News

Anti-poverty work in Scotland has received a £1 million boost over two years following an announcement by Hugh Henry, deputy social justice minister.

Henry, a former welfare rights adviser for several local authorities, said: "Too many Scots do not have the basic financial services like a bank account or access to affordable credit that the rest of us enjoy. Tackling financial exclusion, closing this gap, is a top priority."

The new funding complements a £3 million package announced by the executive earlier in the year. Grants will go to Money Advice Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland to fund debt counsellors.

Last month, the executive launched the Debt Arrangements and Attachments Bill which proposes to alter the law on dealing with debt, banning the use of warrant sales and heightening the role of financial advisers and debt counsellors.

www.scotland.gov.uk

www.cas.org.uk

www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk