OPFS Statement on the Programme for Government 2024-25

09/09/2024

News

OPFS Chief Executive, Satwat Rehman said:

“We welcome the First Minister’s commitment to tackling child poverty in the 2024-2025 Programme for Government. The focus on whole family support, early intervention and accessible advice services is positive . Our daily work highlights the vital need for accessible, holistic services for single parent families, one in four families in Scotland, which are tailored to their specific needs and developed collaboratively with them. The ongoing investment in childcare and employability is also vital.

“The Scottish Government has taken a number of important actions to reduce child poverty, which OPFS has campaigned for, and which are already having a positive impact for families. Scotland has introduced two significant new benefits for families with children: the Scottish child payment and the suite of Best Start grants. The baby box has also made a difference to thousands of new parents. The IFS reports that, amongst the poorest 30%, Scottish reforms to the income tax and benefit system are set to raise the incomes of households with children by around £2,000 per year on average. The Scottish Government’s effort to counteract the cruel UK benefit cap, which severely affects single parents, is also very commendable.

“We recognise that the ‘Programme for Government’ has been set against a challenging financial backdrop and although there are strong declarations of intent, we are concerned that plans do not include an increase in the Scottish Child Payment, for which we have been advocating. Without increased investment in policies to increase family income and reduce household costs, Scotland is unlikely to meet its child poverty targets. It is estimated by IPPR Scotland that the cost of poverty to Scotland’s economy is between £1.6 to £2.4 billion a year. That represents not just a significant loss of human potential – but also a severe economic loss. In response we would like to see the following included in Scottish Government plans :

1. An increased Scottish Child Payment to £30 per week and to £40 by the end of this parliamentary term.
2. Prioritise and deliver funding to complete the rollout of universal free school meals in primary schools.
3. Accelerate progress towards expanding universal childcare for one and two-year-olds. Create a system of funded school- age childcare, whilst committing to the ambition to offer the choice of up to 50 hours early learning and childcare, which is free at the point of use for all families.
4. Invest in single parent tailored services as part of ‘No-one Left Behind,’ to support single parents into training, education and sustainable, fair work

“However, in the long term child poverty cannot be eradicated without addressing income and wealth inequality. STUC research has shown that short-term changes through income, land and additional dwelling taxes by could raise an additional £1.1 billion for Scotland’s public purse. We agree with a range of charities that those with the broadest shoulders should contribute more, so we can ensure the curse of child poverty is eradicated. We look forward to engaging and working with the Scottish Government to ensure that the perspectives and experiences of the single parents we support are heard and addressed.”