Fund for debt-driven homelessness

Oct 8 2012

Projects which help people being made homeless because debts are to receive £7 million of funding.

The Scottish Legal Aid Board (Slab) is handing out cash grants to schemes across the country.

A total of 17 projects are being helped so far, with some of the funding to directly help indebted people at court who face losing their home through legal action.

The projects will offer more in-depth advice to help those struggling with money find sustainable solutions to their debt problem.

The cash, comprising £4.8 million from the Scottish Government and £2.2 million from the independent Money Advice Service, is available between now and 2015.

Projects that help people navigate the civil court process, including for small claims cases, are also in line to benefit. Organisations such as Citizens Advice and housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland are among recipients.

Slab chief executive Lindsay Montgomery said the money will "enhance the provision of help for people in Scotland who require assistance with legal and financial problems".

He said: "We appreciate the financial support from both the Scottish Government and the Money Advice Service for this significant programme of grants.

"The projects will play an important role in helping find long-term solutions for people struggling with financial difficulties by dealing with the underlying debts that are often the root cause of housing problems. Spread across Scotland, they will be seeking solutions that prevent homelessness and try to put in place sustainable debt solutions."

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said that the funding underlines the Scottish Government's commitment to "ensure that people get the help they need to deal with problems such as multiple debts, repossession and eviction".