£3.4m fund to help benefit claimants hit by Westminster cuts

NICOLA Sturgeon yesterday set out a £5.4 million funding injection to help Scots affected by benefits cuts.

Up to a million Scots are set lose out when child benefit is cut for high earners and capped at below inflation rises of 1 per cent in the years ahead. Thousands will also lose out on housing benefit when a “bedroom tax” is introduced, making cuts if claimants have spare bedrooms lying empty.

The money unveiled by Ms Sturgeon will go to advice groups providing support and advice to those affected.