Over 10,000 children in North Lanarkshire have benefited from the doubling of the Scottish Child Payment.
New figures show that, by 31 March 2022, the families of 10,215 children will have the cash paid to them.
The payment was introduced in February 2021. In April 2022 it was doubled to £20 a week thanks to the Bute House Agreement, which saw the Scottish Greens enter the Scottish Government for the first time.
That means that it is now worth over £1000 a year for every eligible child.
It will increase again in December to £25 a week, as part of the Scottish Government’s efforts to tackle the cost of living crisis and reduce child poverty.
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who represents the Central Scotland region, said: “With soaring inflation, skyrocketing energy costs and the recent UK Government cuts to Universal Credit, the Scottish Child Payment has been a vital lifeline for families across Scotland.
“I am proud that we are providing over £1000 a year worth of support for every eligible child. It was a key commitment in the cooperation deal between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens.
“It has already made a big difference to parents and children in North Lanarkshire.
"Whether it is extra money for essentials like food and nappies or allowing them to go for days out that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to.
“With Greens in government we are working for Scotland and building a fairer recovery.
"As well as these vital payments we have delivered free bus travel for everyone under 22 while extending free school meals and ensuring that government contracts pay at least the real living wage.”
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