AROUND 700 Scots households have been refused vital cost-of-living payments after being hit with benefits sanctions, it has been revealed.

The Scottish Sun reports that £650 was supposed to go to all vulnerable, low- income households on Universal Credit and other benefits.

The first payment of £326 was due to go to them at the beginning of September and the second sum is expected to be paid out between November 23-30.

Stats released under freedom of information, however, show the Department for Work and Pensions turned down 700 people in Scotland. No specific figure for Glasgow was given. 

Of these, 400 were not given the support solely due to sanctions. The others were denied the money due to sanctions and “other reasons”.

SNP MSP Natalie Don told the newspaper: "It is completely immoral that those most in need are being denied vital support as a direct result of cruel Westminster policies. During a cost-of-living crisis, this is nothing short of a scandal. The UK Government must urgently get these payments to all the people entitled to them.

“By the Tories’ own admission, this payment was introduced for people who are desperately struggling. But they are being denied the support because of the Tories’ punitive sanction regime.”

It is understood to qualify for the first payment, households had to receive a benefit or tax credit between April 26 and May 25. For the second payment, they needed to be paid a benefit between August 26 and September 25. But anyone sanctioned in this period claimants won’t get the extra cash.

A DWP spokesperson said: “People are only sanctioned if they fail, without good reason, to meet the conditions they agreed to.

“Sanctions can often be resolved by re-engaging with the Jobcentre and attending the next appointment.

“Hardship payments are available to claimants who demonstrate they can’t meet their immediate needs as a result of their sanction.”

The DWP added more than 7.2 million cost-of-living payments worth around £2.4billion were processed in July.