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Benefit claims rocket by 78 per cent as lockdown puts Highlanders out of work


By Scott Maclennan

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Universal Credit applications have rocketed.
Universal Credit applications have rocketed.

Dire figures reveal the impact the Covid-19 lockdown has had on the Highland economy as benefit claims rocketed by 78 per cent while use of foodbanks by families with children soared by 186 per cent.

Those worst affected were those under 24 years old, with a 97 per cent increase in claims between those between 16 to 19 and a 93 per cent rise between 20 – 24 year olds.

Overall the numbers of those seeking benefits went up from 11,277 in March to 20,119 in June as Highland Council officials say that existing issues of "exacerbated welfare, debt, housing and employment" were made worse by the pandemic.

Claims lodged at Jobcentres across the north detail how widespread the problem is.

Inverness saw 10,852 applications – up from 5900 in March; Dingwall rose from 965 to 1672 by August; Invergordon was up to 2462 from 1584 and Wick saw 2665 up from 1612.

Blythswood Care revealed that the amount of food provided increased by 97 per cent in April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 and that included a 186 per cent increase in parcels going to families with children.”

The numbers were contained in a report to Highland Council’s corporate resources committee Sheila McKandie, interim head of revenues and customer services and Gavin Munro, the policy and assurance officer.

They said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated welfare, debt, housing and employment issues. Individuals and households, who have never experienced the welfare system or difficulties with their financial affairs, are now seeking support from council services and Citizens Advice.

“For example, Highland Citizens Advice report the number of employment advice enquiries they dealt with prior to Covid-19 was approximately eight per cent of all enquiries per month.

“For the second half of March 2020 this figure increased to 60 per cent of all enquiries. Inverness Citizens Advice report they are running at capacity and employment advice continues to be 45 per cent of all enquiries.

“For the Highland Food Bank, Blythswood Care, total food provision had increased by 97 per cent in April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This included a 186 per cent increase in parcels going to families with children.

“In April and May 2020, the Highland Food Bank helped 2,119 clients whereas for the same period in 2019, 1,349 clients were helped (+57 per cent).”


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