MILLIONS of pounds in support have helped residents across Argyll and Bute over the past year, according to annual figures.

A total of £24.1 million was paid out across 14 different benefits by the Scottish Government in the last financial year.

In Social Security Scotland's (SSS) annual report and accounts, the area forms part of the £1.9 billion in benefits. Seven of the 14 are only available in Scotland to support those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

The winter heating payments were paid out to 400,000 by February this year. The carer support payment was also launched to replace the carer's allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Scottish child payments supported more than 329,000 children and young people by the end of March 2024.

SSS said their survey of "clients" showed 90 per cent of people said their overall experience was "very good" or "good". And 89 per cent said they were "treated with kindness".

David Wallace, Social Security Scotland chief executive, said: “While our service has continued to expand significantly, our clients remain at the heart of everything we do.

“We have focused on delivering new payments to people across Scotland including Carer Support Payment, while ensuring we give our clients an improved experience. This year, we have reduced call waiting and processing times and made it easier for people to submit supporting information for disability benefit applications.

“As the number of people we serve grows, I am delighted we have maintained high client satisfaction rates with our annual client survey showing 90 per cent of people who received a payment from us saying their overall experience was ‘very good’ or ‘good’.”