SNP vows to bring in Care Leaver Grant

THE SNP has said it will introduce a new

£10 million Care Leaver Grant to give young people support and security as they transition out of the care system.

The party said the grant will be an annual payment of £200 and will support about 50,000 people between the ages of 16 and 26 who have needed care.

It will total £2,000 over a decade as they enter adulthood.

The SNP launched its manifesto on Thursday with plans for £6 billion of increased spending.

Tom Arthur, who is the SNP candidate in Renfrewshire South, said: “Too many young people who have experienced care can face barriers to achieving a successful transition into adulthood.

“If re-elected, the SNP will help to break down those barriers by financially supporting young care experienced people who often don’t have access to the ‘bank of mum and dad’.

“The new Care Leavers Grant is one of many progressive policies the SNP will bring forward if re-elected.

“Just like health care, social care should be provided on a universal basis and free at the point of use.

“That is why we will also remove charges for non-residential care and dentistry and establish a National Care Service to improve support for carers paid and unpaid.”