Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop has urged for support for families as the Scottish Government unveils its 2025/26 Budget. The First Minister has affirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty in Scotland, with official figures revealing that 12,460 children in West Lothian are beneficiaries of the Scottish Child Payment, set to be increased to £27.15 per child per week in the upcoming Budget.
Hyslop emphasised the significance of cross-party support in passing the Budget to provide essential assistance to families in West Lothian. She highlighted various payment schemes like Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, which have already allocated over £6.3 million to support families since their inception in 2018. The Scottish Government’s Budget allocates £1.3 billion more towards social security than it receives from the UK Government, including £471 million dedicated to the Scottish Child Payment.
With 12,460 children in West Lothian and 333,000 children predicted across Scotland benefiting from the Scottish Child Payment, Hyslop affirmed that this Budget plays a vital role in addressing child poverty. The support outlined in the Budget aligns with the government’s priority to combat child poverty in Scotland and provides crucial assistance to families in need.
In conclusion, Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop’s call for support in the Scottish Government’s Budget reflects a commitment to alleviating child poverty and supporting families in West Lothian. The proposed increase in the Scottish Child Payment signifies a step towards addressing inequality and providing essential assistance to vulnerable families. By highlighting the importance of bipartisan backing, Hyslop underscores the collective responsibility in ensuring the welfare of children and families in the region.