Scottish Government publishes action plan to improve the way crisis support is delivered in Scotland

Proposed changes to Scottish Welfare Fund include introduction of standardised application forms and decision letters and production of clearer guidance on eligibility

The Scottish Government has published an action plan to improve the way crisis support is delivered in Scotland.

In the Scottish Welfare Fund action plan – which was developed in response to the March 2023 review of the Scottish Welfare Fund – the Scottish Government sets out 22 commitments designed to help the Fund to better address unmet need and make decisions more consistent across the country. The commitments include that it will work with stakeholders to – 

• develop and implement a refined and standardised application form to be used across all local authorities and in all application avenues;
• prepare standardised decision letters for all applicants with details on the right to review and referral to national welfare debt services;
• review the Statutory Guidance to provide clearer definitions on eligibility and what constitutes ‘exceptional circumstances’ with regard to repeat applications; and
• develop and provide standardised communication messages to local authorities and Scottish prisons for Scottish Welfare Fund advertisement and information sharing.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said today –

'Ten years on from the introduction of the Scottish Welfare Fund, it is time to make improvements to ensure it continues to provide lifeline support. These actions will help to ensure that no matter where people live, they can access support they are eligible for in their time of need…

The publication of this plan demonstrates the Scottish Government’s dedication to strengthening our social security system and working to best meet the requirements of people in Scotland.'

For more information, see Strengthening the safety net from gov.scot