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Rosemary Agnew - Holding copy of SWF report
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) has published a report spotlighting concerns about the fairness and consistency of grants awarded through the Scottish Welfare Fund.
The report highlights issues with the distribution of the Fund, which provides grants to those in crisis.
It focuses on the application of the High Most Compelling (HMC) priority rating by some local authorities, which limits funding to individuals in severe crisis.
This priority rating is being used by more local authorities across Scotland and is being applied earlier in the financial year than ever before.
Local authorities say this approach enables the funding to go further, ensuring that sustained support to those most in need is available throughout the year.
The SPSO argues that the approach could impact on the effectiveness of the fund, deepen hardship in some areas and lead to increased inequalities across the country.
The report highlights challenges faced by local authorities, including limited core funding and ambiguous guidance on both adopting the HMC priority rating and assessing applications under it.
Rosemary Agnew, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman said:
"My report highlights an issue affecting those experiencing the most vulnerability in Scottish society.
I am seeing developments that are resulting in access to support differing between local authorities, potentially deepening inequalities across our country.
I recognise the challenges faced by the Scottish Government and local authorities, and through this report encourage constructive discussions to improve the Scottish Welfare Fund in the future."
This report comes before the implementation of a Scottish Government SWF review action plan.
The SPSO will be hosting a free webinar at midday on Wednesday, 4 December 2024, where the Ombudsman and Glasgow City Council will be discussing the report. Kindly sign up here for the webinar.
Source: The Office of the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman, UK
