Labour plans to tackle ‘ scandal’ of child poverty

Kezia Dugdale has branded child poverty a “national scandal” as she prepares to unveil a “manifesto” today aimed at tackling the problem today.

The party is pledging to increase in the minimum wage to £ 10 and increase Child Benefit by £ 240 a year by the end of decade, as well as doubling the Sure Start maternity grant to £ 1,030.

Labour would also introduce a twice a year “seasonal grant” for the poorest families and build 60,000 new homes, including 45,000 for social rent.

Ms Dugdale said: “Child poverty is a national scandal.

“Labour’s child poverty manifesto is a bold blueprint to put ending child poverty at the heart of government. It means making Holyrood’s social security powers work, asking the richest to pay their fair share to invest in public services, and boosting wages.

“Scotland has suffered from a housing crisis for years and the result of that is families trapped on waiting lists and 70,000 more children pushed beneath the breadline. That’s why we urgently need to build more homes. Using Holyrood’s powers, Labour would increase Child Benefit to lift thousands of youngsters out of poverty.”