SNP ACTION KEEPING THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN OUT OF POVERTY

LABOUR DELAY AND DITHER, PUTTING THOUSANDS MORE AT RISK

New figures released this morning highlight the significant progress the SNP Scottish Government is making in the fight to eradicate child poverty under First Minister John Swinney’s leadership.

As of the end of March, 326,225 children and young people were receiving the Scottish Child Payment – a flagship SNP policy that is directly lowering child poverty levels across Scotland.

Independent analysis shows that the relative child poverty rate in Scotland is four percentage points lower than it would be without the Scottish Child Payment. Scotland remains the only part of the UK where child poverty is expected to fall as a result of government intervention.

Meanwhile, reports reveal that the Labour UK Government is expected to delay publication of its long-promised child poverty strategy – a move condemned by charities. Save the Children warned that this delay could push a further 20,000 children into poverty.

Even more alarmingly, analysis by the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed that Labour’s plans to cut disability benefits will plunge 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into poverty.

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, commented:

“Under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP has made eradicating child poverty our number one priority, with Scotland being the only part of the UK where child poverty is expected to fall thanks to targeted action by this government.

“These latest figures show the real and growing impact of the Scottish Child Payment in supporting families across our communities.

“It’s also telling that 87% of people using Social Security Scotland rated their experience as good or very good, showing that dignity, fairness and respect are more than just words in our welfare system.

“By contrast, Labour’s dithering on child poverty, and their decision to punish disabled people through benefit cuts, will push tens of thousands more into hardship.

“A year into government, Labour has yet to deliver a single measure to tackle child poverty, and vague hints in the Sunday papers about scrapping the two-child cap sometime in the future will be cold comfort to families who need help now.

“While Keir Starmer chases headlines and panders to Nigel Farage, the SNP is laser-focused on what really matters – ensuring no child in Scotland grows up in poverty.”