11,495 CHILDREN IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN ARE BENEFITTING FROM SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT

FAMILIES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN RECEIVE £12.7 MILLION IN SUPPORT FROM SNP GOVERNMENT
 
11,495 children in Midlothian and East Lothian have benefitted from the Scottish Child Payment, according to the latest figures released by the Scottish Government - with £12,745,020 having been paid to families.
 
The payment of £25 per week, available to eligible children under the age of 16, is one of five family payments available from the Scottish Government which provide regular financial support to low income families.
 
The Scottish Child Payment is designed to combat child poverty and support families across Scotland, and these figures demonstrate the significant impact of this for 11,495 children in Midlothian and East Lothian, and 316,190 across the whole of Scotland.
 
Following its introduction in February 2021, the payment is the most ambitious anti-poverty measure to be implemented in the UK. It has been hailed as a “game-changer” in tackling child poverty by the Child Poverty Action Group and described as a “lifesaver" by parents.
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said
 
“The Scottish Child payment was designed to tackle child poverty head on, so it is great to see the SNP’s benefit providing real support to 11,495 children in Midlothian and East Lothian - with £12,745,020 having been paid out to local families.
 
“I am conscious that, as we head into the winter months, and with the Tory-made cost of living crisis continuing to affect households across Midlothian and East Lothian, families will face even greater challenges, with many struggling to make ends meet. The Scottish Child Payment will therefore be even more vital.
 
“Having increased the Scottish Child Payment by 150% since its introduction and expanded eligibility to under 16s, it is clear the SNP Scottish Government is determined to use the powers it has to tackle child poverty and support Scotland’s most vulnerable families.
 
“The profound impact of the Scottish Child Payment, in the face of both Westminster parties' pursuit of cruel policies and cuts, perfectly demonstrates the need for Scotland to have the full welfare and tax powers of an independent country. Only this way can we build a fairer and more prosperous country."
ENDS