SCOTLAND’S child payment should be doubled as part of more ambitious proposals to tackle child poverty, the Scottish Greens said today. 

In their first policy announcement since the beginning of the Holyrood election campaign, the Greens committed to at least double the Scottish child payment, accelerate its rollout and increase Best Start Grants and the school clothing allowance by £100.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the child payment after being challenged over child poverty figures at First Minister’s Questions last year and the first payments were made last month.

Party co-leader Patrick Harvie said the importance of supporting families was even greater ahead of Tory plans to cut universal credit in September. 

He said: “This would be just the first step of creating a new Scotland that protects human rights and doesn’t allow anyone to fall into dire straits.

“Fairness is a crucial part of a green recovery, which is why we’re asking people to vote like our future depends on it.”