Kenneth Gibson MSP has welcomed a commitment of £3.5 billion allocation for benefit spend across Scotland in the new financial year, starting in April, including £68 million to deliver the Scottish Child Payment, which is forecast to benefit 163,000 eligible children under six in 2021/22.
This budget will support Social Security Scotland’s delivery of the new Child Disability Payment for the families of children with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
The SNP Government will also invest £41 million in the Scottish Welfare Fund, enabling local authorities to continue supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities and help mitigate the additional impact of COVID-19.
Kenneth said:
“The SNP’s plan to commit £3.5 billion to social security is central to our determination to tackling poverty and creating a social security system with fairness, dignity and respect at its heart.
“This money will put money directly into the pockets of people in North Ayrshire who need it most, including through the ‘game-changing' Scottish Child Payment which will ease the struggle many families face due to the COVID-19 crisis and tackle child poverty across Scotland.
“Tory cuts are driving too many families into poverty but the SNP is determined to use every power at our disposal to help families make ends meet.
“MSPs across the Scottish Parliament should now get behind these budget proposals, and secure substantial funding to support the most vulnerable people in our communities and help mitigate the additional impact of COVID-19.”
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