Children 1st statement on John Swinney's priorities for eradicating child poverty

Welcoming John Swinney’s focus on eradicating child poverty today, 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.

"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."