from the Money Advice Service.

Between April 2015 and March 2016, the projects provided help up to 28,000 people with 45,000 different issues, securing client financial gain of £31m.

Colin Lancaster, chief executive of SLAB, commented: “The continued backing for these projects highlights the success of the joint funding approach taken by the Scottish Government and Money Advice Service.

“These projects work with people at crucial times in their lives, whether that’s providing advice to people in rent arrears that may help them avoid eviction or supporting people to challenge decisions on their benefits to make sure that they are receiving the income they are entitled to.

“These projects often work with people who are financially excluded and with people who are vulnerable, such as those affected by domestic abuse or with disabilities. This makes a significant contribution to tackling inequalities in our society.”