Commenting on today’s Scottish Child Payment announcement, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said:
“The Scottish Child Payment will be a lifeline for families up and down Scotland who are being dragged into poverty. This week, over 70 organisations and leaders signed a letter calling for an income top-up to be fast-tracked and ministers have listened to the need for this extra cash to be introduced faster.
“Putting cash in the pockets of struggling families will help many stay afloat and today’s announcement is very welcome news. This is particularly true for women, who are more likely to experience poverty than men.
“The Scottish Government only has certain levers at its disposal, but this move will offer a much needed life raft to those who need it most and move us towards being a fairer and more compassionate nation.
“With the equivalent of a classroom of children pulled into poverty every day in Scotland, we hope this payment will mean fewer families will need to go without basic essentials, including food.”
ENDS
CONTACT: Kenneth Watt, Campaigns Manager, Oxfam Scotland, at kwatt1@oxfam.org.uk.