Child support payments set to increase next month

THOUSANDS of local families are relying on “crucial” support through the Scottish Child Payment to stay out of poverty, new figures show.

And further help is on the way, as the weekly payment is to be increased next month.

Latest data released by the Scottish Government has revealed that, by the end of 2023, the families of 6720 children in West Dunbartonshire benefited from the Scottish Child Payment.

In November 2022, the payment was increased from £20 per week to £25.

It will be further increased to £26.70 a week from April as part of efforts to ease the cost-of-living crisis.

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, who represents West Dunbartonshire as part of his West Scotland remit, has described the payment as “one of the most important steps for tackling poverty in decades.”

He said: “The groundbreaking Scottish Child Payment is playing a crucial role in supporting families across West Dunbartonshire, lifting many out of poverty.

“This much of a positive impact from a single measure hasn’t been seen anywhere in Europe for decades.

“I’m proud that the Scottish Greens are part of the government delivering this support for children and their families.

“We will not abandon vulnerable people like Westminster has done. I am proud that this payment sits alongside other Scottish Greens policies like free bus travel for young people and cancelling all school meal debt, which are making such a huge difference for children and families.”

It is estimated that the Scottish Child Payment will lift 50,000 children across the country out of relative poverty this year.

Mr Greer added: “This is one of the richest countries on Earth. No child should grow up in poverty in West Dunbartonshire or anywhere else.”

The Scottish Child Payment has been credited by inequality expert Professor Danny Dorling as resulting in the single biggest reduction in inequality anywhere in Europe for decades.

It is estimated that the payment will lift 50,000 children out of relative poverty this year.

For more information, visit www.mygov.scot/scottish-childpayment.