The SNP Government must act urgently to provide direct and immediate financial support to low income families, at least equivalent in value to the forthcoming Scottish Child Payment of £10 per week per child, David Stewart MSP (pictured) has said.
Scottish Labour can reveal that there has been a 142 per cent increase in the Highlands’s unemployment levels since last year.
In June this year there were 8,310 people receiving unemployment payments compared to 3,440 in June last year – and many of those with children are likely to be struggling to make ends meet.
Scottish Labour MSP David Stewart said:
“More and more families across Scotland are facing financial hardship, but the SNP Government are failing to provide the direct and immediate support needed.
“Added to this, rising unemployment means that unless the furlough scheme is extended, and a quality Jobs Guarantee Scheme is introduced, even more households will find they cannot make ends meet.
“While the forthcoming Scottish Child Payment has been welcomed, it will not start to reach families until 2021, but so many families need help right now.
“Anti-poverty organisations from across Scotland have repeatedly called for the Scottish Government to bring forward a payment equivalent to the SCP as soon as possible.
“The Scottish Government has both the ability and moral obligation to do this.”
