5th Apr 2024
Written by Hannah Randolph, Emma Congreve and Kate Milne
Report

Impact of the Scottish Child Payment on the need for food banks

A report assessing the impact of the roll out of the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) on food bank use in Scotland.

This report shares findings from an in-depth analysis of Trussell's administrative data by the Fraser of Allander Institute.

Food banksSocial security

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The Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) in February 2021 as part of efforts to meet Scotland’s child poverty targets. The benefit was initially available for children under 6 at £10 per week, per child. It rolled out to all children under 16 in qualifying households at £25 per week, per child in November 2022. 

SCP is also a key part of the current Scottish Government strategy to end the need for food banks in Scotland. Better support from the social security system has been cited by Trussell as an important lever for reducing the need for food banks across the UK, with SCP given as an example.

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