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<p>DWP has made an estimated 689,000 means-tested Cost of Living Payments to households
in Scotland and 607,000 Disability Cost of Living Payments to individuals in Scotland.
The Cost of Living Payments are not funded through the Barnett formula, but rather,
are funded directly by the UK Government.</p><p> </p><p>For those not eligible for
the Cost of Living Payment, or who require further support, the Government is providing
an additional £500 million to help households with the cost of essentials.</p><p>
</p><p>This includes £421 million which is being provided in England to extend the
Household Support Fund from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.</p><p> </p><p>The Household
Support Fund <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/household-support-fund-guidance-for-local-councils/household-support-fund-final-guidance-for-county-councils-and-unitary-authorities-in-england"
target="_blank">guidance</a> asks Local Authorities to provide support to those most
in need. In particular the guidance asks Local Authorities to consider those who may
not be eligible for the other support government has recently made available but who
are nevertheless in need.</p><p> </p><p>The Barnett formula applies in the usual way
for this additional funding in England. This means that the devolved administrations
will be receiving £79m of the additional £500m (£41m for the Scottish Government,
£25m for the Welsh Government and £14m for Northern Ireland Executive).</p><p> </p><p>It
is for the devolved administrations to decide how to spend this additional funding.</p>
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