Midlothian MSP welcomes social security investment

Colin Beattie has welcomed £4 billion of investment in Scotland’s social security system announced in the Scottish budget to support families across Midlothian.

Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie. Photo: Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

The 2022/23 budget includes £197m for the Scottish Child Payment –set to be doubled to £20 per child per week at the start of April next year.

Children across Midlothian will also be supported to have the best start in life with £17.8m into the Best Start Grant and £13.1m investment in Best Start Foods.

Those with a disability will be supported by billions of pounds of investment through support like the by £1.9bn of investment into the new Adult Disability Payment and £444m in the Disability Living Allowance. With carers benefiting from £314m of investment in the Carers Allowance, plus the £41.8m investment in the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Midlothian North MSP Colin Beattie (SNP) said: “The SNP Scottish Government continues to build a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect.”

He added: “Nothing demonstrates that more than the commitment Nicola Sturgeon made earlier this year to double the Scottish Child Payment at the start of April, earlier than planned. This will benefit families across Midlothian and Scotland.

“Along with the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP Scottish Government continues to ensure that children in Midlothian have the best start in life with payments like Best Start Foods and the Best Start Grant.”