SNP Government delivers £1 billion in Scottish Child Payments

Emma Roddick MSP has welcomed a “momentous milestone” reached in Scottish Child Payments following the news that over £1.7 billion has been paid out to recipients since the payment was launched in 2021.

In Shetland, over £2.5 million has been paid out over the last four years, with 865 children benefitting as of December 2024. The median processing time for applications has also improved to nine days, reducing from 13 days the previous year.

Following the passing of the Scottish Budget, which Scottish Labour inexplicably refused to vote for, the Scottish Child Payment will increase again to £27.15 per week from 1st April 2025. This comes alongside the beginning of work to scrap Labour’s two-child cap, which is pushing 15,000 children into poverty.

Commenting, Emma Roddick MSP said:

“Today marks a momentous milestone and signifies the transformational impact of this policy in just four years – lifting children out of poverty and supporting those in Shetland who need it most.

“The Scottish Child Payment is one of the SNP’s greatest and most transformative achievements in government, and I am pleased to see 865 of our isles children benefitting.

“Thanks to the SNP’s Scottish Budget, the payment will increase again from April in line with inflation to ensure its value and impact is maintained – with only Labour and Tory MSPs refusing to back it.

“That’s what you get under a Swinney government: delivery for people across Shetland as we work to eradicate child poverty.”