In this week’s budget it was announced that the Scottish Government would - develop the systems necessary to effectively scrap the impact of the two-child cap in 2026.
If you qualify for a means-tested benefit such as universal credit or housing benefit and you have more than two dependent children, the amount of benefit you get may be restricted by what is called the 'two-child limit'.
It doesn't affect Child Benefit, amounts for disabled children or childcare (but the amount you get for childcare doesn't go up if you have more than two children in childcare).
Scottish Budget 2025 to 2026 - gov.scot
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman is the independent reviewer of the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) This gives them insight on the service received by applicants.
This recent report highlights concerns related to local authorities moving to High Most Compelling (HMC) priority rating and the changes now around financial crisis.
A full recording of the event and the report are available here: https://www.spso.org.uk/spotlight-reports
Research has been carried out with members of the public facing financial insecurity across Scotland who had used the 'Worrying About Money?' guide.
The report’s findings include:
having information presented in one resource, rather than spread across multiple sources, helped to minimise the physical, mental and emotional energy needed to seek support
the inclusion of local support organisations in the guide was welcomed by participants who had experienced local services as often more approachable and less bureaucratic than larger national services
the inclusion of information on when the guide was last updated increased participants’ confidence that the sources of support would be available if they made contact
You can read the full report at bit.ly/WAMguide-evaluation
The Fife version can be found here ;
Fife has a Fife specific benefit calculator which not only gives someone the information about what benefits they are entitled to but also directs them to Fife specific support. Citizen’s Advice and Rights Fife have worked to make sure the calculator has signposting to the extra help available and the staff and volunteers who can support someone. Check it out.
Poverty Awareness Information Session: Adult: MS
Teams Monday 16th December 14:00-15:00
More information on the poverty awareness training and how to take up a place in the training below in the Sway link:
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about any of the updates this week,
Contact: Sheena Watson
Email: sheena.watson@fife.gov.uk
