Ruth Maguire MSP has highlighted new figures which show the real progress the SNP Scottish Government is making on its key priority of eradicating child poverty in and across Scotland, under John Swinney’s leadership.
The statistics show that 10,295 children and young people in North Ayrshire were actively benefiting from the Scottish Child Payment at the end of March.
The relative child poverty rate in Scotland is four percentage points lower than it would be without the policy in place.
Whilst the SNP continues to take real action to eradicate child poverty by committing to mitigate the impact of the cruel two-child cap policy, the UK government is now reported to have delayed publication of its long-awaited child poverty strategy.
Save the Children has expressed its disappointment with the decision, saying that the delay could push a further 20,000 children into poverty.
Meanwhile the Department of Work and Pensions own analysis has said that UK Government’s decision to cut disability benefits will push 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into poverty.
Commenting, SNP MSP Ruth Maguire said:
“Under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP has made eradicating child poverty its number one priority – with Scotland the only part of the UK where child poverty is expected to fall as a direct result of SNP policies.
“These latest figures show the real difference that the Scottish Child Payment is making to families in North Ayrshire.
“The SNP is laser-focussed on delivering on what matters most – and nothing matters more than ensuring that no child starts their life living in poverty.”
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 