FIFERS who are experiencing financial hardship this winter could benefit from new funding from the Scottish Government.

Fife Council has been allocated £1.68 million to target those individuals and families who may be struggling at this time of year and over the cold winter months.

Local authorities have been given the freedom to use their allocation flexibly, and Fife is looking at a number of ways in which the funding can be divvied up.

That will include emergency financial assistance to food, fuel and other essentials, proactive financial assistance to people impacted by the cut to Universal Credit or who may not be eligible for mainstream support, and other activities and services to support wellbeing.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison explained: “We know that many families are struggling financially due to the increased costs they are facing right now. 

“This package of measures aims to ease some of that strain by providing direct support to people.

“The Scottish Government has invested £2.5 billion to support low income households in 2020-21, with around £1 billion focused on supporting children as a cornerstone of our national mission to tackle child poverty and homelessness.

“That includes doubling the Scottish Child Payment to £20 per child per week, with our plans to do so set out in the forthcoming Scottish Budget.

“We are passing on every penny of the £41 million we received in UK Government consequentials.

“However, this in no way makes up for the recent £20-a-week cut to Universal Credit, which has taken an estimated £460 million from the pockets of the people in Scotland who need it most.”

Support for those struggling with fuel bills will include access to fuel top-up vouchers, advice to manage fuel debt and support for those in remote and rural areas.

Anyone having problems with their finances and who needs help can contact 0300 555 0265 or apply online for grants via fife.gov.uk