Kaukab Stewart 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 Glasgow, and across Scotland, under John Swinney’s leadership.
The statistics show that 53,390 children and young people in Glasgow 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 Labour 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 Labour’s decision to cut disability benefits will push 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into poverty.
Commenting, SNP MSP Kaukab Stewart 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 Glasgow.
“In sharp contrast, the UK Labour Government’s continued dithering on child poverty, and political decision to punish the most vulnerable in society by cutting benefits for disabled people is pushing thousands of more children into poverty.
“Labour has been in government for nearly a year and has delivered absolutely nothing to tackle child poverty. Hints given to Sunday newspapers that they may like to scrap the cruel two-child cap at some stage mean nothing to voters who need action now rather than yet more empty rhetoric.
“Whilst Keir Starmer’s focus is on keeping up with Nigel Farage, 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.”
