SNP MSP Rona Mackay has welcomed new figures showing that low income households in East Dunbartonshire have been supported by £2,062,280 from the Scottish Government.
Households throughout East Dunbartonshire have received £1,273,180 from Low Income Pandemic Payments and £789,100 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 Rona Mackay said:
“The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for so many families for a variety of reasons. I’m glad that the SNP Scottish Government has been helping families in Strathkelvin and Bearsden to get through this tough time with over £2 million of support and this is in addition to other Scottish low income benefits and the Scottish Child Payment
“We know that families 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. 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.”
ENDS
NOTES
Pandemic support payments 2021 (full payment breakdown table): https://www.gov.scot/publications/pandemic-support-payments-2021/