For immediate release

Rutherglen Constituency MSP, Clare Haughey, has welcomed a “momentous milestone” reached in Scottish Child Payments, following the news that over £1 billion has been paid out to Scottish families since the payment was launched in 2021.

In South Lanarkshire, over £62 million has been paid out over the last four years, with nearly 20,000 children in the area benefitting as of December 2024. 

The Scottish Child Payment is a key plank of the Scottish Government’s national mission to end child poverty, and is a payment to help low-income families with the costs of caring for a child.  The payment is unique to Scotland, designed to help families access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on.

Following the passing of the Scottish Budget, the Scottish Child Payment will increase again to £27.15 per week from 1^st April 2025.  This comes alongside the beginning of work to scrap the UK Government’s two-child cap, which the Child Poverty Action Group have said is pushing 15,000 children in Scotland into poverty.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“This news marks a momentous milestone and signifies the transformational impact of this policy in just four years – lifting children out of poverty and supporting those in our communities who need it most.

“Thanks to the Scottish Budget passing, the payment will increase again from April in line with inflation to ensure its value and impact is maintained.

“The Scottish Child Payment is one of the SNP Government’s greatest and most transformative achievements, and I am pleased to see that nearly 20,000 children and their families across South Lanarkshire are benefitting from it.”

For more information on Scottish Child Payment, including who is eligible and how to apply, you can visit www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment

ENDS