Falkirk MSP welcomes funds boost to aid benefit take-up

Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson has welcomed news that the local Citizens Advice Bureau is one of 26 groups across Scotland to share £600,000 to help maximise the take-up of benefits among groups including single parents and people with mental or physical disabilities.

The funding is allocated as part of the Scottish Government’s Benefit Take-Up Strategy.

Mr Matheson said: “The Scottish Government is now delivering seven benefits through Social Security Scotland – three Best Start Grant payments, Best Start Foods, Carer’s Allowance Supplement, Young Carer Grant and Funeral Support Payment”.

He added: “We are building a new social security system with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart, and as part of that our aim is to ensure that as many people as possible who are eligible for this support receive these benefits.

“I’ve had many dealings with Denny and Dunipace CAB over the years and I am well aware of the vital work it does to help people in the local community who have been badly let down by the Tory Government’s welfare policies.

“This funding will help the staff and volunteers to specifically target parents with disabled children, parents with young children, carers, and older people with a disability to ensure that they receive the payments they are entitled to.”