Social Security Priorities 2021-22

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 4 February 2021.

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Photo of Kenneth Gibson Kenneth Gibson Scottish National Party

7. To ask the Scottish Government what its social security priorities are for the financial year 2021-22. (S5O-04991)

Photo of Shirley-Anne Somerville Shirley-Anne Somerville Scottish National Party

As we set out in the Scottish budget, we estimate that we will invest £3.6 billion in social security payments in 2021-22 as we continue to establish a social security system that is based on dignity, fairness and respect.

As well as mitigating some of the impacts of United Kingdom Government welfare cuts, those funds will tackle poverty and support carers, young people and low-income families through our range of benefits.

My priority for this year will be to ensure that those who are entitled to the flagship Scottish child payment receive the support that they need, which we are backing with an investment of £68 million in this year alone. As I mentioned earlier, the first payments will be made this month to families of children under six, and we will continue the roll-out of our disability benefits this financial year with the introduction of the child disability payment.

Photo of Kenneth Gibson Kenneth Gibson Scottish National Party

I thank the cabinet secretary for her comprehensive reply. How many applications have there been for the £10 Scottish child payment across Scotland, and in North Ayrshire specifically?

I note that, in order to further increase uptake, the Scottish Government is writing to eligible families. By what date will that exercise be completed?

Photo of Shirley-Anne Somerville Shirley-Anne Somerville Scottish National Party

I am happy to say that, according to our management information as at 31 January, there have been 73,000 applications for the Scottish child payment across Scotland. The latest official statistics show that, at 31 December—which is a slightly different timeframe—there had been 1,810 applications from North Ayrshire.

We are absolutely committed to maximising take-up, as I mentioned in an earlier answer, which is why we are writing out to eligible families. That will be completed before the benefit opens officially, in the middle of February.