£2 million has been paid to residents in the Highlands under a Scottish Government housing payment.
Kate Forbes MSP highlighted the millions being spent by the Scottish Government to mitigate UK Government welfare cuts, after new figures revealed the total paid to people in the Highlands under the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme
In the Highlands, more than 5,600 people in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit were given additional assistance towards housing costs by the Scottish Government.
£1.4m was spent solely on mitigating the Bedroom Tax in the region during from April 1 2018 until September 30 2018.
Kate Forbes MSP said: “These figures are really important in light of the unseen poverty in the Highlands and Islands.
“In an area where costs are higher and rurality adds another burden on families, it is important that we protect people from the very worst impacts of UK Government welfare reform.
“I believe that the welfare system should treat people with respect and dignity, and housing is one area where that is absolutely critical.
“Behind closed doors, some families in the Highlands have very difficult decisions to make between heating, eating or anything else.
“I see some of them in my constituency office, worried and concerned about their kids, their arrears or their future. It is important that the welfare state protects the most vulnerable.”