The charity Children 1st has welcomed the pledge by the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney to focus on eradicating child poverty.
On Wednesday 22nd May John Swinney announced £16 million for childcare services to help deliver his vision of a Scotland free from child poverty. He emphasised that eradicating child poverty in Scotland would be the single most important objective of his Government.
Chief executive of Children 1st Mary Glasgow said:
“Children are in crisis. With one in four living in poverty across Scotland, there is no question that more action is desperately needed.
“If Mr Swinney is to turn around the lives of thousands of children who are struggling across Scotland, he must finish what he started. Ensuring that the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund realises the ambition that all families get early financial, emotional and practical support when they need it is the answer to the most pressing challenges children and young people face.
“An increase of £40 to the Scottish Child Payment would provide some immediate relief to the financial crisis many of the families we support find themselves in.
“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Last year, Children 1st’s financial wellbeing team put a life-changing £1.8 million back into the pockets of children and families through unclaimed benefits, grants and help to manage debt. “
Over the next two years, the Scottish Government will provide additional funding to expand access to childcare services within six Early Adopter Community (EAC) projects from Shetland to Fife and expanding to include younger childre.
The four priorities of Swinney’s Government are:
- Eradicating child poverty
- Growing the economy
- Tackling the climate emergency
- Improving public services
John Swinney said:
“In modern Scotland, it should not be a struggle to find fair work or to raise a family. So for me, and for my government, eradicating child poverty and boosting economic growth, go hand in hand.
“Over the next two years, we will invest £16 million to tackle poverty and help families, by expanding access to childcare services within six Early Adopter Community projects. This investment will support low income families to enter and sustain employment, with funding targeted at those who are most at risk of living in poverty.”
Families with children who are feeling anxious or stressed about their financial situation can contact Children 1st Parentline for advice and support on 08000 28 22 23 or visit www.children1st.org.uk/parentline.
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