Far North MSP welcomes ‘momentous milestone’ as statistics reveal £36.8m paid in Scottish Child Payment across Highland
SNP MSP Maree Todd has welcomed a “momentous milestone” reached in Scottish child payments after it was disclosed that over £1 billion has been paid out to recipients since the payment was launched in 2021.
In Highland, £36,821,471 has been paid out over the last four years, with 11,775 of children benefitting as of December 2024, statistics from Social Security Scotland have revealed.
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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, the Scottish Child Payment will increase again to £27.15 per week from April 1, 2025.
The Caithness, Sutherland & Ross 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 Highland 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 11,775 children across Highland 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.”
