Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop has called for support for families in the Scottish Government’s 2025/26 Budget.
The First Minister gave a statement to the Scottish Parliament last week making clear that it is a priority of the Scottish Government to eradicate child poverty in Scotland.
Government official figures state 12,460 children in West Lothian benefit from the Scottish Child Payment, which this Scottish Budget will increase to £27.15 per child per week.
Fiona said: “The 2025-26 Scottish Budget takes decisive action towards a future where we end child poverty in Scotland and fight inequality but as the SNP does not have a majority in Parliament it needs MSPs, and not just from the SNP, to support the budget to deliver it.
“I would urge all parties to vote for this Scottish Budget which will support children and families across West Lothian with a range of payments, including Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, which have paid out over £6.3 million to support families across West Lothian since their introduction in 2018.
“In this Scottish Budget, the Scottish Government is spending £1.3 billion more on social security than it receives from the UK Government in its block grant, including £471 million on the Scottish Child Payment.
“12,460 children in West Lothian benefit from the Scottish Child Payment, which this Scottish Budget will increase to £27.15 per child per week, with forecasts predicting this will support the families of 333,000 children across Scotland.
“The First Minister has made it clear that his priority is to tackle child poverty in Scotland and this support will provide important support to families across West Lothian.”
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