A new £10 million fund from the Scottish Government offering extra financial support to people struggling to pay their rent as a direct result of the impact of Covid-19 has opened for applications.
The Tenant Hardship Loan Fund offers interest-free loans to those unable to access other forms of support for their housing costs.
The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) fund which helps tenants in receipt of benefits recently increased by £3 million, bringing the total amount of additional support to £19 million.
This is on top of the £60 million DHP budget already being used to fully mitigate the Bedroom Tax.
Emergency legislation put in place to protect private and social tenants from eviction during the coronavirus pandemic has been extended until March, 2021.
Ministers have also introduced new regulations to allow for the notice period for eviction for anti-social or criminal behaviour to return to one month to protect other neighbours.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “There is no single solution to the difficulties being experienced as a result of the impacts of the pandemic in Scotland, and the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund is a part of a broader effort to support those who are affected.
“We want people to access the most appropriate form of financial support. For the majority of tenants facing financial difficulties and arrears the best means of support is regular non-repayable support, for example through Universal Credit and Discretionary Housing Payments."
Mr Stewart added: “However, for those who may fall through the gap and are unable to claim such support, or who might be thinking of borrowing, this new Fund will be a helping hand to manage any rent issues that have arisen in the last few months as a result of the impact of Covid-19.”
Applications for the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund can be completed online here.
