2,585 Midlothian children benefit from Scottish Child Payment

Figures released by the Scottish Government show that 2,585 children in Midlothian have been supported by the Scottish Child Payment since its introduction, with £1,607,650 paid to families.

The Scottish Child Payment of £20 per week per eligible child under six has been hailed “an absolute game changer in the fight to end child poverty” by anti-poverty charities and described as a “lifesaver" by parents.

The payment, unique to Scotland and in place since February 2021, provides regular financial support to parents and carers to help with the costs of caring for a child.

The Scottish Child Payment is set to increase to £25 per week and be rolled out to all children up to 16 years old by the end of the year.

The Scottish Child Payment is set to increase to £25 per week and be rolled out to all children up to 16 years old by the end of the year.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian South, Christine Grahame said: "During a Tory-made cost of living crisis, it is great to see the progress being made with the Scottish Child Payment - especially knowing the huge difference it has made to 2,585 children in Midlothian.”

She added: "I know the severe pressures facing household across Midlothian just now and that families are struggling to get by and the £1,607,650 support that the Scottish Child Payment is providing support for low income households is lifesaving.

"Sadly, we know that the cost of living is only set to increase so I am glad that families will benefit even further from this payment increasing to £25 per week and being extended to under 16 year olds by the end of the year.

"During these difficult times, the SNP Scottish Government is taking the bold action it can to support families with the powers at its disposal but sadly it is battling against a cruel Tory Westminster government refusing to take any meaningful action to help people.

"This level of negligence by Westminster is inexcusable and down right cruel. It illustrates exactly why we need to have the full welfare and tax powers of an independent country so we can build a fairer country."