Press release: OPFS response to Scottish Budget 2026-27

OPFS Head of Policy, Strategy and Communications, Charis Chittick, said

“This long-awaited budget lacks ambition. It fails to deliver for children and families. Right now, 1 in 3 children in Scotland growing up in single parent families (36%) are living in poverty. This is a missed opportunity to invest in the future of our children.  

“At OPFS, we are deeply concerned that the Scottish Government has failed to increase the Scottish Child Payment beyond the statutory requirement. Putting money directly into families’ pockets can make a real difference for our children, enabling their families to pay for life’s essentials. As costs continue to rise, families are under increasing pressure to make ends meet. No-one should have to go without to ensure their children are fed. 

“We welcome the commitment to increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 for babies under one. This goes a long way to recognise the additional costs face by families with the youngest children. However, more targeted support is needed for all priority families, including single parent families.  

“We are encouraged to see commitment to more sustainable funding for Whole Family Support and we eagerly await the publication of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government alongside other organisations and families in Scotland to develop a plan that delivers on our shared goal of tackling child poverty.”