Families will now get £260 each quarter

Poverty campaigners have welcomed the SNP’s announcement to double bridging payments for Scots families.

Bridging Payments were introduced in 2021 ahead of the roll out of the Scottish Child Payment to under 16s.

The £130 payments are paid quarterly by councils on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Families received up to £520 per eligible child in 2021 and will receive up to £650 in 2022.

John Dickie, director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, said: “This is really good news for thousands of families of school aged children who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of soaring food and fuel prices.

“An extra £130 makes a real difference when cupboards are bare, debts are mounting and children’s wellbeing is suffering. More support will inevitably be needed in the coming months from every level of government, but the First Minister has heard the calls, listened to the evidence and acted in the face of extraordinary cost of living pressures.

“On top of her confirmation of the roll out of the Scottish child payment to all under 16s next month, and increase in its value to £25, this all provides at least some comfort to hard up families across Scotland.”