Almost £80 million paid out last year to benefits claimants in Ayrshire, says fresh analysis

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Scottish Government provided people who live in Ayrshire with almost £80 million in support across 14 benefits in the financial year between 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, according to fresh analysis.The data, published alongside Social Security Scotland’s Annual Report and Accounts, shows the amount paid to people living in South Ayrshire totalled £37.3 million as part of £1.9 billion in direct payments throughout Scotland.In East Ayrshire, the amount was £49.6 million.The 14 payments, seven of which are not available anywhere else in the UK, provide essential support while people deal with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.Other achievements outlined in the report include the Winter Heating Payment, which was paid to 400,000 people by February this year, and the launch of Carer Support Payment, which replaces Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.And the Scottish Child Payment supported more than 329,000 children and young people at the end of March 2024.Eligible people who get benefits include carers, disabled people and families, pensioners, young people starting jobs and people who need help paying for a funeral.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.Social Security Scotland delivered payments worth £463 million to help families on low incomes with their living costs through five family payments, which includes Best Start Foods, the