For immediate release:

ALMOST 20,000 CHILDREN IN SOUTH LANARKSHIRE BENEFITTING FROM SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT

Rutherglen’s MSP has welcomed new figures which show that 19,545 children in South Lanarkshire are currently receiving the Scottish Child Payment.

The Scottish Child Payment, which provides £25 per week to every eligible child, is estimated to lift 50,000 children out of relative poverty in 2023/24.

Across Scotland, the families of more than 323,000 under-16s were in receipt of the benefit at the end of September, official statistics show.

In South Lanarkshire, over 200,000 payments worth nearly £28 million have been paid out so far to help tackle child poverty – with over £450 million issued across Scotland.

Clare Haughey is encouraging people who think they may be entitled to the benefit to check their eligibility.

Commenting, Ms Haughey said:

“The Scottish Government’s Scottish Child Payment is taking direct action to eliminate child poverty in Scotland and it is very welcome that it is currently supporting almost 20,000 children across South Lanarkshire.

“With the Westminster cost of living crisis, coupled with the colder weather in winter, families will face even greater financial challenges with many struggling to make ends meet. I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be entitled to the benefit to check their eligibility.

“It is estimated that Scottish Child Payment will lift around 50,000 children out of poverty in the current financial year – putting money into the pockets of those who need it most.”

The Scottish Government has twice increased Scottish Child Payment; first from £10 to £20 per week per child then £25 when it extended to include all eligible children under 16 in November last year.

Families and carers can apply at mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

ENDS