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Church Concern Over Benefits Access for Low-Income Families

THE CHURCH of Scotland has expressed concern at the numbers of low-income families unable to fully access benefits.

Speaking at new figures from the Department of Work and Pensions show that fewer than 6 in 10 low income families who are entitled to Jobseekers Allowance successfully claim, the Rev Dr Richard Frazer, Convener of the Church’s Church and Society Council said: “These figures demonstrate what people on the ground have known for a long time. Huge numbers of people in desperate need are finding it difficult and sometimes impossible to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

“There are many reasons why families are not claiming their full entitlement. It is clear however that closing jobcentres and forcing people, who are often at their lowest ebb, to make longer and more expensive journeys can only worsen the situation.”

The figures are estimated to represent a £150m loss to low income Scottish families, as it emerged the proportion of low-income families who are entitled to JSA but who are not receiving the benefit has increased by 10% over the last three years. It also comes amid concern about DWP plans to close six Jobcentres in some of the most deprived areas of Glasgow.

These figures come as the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to close 6 Jobcentres in some of the most deprived areas of Glasgow 

Reinforcing the Church’s concern, Pauline Edmiston, vice convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, added: “Getting the right help at the right time can make the difference between getting on top of your family’s finances and spiralling into debt. These figures show that too many Scottish families are not getting the help they need.

“For too long the debate around benefits has talked of scroungers and fraud, stigmatising those who need to claim. At the same time we have been ignoring the much bigger – ten times bigger - problem of people not receiving the help to which they are entitled.”

“A network of open, welcoming jobcentres, based in areas of deprivation would be a good start in addressing this problem. That is why it is vital that the DWP urgently thinks again about its jobcentre closure programme.”


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