The Scottish Child Payment has been increased from £20 to £25 per week per child, meaning 8,130 families across South Lanarkshire are set to receive a boost to their household incomes from the Scottish Government.

Eligibility for the payment, which is only available in Scotland, has also been extended, meaning eligible families in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse with children under the age of 16 can now apply for the Scottish Child Payment.

Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is encouraging families across the area to apply for the support.

Commenting, Christina said:

“The extension of the Scottish Child Payment could be a turning point for families in South Lanarkshire and across Scotland as the support is extending from £20 to £25.

“We have already heard from anti-poverty charities how the payment has been ‘game-changing’ for families with children under-6 and now as the support is extended to families with children under-16 more will have extra cash in their pockets to get through this Tory-made cost of living crisis.

“The Scottish Child Payment is only available in Scotland and demonstrates how the SNP Scottish Government is building a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect.

“However, the Scottish Government continues to work with one hand tied behind its back by a UK government which is preparing to inflict austerity 2.0 on families across Scotland.

“There is only one way we can escape the chaos of Westminster and build a fairer, more equal Scotland and that is by becoming an independent country.”