The SNP has revealed that Social Security Scotland has paid out £1.4 billion directly to those who need support since it was established in 2018, with a record £641 million directly administered in the last year alone.
Since its foundation, Scotland’s social security agency has paid out £381.7 million in Scottish Child Payments; £8.9 million in Best Start Grants and £29.5 million in Best Start Foods Payments. It has also issued £311.7 million in Child Disability Payments and £255.6 million in Carers’ Allowance Supplement.
In the last year alone, parents have been supported by £33.4 million in Best Start Grants and Best Start Food payments, receiving £213.2m in Scottish Child Payments while Carers across Scotland have benefitted from £33.9m of support from the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
Social Security Scotland has paid out £1.4 billion directly to those who need support
Countries of a similar size to Scotland are fairer and wealthier than the UK, which begs the question – why not Scotland?
Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“I am proud that the SNP Scottish Government has built a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect, and continues to expand provision from Social Security Scotland to support all those who need it.
“Here in Renfrewshire alone, £17,734,595 of support was paid out between April 2022 and March 2023 to the most vulnerable households at a time when many are feeling the full effects of the exorbitant cost of living.
“Scotland’s fundamentally different approach to Westminster ensures that support is readily available to those in need, including fourteen social security payments – seven of which are unique to Scotland such as the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment.
“These payments have seen Scotland take huge strides towards tackling poverty; however the Scottish Government is acting with one hand tied behind its back while Westminster inflicts further benefit cuts on those who are struggling.
“It is imperative that we build on the progress we have made and build a country rooted in fairness and equality, and the only way we can do that is with the full powers of an independent country.
“Countries of a similar size to Scotland are fairer and wealthier than the UK, which begs the question – why not Scotland?”