A major new study has revealed that Labour could lift 700,000 children out of poverty if it adopted key anti-poverty policies already in place in Scotland.
The report, from the London School of Economics, singles out the Scottish Child Payment as a vital intervention that has already helped transform the lives of low-income families.
The payment, introduced by the SNP Government, gives £26.70 per week for every child in eligible households.
It is part of a wider social security strategy that targets families most in need and is credited with slowing the rise of child poverty in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK.
Experts believe that if the UK Government matched this approach, child poverty across Britain could be cut by a sixth almost overnight.
Professor Ruth Patrick, who contributed to the report, said Scotland’s progress “shows another way is possible”.
The Scottish Child Payment has been widely praised by poverty campaigners and economists alike, with calls growing louder for it to be rolled out UK-wide.
Bob Doris MSP said the new figures proved the SNP is delivering real change on the ground for Scottish families.
He described the payment as “transformational” and said it highlights the impact of having decisions made in Scotland for Scotland.
Mr Doris also criticised Labour’s record since returning to power at Westminster, accusing them of embracing austerity instead of challenging it.
He said Labour’s two-child benefit cap has already pushed 1.5 million children into poverty across the UK.
He warned that the newly announced £5 billion in Westminster cuts could push a further 50,000 children below the poverty line.
The SNP is now urging Labour to scrap its support for austerity measures and adopt the Scottish model in full.
They argue the cost of living crisis and rising inequality make it more important than ever for the UK Government to act with urgency.
Scotland’s model shows how targeted support can have a direct and measurable impact in reducing poverty levels.
Campaigners say a UK-wide rollout of the Scottish Child Payment would not only be affordable, but morally necessary.
They say the gap between Scotland and the rest of the UK on child poverty will only grow unless decisive action is taken.
The report’s findings come as new figures show a widening disparity in child poverty rates across the UK.
For many, it is now a clear case of political will rather than economic constraint.
Scotland has already shown what is possible.
The question now is whether Labour will follow that lead or continue with cuts that push families further into hardship.
