Scottish Government doubles amount of cash available for emergency Covid-19 coronavirus welfare grants

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a boost to welfare grants for those most in need – up from £35 million to £80 million.

At her daily briefing the first minister revealed that more cash from the Scottish Food Fund will go to groups and organisations to get essential supplies to those in need.

She said: “The Scottish Government has more than doubled our investment in grants through the Welfare Fund from £35 million to £80 million so that councils can provide grants to people on low incomes and those grants can provide people with funds directly so they can buy food and other goods that they need.

“If you are one of the approximately 150,000 people who are in what we call the 'shielded' group – the most vulnerable people who are being told to isolate completely – then our text message shielding service, or your local authority helpline, or the national helpline, can help you to order deliveries of basic food and essential supplies.

“The number is 0800 111 4000. Nobody should have worry about access to food, so if you need that help ask for it and we will get it to you.”

With today marking the start of schools' summer term she added: "I said before the decision we took to close the schools to suppress the spread of this virus, and to keep them closed, is one of the hardest I've ever had to take as First Minister.

“The Scottish Government has published some guidelines to support continuity and learning while our schools remain closed. This guidance builds on the work that has already been done and it focuses on three main areas.

“It covers support for children and young people as we learn at home, including particular support for those who need it most – for example, people with additional support needs. It also covers support for parents and carers as you help children; and also support for teachers and school leaders.”

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