Poverty groups have backed a Labour pledge to increase child benefit by £5 a week

The Scottish Government has been put under pressure to use new welfare powers to support children.

Labour leader Richard Leonard has said his party plan to include a £5 weekly top-up to child benefit in its budget plans.

The Scottish Government has pledged to introduce an income supplement by 2022, but poverty groups have said struggling families need support now.

Leonard said in-work poverty is undermining the economy. “This is affecting household budgets, with many families struggling to pay bills, feed and clothe their families,” he said.

“All these factors are undermining the economy with growth and investment predicted to be slow because of poverty wages.

“Against that backdrop, we need a Budget that supports public services, tackles inequality, puts more money into households and supports jobs and the economy.

“The SNP government has failed to tackle poverty and inequality.”

“Struggling families can’t wait four years,” said the Child Poverty Action Group’s John Dickie.

“A £5 top-up to child benefit could lift tens of thousands of children out of poverty across Scotland. There’s no question that rising poverty is being driven by UK Government policy but the Scottish Parliament can and must use every tool in its toolbox to protect our children as a matter of utmost urgency.”

Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Delivering the supplement by topping up child benefit would unlock tens of thousands of children from poverty. These children and their families cannot wait until 2022. They need this support now.”

Communities secretary Aileen Campbell said tackling poverty is a central mission of the Scottish Government.

She said: “It is vital we target action and investment on policies that can lift the maximum number of children out of poverty and topping up child benefit won’t provide a quick or easy solution.”