SNP COMMITTED TO TACKLING POVERTY WHILE TORIES DUCK RESPONSIBILITIES
Politicians across East Dunbartonshire have been challenged by Rona Mackay MSP to get behind historic funding to continue the delivery of a social security system which places fairness, dignity and respect at its heart.
In the most recent Scottish Budget, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has committed a £3.5billion allocation for benefit spend in the next year – including £68 million to deliver the “game-changing” Scottish Child Payment, which is forecast to benefit 163,000 eligible children under 6 in 2021-22.
This budget will support Social Security Scotland’s delivery of the new Child Disability Payment for the families of children with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
The SNP Government will also invest £41 million in the Scottish Welfare Fund - which will enable local authorities to continue to support the most vulnerable people in our communities and help mitigate the additional impact of COVID-19.
SNP MSP Rona Mackay said:
“The SNP’s plan to commit £3.5 billion to social security is central to our commitment to tackling poverty and creating a social security system with fairness, dignity and respect at its heart.
“This money will put money directly into the pockets of people in Strathkelvin and Bearsden who need it most - including through the ‘game-changing' Scottish Child Payment which will ease the struggle some families are facing due to the Covid-19 crisis. “Repeated cuts from Westminster Tories are driving too many families into poverty – but the SNP is determined to use every power at our disposal to help families make ends meet.
“All politicians no matter their stripes should get behind these budget proposals, and secure substantial funding to support the most vulnerable people in our communities and help mitigate the additional impact of Covid-19.”
ENDS