SNP TACKLING CHILD POVERTY WHILE TORIES DUCK RESPONSIBILITIES
The new Scottish Child Payment – which has been described as a “game-changer” in the fight to tackle child poverty – will open early for applications from Monday 9 November.
Local MSP Stuart McMillan has encouraged parents and carers in Inverclyde who are eligible to apply ahead of its introduction so that the Scottish Government can process and start making payments as quickly as possible once the benefit starts in February next year.
The SNP Government has prioritised the early introduction of the new benefit, which will provide eligible families on low incomes with a child under six, an extra £10 per week for each child.
Latest figures estimate that 194,000 children aged under-6 in Scotland will be eligible for the new Scottish Child Payment – with over 2,500 children set to benefit in Inverclyde.
Stuart said:
“The Scottish Child Payment is an ambitious, game-changing new benefit which will directly tackle child poverty in Inverclyde and across Scotland.
“This support is needed more than ever, and its early introduction for under 6s – almost two years ahead of the original commitment for a new payment – will be a lifeline for so many families locally.
“While the SNP does everything it can to tackle poverty, the Tories at Westminster are still helplessly trying to defend their shameless decision to deprive children of free school meals over the holidays.
“Children and families simply shouldn’t have to depend on the whim of Boris Johnson’s callous Tory government to get through this Covid-19 crisis.
“This benefit will be a lifeline for many children, young people and their families in Inverclyde. I’d encourage anyone who is eligible to apply as soon as possible.”
Stuart McMillan MSP 