28/12/2024

Published Barrhead News On Line

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27th December
National government
By Sandhya Suresh
@sandhyamenon93
Reporter

'Disgraceful' child poverty levels in East Renfrewshire

More than 3,500 East Renfrewshire families are receiving an anti-poverty payment.

Local Green MSP Ross Greer has expressed concern over the "disgraceful" levels of child poverty in East Renfrewshire, highlighted by new statistics he published.

These figures reveal that 3,580 children in the area are benefiting from the Scottish Child Payment (SCP).

The SCP, introduced in 2021 at £10 per week, has been gradually increased as part of an agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.

It stands at £26.70 per child each week or nearly £1,400 per year.

It is given to families who receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, to help with child-raising costs.

According to child poverty experts, the SCP is "game-changing" and is estimated to prevent around 50,000 children and their families across Scotland from sinking into poverty.

Mr Greer, Green MSP for East Renfrewshire, said: “In the face of shamefully high levels of child poverty I am glad that 3,580 local children and their families in East Renfrewshire are supported by our Scottish Child Payment.

“No child should grow up in poverty - I’m proud that a key legacy of the Greens’ time in Government was the almost tripling of financial support for families through the Scottish Child Payment.

“The UK is one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

“It is scandalous that we have a quarter of a million children living in poverty here in Scotland.

“The new Labour Government was supposed to bring in progressive change. Instead they have doubled down on cruel Tory policies like the two child benefit cap and rape clause, which keep children in poverty.

“While the most powerful tools to tackle child poverty sit at Westminster, I’m proud that the Scottish Greens have secured transformational changes using the limited powers available to Holyrood, paid for by increasing tax on the highest earners.”