FAMILIES in Mid Fife & Glenrothes have benefitted from £2.7 million paid through the Scottish Government’s new Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment scheme since it opened for applications, said Kinglassie MSP Jenny Gilruth.
Since December, Social Security Scotland has made payments to more than 7,000 low income households. The support provided to families across Scotland, as of January 31 totals £2.7 million.
Best Start Grants replace and expand on the UK Government’s Sure Start Maternity Grant by providing eligible families with £600 on the birth of their first child, and £300 on the birth of any subsequent children.
Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said: “I am delighted that more Scottish families are receiving help from the Scottish Government’s new social security system, which puts dignity, respect and fairness at its heart.
“£2.7 million worth of payments - more than the DWP paid out in a full year under the previous system - will ensure that all Scottish children get the best possible start in life."
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