Figures released by the Scottish Government has revealed that more than 45,500 households claimed £15.4m in emergency housing help from April to November 2013.

Some 45,772 households claimed £15,365,860 in the eight-month period – almost a four-fold increase compared to just under £4m in 2012/13.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are a reserved responsibility and come under the remit of the Department of Work and Pensions. They are made by Local Authorities to housing benefit claimants who qualify for support.

For 2013/14, the Scottish Government contributed an additional £20m to the DHP fund to help those struggling most with the costs of the 'Bedroom Tax'.

-- Advertisement --

This brings the total amount of funding to more than £35m which is the maximum amount permitted under UK legislation.

Commenting on the figures, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "We have provided an extra £20 million in this financial year to help those affected by the Bedroom Tax.

"That money has enabled councils to top up their Discretionary Housing Payments to the maximum amount that Westminster legislation allows – and help hard-pressed households across Scotland.

"We are also providing a further £20 million for next year so that we can continue this vital help."

She continued: "There is no doubt that people in Scotland are paying a heavy price for Westminster decisions. But these figures show that by working closely with our Local Authority partners we have been able to provide support for over 45,500 households in Scotland.

"And we will continue to do all we can to help. However, only an independent Scottish Parliament will give us the powers we need to scrap the Bedroom Tax.

"Scotland has a choice of two futures – one in which Scotland continues to pay the price of Westminster's welfare reforms, or one in which we have the powers to design a welfare system that suits our needs."

(JP/MH)