Natalie Don-Innes MSP has welcomed new figures which show £5,314,391 has been paid out to families across Renfrewshire in Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods Payments, saying “the Scottish Government’s fair and respectful approach to social security is making a real difference to families in the constituency.”

According to figures from Social Security Scotland, a total of £164,448,957 was paid out across Scotland in Best Start Foods payments and Best Start Grants since they were introduced – which are two of the 15 benefits administered by Social Security Scotland.

In Renfrewshire, £5,314,391 has been paid out between 2018 and June 2024, following 10,870 successful applications.

Commenting SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, said:

"The SNP government is rightly proud of the different approach we have taken in Scotland to social security – one which, in stark contrast that of the DWP, is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.

“As a result, families across Renfrewshire have received a total of £5,314,391 in support since 2018 – despite the very limited powers of Scotland’s parliament and over a decade of Tory and now Labour austerity.

“I am pleased to see 10,870 families receive the support they need, which will make a real difference to the lives of children across the constituency as we work towards the First Minister’s mission of eradicating child poverty.”