SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed has welcomed new figures showing that low income households in Stirling have been supported by £1,676,840 from the Scottish Government.
Households in Stirling have received £831,060 from Low Income Pandemic Payments and £845,760 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 Evelyn Tweed, said:
“This pandemic has seen families struggle through some of the hardest times on record for a variety of reasons. Some have lost jobs and wages, others have had to deal with increased heating and electricity bills as people spent more time than ever at home. I’m glad to see the SNP Scottish Government is helping families get through this incredibly challenging time with over £1.76 million of support, in addition to other Scottish low income benefits and the Scottish Child Payment.
“With the cost of living crisis casting a worrying shadow over many people’s lives, we know that families in Stirling are going to continue to feel the pressure – 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 Stirling. 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.”