A FUND to help people afford funeral costs has paid £1.5 million to Fifers since its launch.

A total of 935 funeral support payments have been made in the Kingdom, according to the latest statistics.

The Scottish Government's Funeral Support Payment is available to all those who receive Universal Credit, tax credits and certain benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral.

Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security 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 average payment in the 2022/23 financial year was £1,835 and can be paid directly to funeral directors.

The scheme can be applied for up to six months after the date of the funeral.