At this time, many parents are struggling to get through the week. That will particularly be the case when their kids start to go back to school, so the best start grant provides a fantastic opportunity for them. What is the Scottish Government doing to encourage parents whose children will be returning to school to apply for the best start grant?
I encourage parents to apply, and we will take all the steps that we can to ensure that parents who are eligible for the best start grant are aware of it and apply for it, because it provides critical help and support for parents at key stages of their children’s lives. That is important at all times but, for obvious reasons, it is particularly important now.
I encourage all members from across the chamber to do whatever they can to ensure that the best start grant is known to their constituents and to encourage those who are eligible to apply for it. We will consider how we can raise awareness and market the importance of the best start grant as widely as possible.