Views sought on Scottish Maternity Grant replacement
A consultation has been launched on Scottish ministers' plans to help low income families with grants
A consultation has been launched on Scottish ministers' plans to help low income families with grants of up to £1,100. The Best Start Grant is one of 11 benefits to be paid out by the new Scottish social security system. It will replace the UK Government's Sure Start Maternity Grant in Scotland, giving poorer families a £600 birth payment when they have their first child and two new payments of £250 when the child can access a nursery place and when he or she starts primary school.
Families will receive a £300 payment for second and subsequent children, together with the two further £250 payments.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: Our new Best Start Grant will be a significant help to those families who need it most, increasing current UK Government support from £500 to £1100 for the first child and from zero to £800 for the second and all subsequent children. This support will help pay for the essential expenses that come with having a new baby and then again at two other milestones before the child starts school.
This is a significant investment in families and children and we are making it because we know how important it is for children to have the best start in life. This new grant will be one of the first we will deliver in our new Scottish social security system.''
A public consultation on how the scheme will operate runs until June 15.