The Financial Insecurity Fund has been created using the Council’s share of £20 million provided by the Scottish Government for this purpose.

All households that are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction and that have children under six-years-old as of 11 December 2020 will receive a one-off payment of £80 for each eligible child.

Payments will start being made from 21 December.

Councillor Murray Lyle, Perth & Kinross Council leader, said: “We understand many households are struggling financially this Christmas. We have created this fund, using our share of Scottish Government funding, to help those most in need at this time.

“We know that what is a time of joy for many of us can bring additional stress and worry for those less fortunate. We hope the money goes some way to ensuring those families in financial hardship have some extra financial assistance over the festive season.”

Councillor Peter Barrett, equalities champion, added: “As someone who is directly involved in supporting several community food initiatives I know this money will provide a lifeline to many our most vulnerable families over winter. But anyone who is struggling this winter should contact our Welfare Rights Team to see what additional help is available to them.”

People can contact the team by emailing or calling 01738 476900.
People can also apply to the Financial Insecurity Fund if they have:

• No recourse to public funds
• Priority debts including fuel debt
• Broadband debt that prevents you getting online or you require a data package
• Difficulty meeting the essential costs of children under two-years-old or a child with disabilities of any age, such as nappies, milk or wipes
• Additional costs of living rurally

Applications can be made through the Financial Insecurity Fund webpage or by calling our Customer Service Centre on 0345 30 111 00.

The council aims to make decisions on applications within five working days.

Anyone who is in financial crisis and needs money to tide them over until they are paid should apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund for a Crisis Grant by calling 01738 476900 or by visiting the scottish welfare fund page.

Perth & Kinross Council is urging all residents who may be struggling to pay bills, heat their homes or feeling overwhelmed by 2020 not to suffer in silence.