A total of £350,000 of Scottish Government Support has helped fund funerals in Largs and Millport this year.

Across North Ayrshire, 235 payments were made to people from the Scottish Government’s Funeral Support Payment in its first full year, according to figures published on 14 November, totalling £349,053.

Since it started making payments last September, Social Security Scotland has paid out £8.7 million to 5,950 people across Scotland who have lost a loved one.

Eligible applicants currently receive an average of £1,761 to help with the costs of a burial or cremation and expenses such as travel and flowers.

Local MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “Losing someone one close is always difficult and having to worry about how to afford their funeral is something no one should experience.

“It’s important to support people at difficult times and the Scottish Government wants to do what it can to stop those who are dealing with grief having to get into debt too.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 means many more people are receiving Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits than previously, which means they could also be eligible for the Funeral Support Payment.”

“It is heartening to know that 235 people and families across North Ayrshire were helped with the payment over the first year and I encourage anyone who think they might qualify, to find out more and apply via mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment or by calling the Funeral Support Payment team on 0800 182 2222.

“The payment can be applied for up to six months after a funeral has taken place, although if you could not apply within this timescale because of COVID-19, Social Security Scotland will accept your application as being on time."