WIREDGOV

Community projects which will help vulnerable families deal with debt and welfare problems are set to benefit from a £2.4 million funding boost.

The money will see 16 projects receive significant funding through the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s ‘Tackling Money Worries’ programme.

Help will be focused on low-income families facing a change in their circumstances, as this places them at higher risk of debt and money problems, and includes:

• Eight projects focusing on the birth of a child and early years;

• Two projects focusing on changes to family structure; for example, when a relationship breakdown occurs;

• Six projects focusing on the impact of going through the criminal justice system, including families where someone is in prison or about to leave prison.

Examples include the Glasgow Supporting Families and The Fife Young Families Money Advice projects, which provide financial and debt advice to vulnerable families.

Other projects to benefit include the Canny Families project in Edinburgh, which provides help to young families and expectant mothers, and the West Lothian Supporting Families Chill Out Zone, which provides services to young people aged 16 to 25.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“In the past week we have seen the publication of a report that laid bare the extent of child poverty in Scotland. This is a totally unacceptable situation in a country as wealthy as ours.

“It is vital that the most vulnerable members of our society are provided with the help and support that they need, at the times in their life when they need it most. The Tackling Money Worries programme will help 16 projects across Scotland deliver this support through a £2.4 million investment.

“We know that the UK Government's benefit reforms are driving people into poverty and that is why we are investing £81 million in the next financial year to help mitigate the effects of these changes.

"This help is vital but I am clear that we must also work to address the underlying issues of poverty in our society. That is why we have set out the need for Scotland to have full responsibility over welfare and employment powers to the Smith Commission.”

Lindsay Montgomery, Chief Executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board said:

“The projects will play an important role in helping find long-term solutions for low-income families struggling with financial difficulties by dealing with their underlying debts.

“They will provide support to some of the hardest to reach families in Scotland who are most at risk of facing complex financial problems.”

Notes To Editors

The Tackling Money Worries programme will contribute to achievement of the priorities under the Scottish Government’s Child Poverty Strategy, with a strong focus on supporting financial capability and maximising family finances.

A list of the 16 projects to receive funding through Making Advice Work is available here:www.slab.org.uk/news/articles/tacklingmoneyworries