Child Poverty Gamechanger

In the final weeks of this current parliamentary term, the Scottish Government announced what anti-poverty campaigners have branded a “gamechanger” in tackling child poverty. By the end of 2022, eligible families will now receive an extra £10 a week for every child under 16 – low income families with children under the age of six will be fast tracked and start to receive the benefit in early 2021. This announcement means that eligible families with two children under 16 will receive an additional £1,000 a year to spend on day-to-day essentials from clothing to school equipment.

Once fully rolled out, the payment will benefit up to 410,000 children across Scotland - not only supporting those in poverty and but also preventing those on the breadline from sliding under. This is a radical and very welcome announcement – and it’s exactly what we need if we are to reduce child poverty levels here in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley in the face of ongoing welfare cuts from the UK Tory government.

The ambition of this SNP Government to tackle poverty and give our young people the very best start in life is clear. I know the new Scottish Child Payment will be a welcome boost to many young families when it’s fully rolled out over the coming years. However, the sad reality is, this SNP Government is fighting poverty with one hand tied behind its back – without Westminster imposed austerity this benefit could do go further and reach more families. This move is the mark of a serious Government – willing to take bold action to address the needs of Scotland’s people.”

Surgeries

Whilst my regular round of surgeries has been paused until the start of the new parliamentary session in September. my office in Cumnock will remain open throughout. You can call 01290 425876 or contact me at jeane.freeman.msp@parliament.scot or by mail to 46-48 Glaisnock Street, Cumnock, KA18 1BY, with any issues you wish to raise.