UK spending lowest proportion of its wealth on supporting children than at any time since 1977

Research showing that Britain is spending a lower proportion of its wealth on supporting children than at any time since 1977 has been condemned as a demonstration of Westminster’s failure to act on child poverty.

Research by the House of Commons Library has revealed that the proportion of GDP spent on child benefit has fallen to 0.6 per cent – the lowest level it has reached at any time since 1977.

The Child Poverty Action Group has previously estimated that up to 100,000 more children in Scotland risk being pushed into poverty by 2020.

Commenting, SNP Work and Pensions Spokesperson and Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The fact that the UK is spending less of its wealth on child benefit than at any time since 1977 is an appalling indictment of the lack of importance the Westminster Government attaches to reducing child poverty.

“It shows that there is a complete lack of will amongst the Westminster establishment to tackle the increasing child poverty being driven by their austerity agenda.

“Only a powerful voice for Scotland with a strong team of SNP MPs can achieve change, and help deliver progressive policies across the UK. And the Scottish Government must have the opportunity to step in. That is why Scotland needs far greater welfare responsibilities than have thus far been proposed – again, something only a vote for the SNP can secure.”