Benefits awareness blitz ‘a PR stunt’
Labour have branded a campaign to increase awareness of benefits entitlement as a “glorified PR stunt”.
The Scottish Government spent just over £5800 on the first phase of the initiative to encourage hundreds of thousands of people to claim their social security payments in full.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman confirmed a Citizens Advice helpline set up as part of the campaign received only 427 calls, while just over 2700 people viewed associated web pages.
The helpline, which operated at the beginning of March, has now been closed.
Labour social security spokesman Mark Griffin said: “Ensuring everyone gets the payments they are entitled to could have an absolutely transformative effect on our country.
“That’s why Labour wants a legal duty on the new social security agency to drive up awareness and make sure people get what they deserve.
“The SNP promised a serious campaign on this SCOTTISH but it looks like a glorified PR stunt rather than a real drive to get more people claiming what they are entitled to.”
The campaign involved a week-long series of radio and press adverts to highlight the range of benefits available.
Freeman said there was a significant increase in people contacting bureaux during the campaign.