1,280 CHILDREN IN EAST RENFREWSHIRE HAVE BENEFITTED FROM SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT
1,280 children have been supported by the Scottish Child Payment in East Renfrewshire since its introduction, according to figures released by the Scottish Government – with £802,640 having been paid to families in the area.
The Scottish Child Payment of £20 per week, per eligible child under 6, has been hailed ‘an absolute game changer in the fight to end child poverty’ by anti-poverty charities and described as a “lifesaver” by parents.
The payment, unique to Scotland and in place since February 2021, provides regular financial support to parents and carers to help with the costs of caring for a child and latest research has also found that the payment is contributing to reducing child poverty in Scotland.
The Scottish Child Payment is set to increase to £25 per week and be rolled out to all children up to 16 years old by the end of the year.
Commenting Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, said:
“During a Tory-made cost of living crisis, it is great to see the progress being made with the Scottish Child Payment – especially knowing the huge difference it has made to 1,280 children in East Renfrewshire since its introduction.
“I know the severe pressures facing households across East Renfrewshire just now, families are struggling to get by and the £802,640 that the Scottish Child Payment is providing in East Renfrewshire for low income households is lifesaving.
“Sadly, we know that the cost of living is only set to increase so I am glad that families will benefit even further from this payment increasing to £25 per week and being extended to under 16 year olds by the end of the year.
“During these difficult times, the Scottish Government is taking bold action to support families with the powers at its disposal, but sadly it is battling against a cruel Tory Westminster government refusing to take any meaningful action to help people.
“This level of negligence by Westminster is inexcusable and down right cruel. It illustrates exactly why we need to have the full welfare and tax powers of an independent nation so we can build a fairer country.”