Put money where your mouth is

HOLYROOD’S social security powers were hard won and campaigners have high hopes for how MSPs can use them.

So it’s a bitter disappointment that the Scottish Government turned down a popular call to top up child benefit by £5 a week.

Labour tried to get it written into new social security legislation but the SNP and Tories refused to go along with it.

This goes beyond any normal political posturing. The “give me five” campaign is backed a host of national groups. The STUC, children’s welfare and anti-poverty groups and churches all signed up to it.

Estimated costs are about £250million, which the Scottish Government say should be spent differently.

They think the campaign won’t just target those in greatest need.

That is true – the extra payment wouldn’t be means tested and would go to anyone receiving the benefit. But that would do away with costly administration and make it simple to oversee.

Campaigners say it’s not linked to universal credit, not affected by sanctions and would be an easy way to make an impact.

And let’s not forget the startling statistic underlying this proposal – the extra payment would lift 30,000 children out of poverty.

With this proposal rejected – for now – it’s up to the Scottish Government to come up with a clear alternative.

Their plan is due shortly, backed with £50million.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman, one of the SNP’s most able politicians, says the cash can be better targeted.

After voting against the £5 plan, she now has to live up to those words.