Scottish Greens pledge major boost to Scottish Child Payment
The Scottish Greens have pledged to increase the Scottish Child Payment by over 40% from £28.20 to £40 per week, with a commitment to raise it to at least £55 by 2030, in a major boost for families facing rising costs and poverty.
The commitment, which will be in the party’s upcoming manifesto builds on the work the Scottish Greens already achieved when in government by doubling the payment. The pledge would help lift more children out of poverty by putting direct financial support into the weekly budgets of low-income families who need it most.
Under the plans, the Scottish Greens would also provide additional financial support for the poorest families as well as for young parents under 25, helping to offset the impact of the UK Government’s unfair Young Parent Penalty, which leaves parents under 25 with less financial support than older parents.
Scottish Greens Co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP said:
“Scotland is a wealthy country, but thousands of children are still growing up in totally avoidable poverty. That is a political choice, and it is one the Greens are determined to change.
“As the cost of food, fuel, heating and the other daily essentials keeps rising, far too many families are being left struggling to make ends meet.
“The Scottish Greens are proud to have been part of the government that more than doubled the payment. It has already made a real difference to families across Scotland, but with so many households still under huge pressure, we need to go further and faster.
“While others talk around child poverty, the Scottish Greens are backing direct support that can make an immediate difference in people’s lives. That is why we will increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week, and raise it to at least £55 by 2030.
“We also know that along with children living in poverty, younger parents are also being unfairly penalised.
“The UK Government system gives less support to parents simply because of their age. That is wrong. No parent should be short-changed because they are under 25, and no child should lose out because of it.
“That is why the Scottish Greens are pledging to shield Scotland’s young parents from Westminster’s cruelty. We will ensure every young parent in Scotland does not lose out simply because of their age.
“On 7th May, people have a choice about what kind of country Scotland should be. Voting for the Scottish Greens means a Scotland where every child has the chance to grow up to reach their full potential - warm, fed and free from poverty.”
