Hundreds of Scots refused cost of living payments as Nats slam ‘immoral’ policy
HUNDREDS of Scots have been refused vital cost-of-living payments after being hit with benefits sanctions, it can be revealed.
Around 700 households didn’t get an initial handout — amid fears further support could be withheld due to the UK Government’s “punitive” policy.
And the blow to families at a time of rocketing food and energy bills was slammed as “completely immoral” by SNP MSP Natalie Don.
A total of £650 was supposed to go to all vulnerable, low- income households on Universal Credit and other benefits.
The first payment of £326 was due to go to them at the start of September, with the second sum paid out between November 23-30.
But stats released under freedom of information show the Department for Work and Pensions turned down 700 people in Scotland.
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Of these, 400 were not given the support solely due to sanctions while the others were refused the money due to sanctions and “other reasons”.
Furious Nat Ms Don said: “It is completely immoral that those most in need are being denied vital support as a direct result of cruel Westminster policies. During a cost-of-living crisis, this is nothing short of a scandal. The UK Government must urgently get these payments to all the people entitled to them.
“By the Tories’ own admission, this payment was introduced for people who are desperately struggling. But they are being denied the support because of the Tories’ punitive sanction regime.”
To qualify for the initial sum, households had to receive a benefit or tax credit between April 26 and May 25. For the second payment, the needed to be paid a benefit between August 26 and September 25.
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But if sanctioned in this period claimants won’t get the extra cash.
Benefits can be cut or revoked if strict rules are breached — including cases where Jobcentre staff believe recipients “fail to take all reasonable actions to find paid work”.
A DWP spokesman said: “People are only sanctioned if they fail, without good reason, to meet the conditions they agreed to.
“Sanctions can often be resolved by re-engaging with the Jobcentre and attending the next appointment.
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“Hardship payments are available to claimants who demonstrate they can’t meet their immediate needs as a result of their sanction.”
The DWP say more than 7.2 million cost-of-living payments worth around £2.4billion were processed in July.
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