AN ambitious anti-poverty measure unique to Scotland is set to go live tomorrow with an estimated 173,000 children eligible to benefit this financial year.

The new benefit will give eligible families on tax credits or certain benefits an extra £40 every four weeks for each child under six.

Scotland is the only part of the UK where this additional payment for families with young children will be available.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish Child Payment was the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK.

Almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family where a child is under six but although the initial payments are aimed at families with young children, it is planned to expand the scheme to cover the estimated 466,000 children under the age of 16 by the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

Somerville pointed out that “significantly” more families were now relying on benefits due to the coronavirus pandemic, some for the first time in their lives.

The new benefit is part of the Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan announced in 2019 and along with the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, will provide over £5200 of financial support for families by the time their first child turns six.

READ MORE: Shirley-Anne Somerville: This is how the Scottish Government is tackling child poverty

For second and subsequent children this will provide an additional £4900.

Somerville said the new benefit’s rapid introduction, even during a pandemic, showed the Scottish Government could use its social security powers to focus on its priorities.

“In addition to raising people out of poverty, the Scottish Child Payment will play a significant role in helping to stop others from falling into it,” she said.

“By taking these bold steps we also address the adverse longer-term impacts that we know poverty can have for years afterwards.”

Paul Carberry, Action for Children director for Scotland, said the benefit would ease the struggle some families face in providing the basics and necessities of life.

“We recognise the impact of child poverty is not only felt in purely financial means but is also measured by children having an increase in poverty of opportunity,” he said.

“One simple act to help reduce child poverty is by putting money in the pockets of parents.

“The impacts of poverty are profound for Scotland’s children, from poor mental and physical health and wellbeing to poor performance at school.

“The Scottish Child Payment will offer vital financial support for children, young people, and their families. It can give back choice and dignity. We urge all eligible families to apply for this.”

Anyone who has a child aged under six and is eligible should apply at mygov.scot.