2 days ago
Figures reveal scale of child poverty in North Lanarkshire driven by UK Government's two child benefit cap
The figures, published by the UK Department for Work and Pensions, show more than 100,000 children across Scotland are now affected, including some of the most deprived communities in the country.
New figures have revealed the scale of child poverty driven by the UK Government's two child benefit cap, with 7,470 children in North Lanarkshire alone hit by the policy over the past year.
The figures, published by the UK Department for Work and Pensions, show more than 100,000 children across Scotland are now affected, including some of the most deprived communities in the country.
North Lanarkshire is the second-worst hit area in Scotland, behind only Glasgow.
Clare Adamson MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw said: 'These figures are heart-breaking. To think that nearly 7,500 children in North Lanarkshire have been caught in the grip of poverty because of this Westminster-imposed policy is nothing short of shameful.
'We know poverty isn't inevitable – it's a political choice. And Keir Starmer's choice to keep this Tory-era policy shows where his priorities lie.
'In contrast, the Scottish Government is working to lift children out of poverty, not push them further in. It's time for Labour to match that ambition, scrap this cruel cap, and invest in our children's futures.'
'My office regularly provides support at many of the food banks across Motherwell and Wishaw, and we are witnessing first-hand the devastating impact these cuts are having on people, both psychologically and physically.
'These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet; they are real families, in our communities, struggling to survive.'
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
