MSP Gillian Martin welcomes £3.9million support for Aberdeenshire households

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has welcomed new figures showing that low income households in the north-east have been supported by £3.9million from the Scottish Government.

Households in Aberdeenshire have received £1,736,670 from Low Income Pandemic Payments and £2,255,200 from Bridging Payments that support families with children in receipt of free school meals.

Across Scotland, these payments have amounted to the Scottish Government delivering more than £145million to more than 530,000 low income households – including more than 143,000 school age children receiving Bridging Payments.

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for so many families for a variety of reasons – from job losses and a drop-in income, to an increase in heating bills and the cost of living – I’m glad the Scottish Government has been helping families in Aberdeenshire to get through this tough time with £3.9million of support.

“We know that families in Aberdeenshire are going to continue to feel the pressure as we face a cost of living crisis, so it is reassuring to see the Scottish Government’s focus on helping those who need it most and their commitment to delivering bridging payments this year.

“The Scottish Government has extended the Scottish Child Payment to under 16s and is doubling the payment to £20 per week per child from April meanwhile the UK Government is cutting support for those who need it most and implementing unfair tax hikes on households.”

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