Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, welcomes Scottish Government action to eradicate child poverty.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Security, Shirley-Anne Sommerville MSP, gave a statement in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 4th June following the publication of the Scottish Government’s annual progress report on child poverty for 2023-24. The report reflects the latest updates on the implementation of the “Best Start, Bright Future: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-26” and the latest data on poverty levels, which were published by the Scottish Government in March.
Commenting, Fiona said;
“The First Minister has been clear that eradicating child poverty is one of the key missions of the Scottish Government.
“I know my own Constituents in West Lothian are dealing with the impacts of the Cost of Living Crisis everyday and any support from the Scottish Government will be welcome.
“The annual report, presented to Parliament, highlighted that the Scottish Child Payment is supporting 329,000 children across Scotland as of 31 March 2024.
“The Scottish Government are also widening eligibility for Best Start Foods, providing 1140 hours of funded childcare for all eligible children, providing free bus travel to young people with over 727,000 registered and helping delver affordable housing supporting around 2,105 households with children into affordable housing.
“The actions taken by the Scottish Government are making a difference in West Lothian and across Scotland, with modelling showing these policies will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year.”
ENDS
Notes
Best Start Bright Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan – Annual Report
Child poverty cumulative impact assessment: update – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)