RUTHERGLEN MSP WELCOMES SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT FIGURES

More than 6,000 children in South Lanarkshire have benefited from the Scottish Government’s new Scottish Child Payment according to the latest official statistics – totalling over £1 million in spend.

The figures published this week (August 31) highlight how many families and children received the payment from introduction in February to 30 June 2021.

The £10 per week benefit, unique to Scotland, has the potential to help around 133,000 children (averaged over this financial year) according to Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts published last week.

The Scottish Child Payment supports low-income families with children aged under six. It provides regular, additional financial support for families in receipt of qualifying benefits to assist with the costs of caring for a child. The payment will be made available to children aged 6-15 by the end of 2022.

Parents and carers are able to apply for all eligible children in their household in a single application.

Across Scotland, more than 100,000 children were in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment.

Local MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the statistics and said the new benefit will “tackle child poverty”.

Commenting the Rutherglen MSP said:

“The Scottish Child Payment has been described by charities as ‘game-changing’ and we are seeing it make a difference across Scotland. It is fantastic to learn of the substantial number of families across South Lanarkshire benefiting from it.

“I am in no doubt that the payment, which is unique in the UK, will tackle child poverty head on.

“I would urge any eligible families in Rutherglen or Cambuslang who have not yet applied to do so.

“In Scotland, we are building a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect. Contrast that with the system at Westminster where the UK Government are planning on cutting Universal Credit at a time when vulnerable families need it most.”

To apply or check eligibility of the Scottish Child Payment, call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 or visit https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment/how-to-apply.

ENDS

Date published: 31st August 2022