MSP speaks out on child poverty

Eliminating child poverty is an issue local MSP Natalie Don says she holds close.

She took part in a Holyrood debate on trying to bring it to an end.

The Scottish Government has invested almost £5.9 billion in support for low income households – of which almost £2.18 billion is estimated to have directly benefitted children.

The Scottish Child Payment – already doubled to £20 - will be boosted to £25 per week in an attempt to mitigate the UK Government benefit cap while also providing support to parents to help them into work.

Natalie Don MSP said: “During one of the biggest crisis our people have faced, the Spring Statement was a chance for the Tories make a real difference for children in poverty but the Chancellor chose not to provide that help – it was a missed opportunity as the Tories turned their backs on those in most need.

“I genuinely fear that no matter what policies we implement, no matter how much money we invest for the children in our country, these will always be counteracted by the cruel Tory Government policies implemented at Westminster.

“If Westminster is not prepared to take action, then they should devolve the necessary powers to Scotland, so we have the fiscal autonomy to deal with this issue once and for all. Or better yet, they should not stand in Scotland’s way when this Parliament calls for the second independence referendum.

“It is because the only way we can protect Scotland’s future, Scotland’s children, is by having the levers that every other independent country possess. With these powers we can ensure that child poverty in Scotland becomes something that is only present in history books.”