More than 200,000 households in Scotland have received grants through a Scottish Government welfare fund.

The fund distributes cash payments as well as goods to those who need them.

The fund is split into two components: community care grants and crisis grants.

The most common expenditure through community care grants are floor coverings, washing machines, cookers and fridge/freezers.

Food, essential heating costs and other living expenses were the most common items that crisis grants were used to pay for.

In the financial year 2014 to 2015, Glasgow and East Lothian councils had a 33% increase in spending on crisis grants to individuals.

A total of £33.4m was distributed to low income households in the 2015/16 financial year.

The fund was established by the Scottish Government in April 2013 to replace a similar scheme by the UK Government's department for work and pensions.

The Scottish Government's social security secretary Angela Constance said it is "crucial" those in poverty receive help.

She said: "No one in Scotland should be living in poverty, and it is crucial that we are able to give support to those most in need, when they need it.

"This can be especially important in times of desperation or emergency, or when people have been affected by delays in benefits.

"The Scottish welfare fund provides a vital lifeline to families during times of crisis, and helps people in desperate situations where they cannot afford to buy everyday items, such as food or nappies, that many of us take for granted.

"It is important this money gets to those who need it most, and that is why, from April this year, we have made changes to the way funding is allocated to local authorities, to ensure it reaches those people who most need it."

The Scottish Government is currently establishing a social security agency to manage a host of benefits which will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.