Planned increases to six social security benefits in Scotland to be doubled to 6%

Planned increases to six social security benefits in Scotland are to be doubled.

From April 1, the Job Start Payment, Young Carer’s Grant, Funeral Support, Best Start Grant and the Carer’s Allowance Supplement were due to go up by 3.1%.

However, subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament, they will instead rise by 6%.

Ministers have already announced that the Scottish Child Payment will double from £10 per week to £20 per week from April 1.

Social security minister Ben Macpherson insisted that the doubling of the increase will help support those on low incomes across the country.

“We are acting urgently in response to growing pressures on the costs of living, which were already rising and have now increased significantly again due to the illegal war in Ukraine,” he said.

“We will provide additional support as quickly as possible by further increasing several forms of devolved social security benefits and assistance – enhancing our planned 3.1% uprating to a 6% rise – and this will be implemented in just over two weeks’ time.

“The Scottish Government is determined to use the powers we have to move at pace to help those who need assistance most in these challenging times.

“The benefits we are uprating will support those on low incomes, particularly families and unpaid carers.”