Scottish Child Payment helps over 100,000 children

Scottish Child Payment helps over 100,000 children since it was introduced in February.

According to the latest data over 108,000 children have benefited from the new payment which was bought in by the Scottish government in February. The figures run until the end of June and show just how many families have been helped already.

The payment which is unique to Scotland is expected to help around 133,000 children this financial year, according to forecasts published by the Scottish Fiscal Commission. The aid helps families on low incomes who have children under the age of six years old.

Shona Robison, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government said: “Tackling child poverty is a national mission for this government and I am proud that we are already supporting over one hundred thousand children through this brand new benefit. The Scottish Child Payment is unparalleled across the UK and unique in being a benefit to tackle child poverty head on.

“Ahead of the rollout to under 16s by the end of 2022, we have introduced bridging payments worth the same as Scottish Child Payment. This £520 a year will be paid in 2021 and 2022 to provide immediate support to around 145,000 children and young people of school age.

“We are making significant investment to tackle child poverty. Taken together, our investment in bridging payments and the Scottish Child Payment will total £145 million this year, allowing us to reach as many low income families as possible right now.

“The Scottish Child Payment together with the three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods could give families on low incomes up to £5,200 by the time their first child turns six.

“We have also committed to significantly increasing the level of Scottish Child Payment, following the planned rollout to 6 to 15 year olds, in order to maximise the impact on child poverty, with the full £20 payment being achieved within the lifetime of the Parliament.

“This Government will continue to use the limited powers we have to tackle poverty and inequality and create a fairer Scotland.”

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