Warning benefits claimants will suffer

About 60,000 Scottish households could face financial hardship as a result of changes to the housing benefit system.

A Scottish Government report has shown that the reforms will also put pressure on private rental markets, with North Ayrshire expected to be the worst affected area, followed by Midlothian and Inverclyde.

Cosla, the organisation representing Scotland's local authorities, has warned the changes could create "ghettos of poverty" across the country.

The government's assessment suggest 55,000 people face losing their housing benefit or moving out of their home from April.

The UK government proposals mean people paying an average rental price will no longer be eligible for the benefits, and in order to qualify, will have to move to accommodation in the bottom third bracket of rental prices in their region.