Amy Callaghan MP (pictured) has said if the Westminster Tories are serious about tackling child poverty then they will match the “game-changing” Scottish Child Payment in the UK budget.
The new Scottish benefit started in Scotland this week and will give parents and carers of a child under 6 £10 per week per child.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has said that while the new Scottish benefit will tackle child poverty, the Westminster government is set to make welfare cuts that could plunge 700,000 people – 60,000 in Scotland – into poverty through cutting Universal Credit.
Unlike Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits – both administered by the UK government – there is no cap on the Scottish Child Payment.
Commenting, the SNP’s Intergenerational spokesperson, Amy Callaghan MP, said:
“The Tory government has said that tackling child poverty a is a top priority – if that is really true then they will follow Scotland’s lead and announce they will invest in an equivalent to the Scottish Child Payment in the UK budget.
“Imagine how many children could be lifted out of poverty across the UK if the Tories stepped up and matched what has been hailed as a ‘game-changing’ policy.
“This bold action from the Scottish Government is what is needed – not Tory cuts to Universal Credit that risk plunging hundreds of thousands of people into poverty.
“While Scotland is building a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect, the UK government is flirting dangerously with austerity measures again.
“We already know how devastating these can be.
“Scotland must have the right to choose a different future – and it can do that in May in the Holyrood elections.”
