THE families of nearly 7000 children in West Dunbartonshire have benefited from a weekly payment to help reduce poverty.

Ross Greer, West Dunbartonshire’s Scottish Green MSP, called the Scottish Child Payment one of the most important steps for tackling poverty in decades.

In November 2022 the payment was increased from £20 a week to £25. It will be further increased to £26.70 a week from April this year.

This forms part of the Scottish Government’s strategy to combat the cost of living crisis and reduce child poverty.

Figures show that by December 31, 2023, the families of 6720 children in West Dunbartonshire had benefited from the payments.

Mr Greer said: “The groundbreaking Scottish Child Payment is playing a crucial role supporting families across West Dunbartonshire, lifting many out of poverty.

"This much of a positive impact from a single measure hasn’t been seen anywhere in Europe for decades.

"I’m proud that the Scottish Greens are part of the government delivering this support for children and their families.

“We will not abandon vulnerable people like Westminster has done. I am proud that this payment sits alongside other Scottish Greens policies like free bus travel for young people and cancelling all school meal debt, which are making such a huge difference for children and families across the country.

"This is one of the richest countries on Earth, no child should grow up in poverty in West Dunbartonshire or anywhere else.”

Inequality expert, Professor Danny Dorling, said the scheme has resulted in the largest decrease in inequality across Europe in decades.

This year alone, the scheme is projected to lift 50,000 children from relative poverty.