The Scottish Government has set out what it describes as a landmark budget aimed at tackling child poverty and improving living standards for families across Scotland.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the draft Scottish Budget for 2026 to 27 focuses on addressing the root causes of poverty while strengthening family finances and access to work.
Around £8 billion has been allocated to the social justice portfolio, increasing support for vulnerable people and households on low incomes.
A key measure includes plans to introduce a new premium element of the Scottish Child Payment from 2027 to 28.
This would raise weekly payments for eligible parents of children under the age of one to £40 per child, benefiting around 12,000 children.
The Budget also sets out a new £50 million package to boost whole family support.
This will build on existing provision and include help with transport and skills, alongside £20 million for third sector organisations to deliver tailored support within local communities.
Funding for the Tackling Child Poverty Fund will rise sharply from £12.5 million to £61.5 million in 2026 to 27.
In addition, £7.2 billion will be invested in social security to support disabled people, unpaid carers, those on low incomes, and households facing high energy costs.
Somerville met parents receiving support through the Five Family Payments, including the Scottish Child Payment, during a visit to Pilton Youth and Children’s Project in Edinburgh on Thursday 15th of January.
“Eradicating child poverty is this government’s driving mission and no child should have their prospects hindered by circumstances beyond their control.
“This Budget is a landmark intervention in our work to tackle the root causes of poverty and reduce the pressure on household finances.”
She said the measures range from increased support for Scotland’s newest parents to new initiatives aimed at raising household incomes and ensuring families receive help at the right time.
Somerville said long term investment was central to breaking the cycle of poverty.
“With more than £330 million committed across three years to our Tackling Child Poverty Fund and to investment in Whole Family Support, we are laying the groundwork to drive continued progress in the year ahead,” she said.
She added that the Budget is intended to deliver lasting change rather than short term relief.
The Scottish Government says the measures reflect a continued focus on social justice as a central pillar of its economic and public service priorities.
