Almost 700 people in North Ayrshire had to apply for funding to help them afford a loved one’s funeral since 2019.

In the area, 695 people claimed a total of £1.28m from the Scottish Government’s Funeral Support Payments fund since its 2019 launch with North Ayrshire payments in the 2022/2023 financial year averaging £1,835.

The funding is available to people who get Universal Credit, tax credits and certain benefits and can be used to help cover a range of funeral costs such as funeral director’s fees, a coffin or flowers.

Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson, said: “When low-income families are struggling to deal with a bereavement, the last thing they need, particularly during this cost-of-living crisis, is to face the added worry of paying for the costs of a funeral.

“The Scottish Government's Funeral Support Payment can give eligible people the financial support they need during a difficult time in their lives.

“I would urge anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply and to remember that people can apply up to six months after the funeral of their family member, friend or loved one.”

Last financial year in the area 80 per cent of applications were accepted – the highest rate in Scotland alongside Inverclyde.

People can apply for funding up to six months after a funeral and the payment can be made straight to the funeral director – with 64 per cent of beneficiaries choosing to do so.

Anyone in need of funding can apply via the Social Security Scotland website at www.socialsecurity.gov.scot or by calling their bereavement team for free on 0800 182 2222.