COWDENBEATH MSP, Annabelle Ewing, has welcomed the launch of a 12 week consultation on the operation of the Best Start Grant, one of 11 benefits which will form part of the new Scottish social security system.

The Scottish Parliament will be taking over several avenues of the Social Security System under changes.

Ms Ewing said: “The Best Start Grant means that families of young children in the Cowdenbeath constituency may be entitled to extra financial support.

"Worth up to a total of £1,100 per child, the payment is one of 11 benefits that will be part of the new Scottish social security system.

“Replacing the existing Sure Start Maternity Grant, offered by the UK Government, the new Scottish grant represents a significant improvement in the support offered to families at key early stages of a child’s life.

“Sure Start was one payment of £500 and was only payable for a first child whereas Best Start will offer low income families a £600 payment when their first child is born and two new payments per child of £250 when the child can access a nursery place and when he or she starts primary school".

The local MSP added: “In a further significant improvement to current UK arrangements, support will be reintroduced for the second and all subsequent children of a £300 birth payment per child together with the two later payments of £250 each.

“That means that, compared to current UK Government provision, for those families who need it most we will be increasing support from £500 to £1100 for the first child and from zero to £800 for the second and all subsequent children.

“It is a clear indication of the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in families and young children that this new grant will be one of the first we will deliver in our new Scottish social security system".

Mrs Ewing concluded: “Our ambition is to build a new public service for Scotland that will treat people with dignity and respect and responds to the needs of those it seeks to help.

“In doing that it is important that we hear from as wide a range of interested parties as possible which is why a 12 week consultation on how the scheme will operate has now been launched.

“This consultation is an important part of that work and I am keen to hear from as many organisations and people as possible. The consultation paper is available now online and I would urge anyone who believes they have something to offer to take part in the process.”