AN INCREASING number of struggling families in Inverclyde need emergency grants to make ends meet.

Latest figures reveal that, through the Scottish Welfare Fund, payments totalling £723,000 were made over the last 12 months to 2,500 local households facing financial hardship.

In most cases people applied to the council, which administers the fund, for help with both crisis and community care grants because their benefits did not cover all their needs.

MSP Stuart McMillan says the size of the payout is an increase on previous years and demonstrates the difficulties that families on low incomes face.

Mr McMillan said: “The Scottish Welfare Fund helps people and families here in Inverclyde who may be facing financial hardship.

“Between April 2019 and March 2020, 2,575 households in Inverclyde received a crisis grant, representing £240,851 worth of support.

"A total of 970 community care grants were also awarded in Inverclyde, worth £482,315.

“While this support is welcome, it’s sad that the most common reason families gave for needing help being their benefits or other income had been spent."

The MSP blamed the UK Government's policies for the surge and says they need to do more to provide help for those struggling the most.

The Inverclyde MSP welcomed extra support coming from the Scottish Government to cover the increased demand because of Covid-19.

He added: “That funding will help the local authority continue to support people at this time.

"I would encourage anyone in need of support to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund.”