JOHN SWINNEY insisted today that the Scottish government’s Budget provides support for families “when they need that assistance most,” rejecting claims it does not go far enough to meet child poverty targets.

The First Minister said the 2026–27 Budget will “put in place the support that families need,” including increasing the Scottish child payment to £40 a week for babies under one, alongside expanded free breakfast clubs, wraparound childcare and a “summer of sport” offering free activities.

However, the Child Poverty Action Group warned the increase will not take effect until April 2027 and will apply only to under-ones, leaving “the vast majority of children without any additional financial support.” 

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said the funding announced “doesn’t meet the scale of action required” and criticised a lack of detail on the sums.

Mr Swinney said ministers were creating a “balance of measures” to tackle child poverty, combining direct cash support with efforts to help more parents into work. 

He also defended the Budget against warnings from Unison Scotland that it fails to address pressures on public services, pointing to increased funding for health and councils.