Around 8,000 families in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond could see their incomes boosted by Labour’s plan to top up Child Benefit by £240 per year.

The campaign took a step forward this week when Labour lodged amendments in the Scottish Parliament to the Social Security Bill. Under Scotland’s new social security powers, Scottish Ministers can top up reserved social security payments.

Figures highlighted by local MSP Jackie Baillie show that there are more than 13,000 children in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond who would eligible for the top up.

Increasing Child Benefit is supported by a coalition of groups across civic Scotland, including the churches and children’s charities. The move would benefit around half a million Scottish families and almost 1 million children.

Jackie said:

“It’s time to use the new Scottish parliament powers to create a fairer Scotland and put money back into the pockets of working class families.

“Children in Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire have faced a double whammy of Tory austerity from Westminster and cuts being passed on to local schools from the SNP in Edinburgh.

“Labour’s plan to top up child benefit would help 8000 families in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh and lift children out of poverty.

“This is a radical way to use the new powers of the Scottish Parliament to deliver a real difference to families across Scotland.”

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