Scottish child payment should go up to £80 by 2031 – child health experts

The Scottish child payment should be nearly tripled by the end of the next Parliament to £80, child health experts have said.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has called on all political parties in Scotland to back its “prescription for change” – a manifesto to “transform” children’s health.

The professional body said whichever party forms the Government after the Holyrood election in May must take “bold, evidence-based action to improve child health across the nation”.

It said that ending child poverty – currently First Minister John Swinney’s defining goal in Government – must be a national priority, “backed by ambitious child poverty targets and long-term investment”.

This includes immediately raising Scottish child payment (SCP) from £27.15 per week per child to £40, with a commitment to doubling it by the end of the next parliamentary term in 2031.

The policy forms part of RCPCH’s five priorities, which it says would ensure children grow up safe, healthy and supported.

They include tackling deep-rooted health inequalities through early intervention and investment; using data to deliver better outcomes for children; “confronting the mental health and neurodevelopmental emergency”; strengthening “overstretched” child health services”; and “investing in the child health workforce to ensure sustainable care”.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health released its manifesto ahead of the Holyrood election in May. PA Media

The paediatric body called for all parties to back universal free school meals for all primary pupils.

It also urged the Scottish Government to commit to spending at least 1% of the NHS budget on child mental health services, as it warned of a “crisis” in mental health.

And it asked parties to back its calls for a fully funded national pathway for children with conditions such as autism and ADHD, warning: “Neurodevelopmental services are also struggling to meet demand, with long waits and inconsistent care across health boards”.

It has suggested several policies to halve childhood obesity by the end of the decade, including a ban on unlimited refills on sugary soft drinks.

Dr Mairi Stark, RCPCH officer for Scotland, said: “Scotland stands at a pivotal moment. Child health outcomes are worsening, and crucial health services are operating under unprecedented levels of pressure and demand.

“Poverty remains the leading driver of poor child health, with nearly a quarter of children in Scotland living in relative poverty.

“Clinicians witness the impact of deprivation every day in rising rates of obesity, poor dental health, mental health challenges, and behavioural difficulties.

“The upcoming Holyrood elections present a vital opportunity for us to place children and young people at the heart of policymaking and to create a landscape in which their health, wellbeing and rights are not only safeguarded, but actively prioritised.

“This must include guaranteeing fair investment in child health services relative to adult care, recognising the growing complexity of paediatric needs.

MSPs have been urged to spend more on child mental health services. PA Media

“This manifesto is our prescription for change – a roadmap to a healthier, fairer future for every child in Scotland.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are determined to tackle child poverty and improve healthcare services for children and young people.

“Our five family payments, worth over £10,000 by the time an eligible child turns six, are helping improve overall health and wellbeing of children, with families reporting better access to nutritious food and reduced financial stress contributing to healthier lifestyles.

“A recent evaluation of our ChildSmile programme saw a reduction in poor dental health in children and we’re making real progress in child mental health – the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has met its 18-week treatment standard for three quarters running, with over 91% of children and young people now starting treatment within 18 weeks.

“We are determined to do more and it’s why the First Minster has made tackling child poverty his key mission.”