CLAIRE Baker has called for greater Government support for those applying for crisis grants as official figures show a decrease in successful applicants.

The Scottish Welfare fund, which was introduced in 2013, consists of Community Care Grants, which help people live independently and Crisis Grants, which provide a safety net in a disaster or emergency.

The call comes as it was revealed to the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP that 5,955 people in the region received emergency funding from the Scottish Welfare Fund between October and December last year.

Official figures reveal that during the same period the acceptance rate for Community Care Grants was down to only 60% and for Crisis Grants down to 68% across the country.

Figures also show that around half of rejections for both grants have been overturned under appeal, leading to fears that potentially successful applications are being routinely rejected.

Claire Baker has warned that this could result in delays for vital funds for those in need.

Currently applications for the Community Care Grants must be processed within 15 working days, dropping to 2 working days for Crisis Grants. Government figures shows that 95% of Community Care Grants and 98% of Crisis Grant applications, were processed within this target.

The Scottish Labour MSP raised the issue directly with the Scottish Government in Parliament. Speaking afterwards, Claire Baker MSP said: “In the last quarter, almost 6,000 people across the region successfully applied for much needed funds through Crisis and Community Care Grants. Yet, what we don’t know is how many people were wrongly turned down in the first instance.

“Many of these will have faced delays that could have serious impacts on their lives, from the paying of rent, to bills or affording food for their tables.

“And there is simply no way of knowing how many people, in a time of crisis and need, were wrongly turned down but failed to appeal their decision as they already feel let down by the system.

“Anecdotally, I am hearing from organisations that staff at the processing centre are feeling under increasing pressure. Underfunded and understaffed they are still expected to meet their target for processing and as such decisions are being taken in haste."

The Kelty woman concluded: “There is no point the Government heralding that 95% and 98% of applications are processed within the time limits if we know that almost half of the rejections that are appealed are being overturned.

“The Government must now ensure that the funding is in place, not just for the grants themselves, but for the administration and processing behind it.

“Constituents need to be confident that, in a time of need, the Scottish Welfare Fund is available and that the right decision is being taken first time.”