THE families of 8980 children in Dumfries and Galloway were receiving vital financial support from Scottish Child Payment as of December 31 last year.
New figures show that over £28.6m has now been paid to parents and carers in the local authority area since the payment was introduced in February 2021.
Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and provides financial support for families, helping with the costs of caring for a child.
It is a weekly payment, currently worth £26.70, for every eligible child that a parent or carer looks after who’s under 16 years of age.
Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.
“Our investment in Scottish Child Payment has seen over £1 billion worth of these payments issued by December 31, 2024; that is money directly in the pockets of those families who need it most.
“Modelling published in February 2024 also estimates that the Scottish Child Payment could keep 60,000 children out of relative poverty this year.
“Scottish Child Payment is actively improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their families to access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.”
