Extra £2m for Scotland's housing payment scheme to help families at risk of homelessness
The boost takes Discretionary Housing Payment funding to a record £117 million this year, which the Scottish Government says will help about 100,000 households stay in their homes.
Tenement flats in Glasgow's Southside. Discretionary Housing Payments help low-income tenants keep their homes. · Photograph: Richard Sutcliffe (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Scotland's Discretionary Housing Payment scheme, which helps low-income tenants with their housing costs, is to receive an extra £2 million this year, the Scottish Government announced this week.
The extra money takes this year's total funding for the scheme to a record £117 million.
What are Discretionary Housing Payments?
They are payments made by councils to low-income households who are struggling with their housing costs, to help them keep their tenancy in the rented sector. The Scottish Government funds the scheme, and it is the main way it mitigates the effect of the UK Government's under-occupancy charge, known as the "bedroom tax", and the benefit cap.
What has the Scottish Government said?
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "Our Discretionary Housing Payments are a vital lifeline to families at risk of losing their home and help protect people from the UK Government's damaging bedroom tax and benefit cap policies."
She said the scheme was helping to reduce poverty, safeguard tenancies and prevent homelessness. She also criticised the UK Government's decision to freeze support for private renters at 2024 levels, which she said was driving homelessness.
How do I apply?
Discretionary Housing Payments are run by local councils, so tenants apply to their own council. In Glasgow, applications are made through Glasgow City Council. People usually need to be receiving housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
Why does it matter in Glasgow?
Glasgow declared a housing emergency in November 2023, and councillors heard last week that overcrowding is getting worse as homeless households are prioritised for the homes available. Help with rent can be the difference between a family keeping its tenancy or joining the homelessness queue.
What happens next?
Councils will distribute the extra funding through their existing schemes. Tenants who are struggling should contact their council or a free advice service such as Citizens Advice Scotland as soon as possible.