SCOTLAND’S government confirmed today that the Scottish child payment will be doubled from early next year following a sustained campaign from charities and opposition parties. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at the SNP conference that next week’s budget will include a £10 increase of the weekly benefit given to the poorest families, starting in April.

Ms Sturgeon credited the government’s co-operation agreement with the Scottish Greens for “achieving this as quickly as possible,” having initially guaranteed the increase by 2026.