SFHA comments on additional £5 million for Discretionary Housing Payments
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s announcement yesterday (Wednesday 20 May) of an additional £5 million for Discretionary Housing Payments, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said it will be vital that the funds are used to support tenants in the social housing sector who are now struggling to pay their rent as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement of an extra £5 million for Discretionary Housing Payments.
“We know that many people are worried about the financial impact of the pandemic, and it is vital that there is support for costs, such as rent, to help tenants through the crisis.
“DHPs have traditionally been used to write off the ‘bedroom tax’, so we will await the full detail regarding how the extra funding can be used, but we would urge local authorities, which will administer the payments, to use them to support tenants who could struggle with the five-week wait for Universal Credit payment or other issues that are causing them difficulties in paying their rent as a direct result of the coronavirus crisis.”
Ends
For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on m: 0788 788 8348 or email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk
Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SFHA.HousingScotland
Twitter www.twitter.com/sfha_hq
Notes to editors
-
The SFHA is the national membership body for, and voice of, housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland.