Children First has published a new report showing the positive impact the charity has made on the lives of thousands of children and families across Scotland.
The report reveals that the Children First support line, which offers practical, emotional and financial help to any family in Scotland, put almost £2.5 million back into the pockets of struggling families in 2024 by securing benefits they were entitled to.
Scotland’s national children’s charity also helped families to deal with debts totalling more than half a million pounds and make them more manageable.
From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
More than 1,000 of those families received financial wellbeing support and advice that helped keep children warm, well and fed.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “Scotland is in the grip of a childhood emergency with around one in four children living in poverty.
“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s development, physical and mental health, education and futures that can last into adulthood.
“We are calling on the government to act now to invest in targeted financial advice and support, early help for families and to increase the Scottish Child Payment which is the most effective way to alleviate poverty. Children can’t wait.”
The charity’s impact report also found that more than two thirds of families who reached out for help were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half were concerned about family relationships.
Mary Glasgow added: “Every day our team hears from more and more families in distress and under huge pressure.
“For many, our support is a lifeline to them. But we can’t continue to be there for children and when they need us without your help.
In 2024 across Scotland Children First supported more than 8,600 children and over 8,800 parents and carers to have a brighter future through its local services and national support line. In total 17,493 people were supported.
Mum Priya shared: “Thank you so much. I am in tears writing this. I will never be able to thank you enough. I’ve felt shame in asking for help and this year has been the hardest in forever, but Children First has restored the hope I have in this world.”
Mum Sarah, whose son Arthur has a disability was supported to apply for Child Disability Payment said: “Children First helped us apply for Scottish Child Payment which I didn’t know existed. This extra amount will definitely help us with food and electric bills each month.”
Dad James said: “Just knowing we have that extra money coming in is such a weight off our shoulders. We are now not reliant on food banks or family members.”
The Children First support line helps families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. Families can call the team for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling on thrill seekers across Edinburgh and the Lothians to take on the challenge of a lifetime by climbing the world’s largest equine sculptures on 7 June.
The charity is asking people to take part in a unique adventure and raise funds to give children across Scotland hope and a safer, brighter future.
The exciting feat, which is only open to people raising funds for charities, involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth.
After conquering the Kelpies, participants will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.
Among the brave participants is Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow. She said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and I hope you will join me in taking on this exciting and memorable challenge.
“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
“Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”
Anyone who wishes to sign up to the Kelpie’s Challenge and support Children First can visit childrenfirst.org.uk or call 0345 10 80 111.
UK Government decisions ‘hold back further progress’
New statistics show that child poverty in Scotland has fallen, in contrast to the rest of the UK.
Annual statistics published yesterday show that compared with the previous year’s statistics, relative child poverty in 2023-24 reduced from 26% to 22% in Scotland while absolute child poverty fell from 23% to 17%. UK Poverty statistics published today show levels of relative child poverty at 31% and absolute child poverty at 26%.
Modelling published today suggests that UK Government policies are “holding back” Scotland’s progress. It estimates the UK Government could reduce relative child poverty by an additional 100,000 children in 2025-26 if it heeded Scottish Government calls to end the two child limit, replicate the Scottish Child Payment in Universal Credit, remove the benefit cap and introduce an essentials guarantee.
This model does not take into account the UK Government’s own impact assessment of its welfare cuts announced on Wednesday , which states that they will leave an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, in poverty.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we are committed to meeting the 2030 targets unanimously agreed by the Scottish Parliament.
“Our policies are having to work harder than ever to make a difference, against a backdrop of a continuing cost of living crisis, rising energy costs and UK Government decision making. However, we know these policies are working.
“Statistics published today show that, although we have not met the interim child poverty targets, the proportion of children living in relative poverty has reduced and year-on-year rates are now lower than they have been since 2014-15, while the proportion in absolute poverty has also fallen with the annual figure the lowest in 30 years.
“While JRF predict child poverty will rise in other parts of the UK by 2029, they highlight that policies such as our Scottish Child Payment, and our commitment to mitigate the two-child limit, ‘are behind Scotland bucking the trend’.
“But decisions taken by the UK Government are holding us back, and yesterday’s Spring statement will only make things worse. The DWP’s own figures show that proposed welfare cuts will drive 50,000 more children into poverty, which must call into question their commitment to tackling child poverty.
“I have already written to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to seek reassurance about the purpose and direction of the UK Government’s Child Poverty Taskforce. The Taskforce’s credibility has been drastically undermined by the policies announced by the UKG in the past few days.”
Responding to yesterday’s official government statistics on child poverty John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland said: “These latest statistics show that Holyrood polices, especially the Scottish child payment, are working to shift the dial for children in Scotland in the face of poverty rising to record highs across the rest of the UK.
“It is obviously disappointing that progress falls short of the interim targets, but the statistics show that when government invests to support families then child poverty will fall.”
The latest figures show that in the single year 2023/24 22% of children were living in poverty against a target rate of less than 18%, but down from 26% in the previous year. The three-year average rate of child poverty between 2021 and 2024 was 23%, down from 24%.
Across the UK child poverty rose to a record high with 4.5 million (31%) now living in poverty. New analysis from Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) shows child poverty will rise even higher under the current UK government – to 4.8m by the end of this parliament (2029/30) – unless it takes urgent action including scrapping the two-child limit in its forthcoming child poverty strategy and stepping back from benefit cuts.
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act, passed in 2017 with the unanimous support of all the political parties, requires the Scottish government to ensure less than 10% of children are living in poverty by 2030/31.
Analysis published earlier this week by independent economists at the Fraser of Allander Institute concluded that “meeting the targets is still feasible but will require sizeable additional investment beyond what is currently proposed” and that “increases to the SCP (Scottish child payment) are the most effective tool available.”
The testimony of struggling parents backs up the picture painted by the new government data.
Lisa, a participant in Changing Realities, a participatory project documenting life on a low income, said: “The Scottish child payment has enabled me and my son to participate in more social and educational activities which normally we would have struggled to afford.
“It alleviates some of the financial pressure and gives me and my son more breathing space to enjoy life. The Scottish child payment has been a ‘game changer’ for me.”
Mr Dickie continued: “The message from the statistics, from the independent experts and from parents themselves is clear. The Scottish child payment is working to reduce poverty but a step change is needed in investment to meet child poverty targets.
“At the same time action is needed to boost earnings from work and reduce the housing and childcare costs that parents face.”
Commenting on the latest child poverty statistics, Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “Failing to meet the interim target for reducing child poverty should be a wake-up call to everyone in Scotland. The slight decrease in child poverty doesn’t change the fact we are in the grip of a national childhood emergency.
“Behind these numbers are more than 200,000 children living in grinding poverty without the essentials who are going to bed hungry each night. Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s mental health, wellbeing, education and prospects that can last into adulthood.
“The First Minister says tackling child poverty is his number one priority. We urge him and his government to act now to invest in early help and support for families and to increase the Scottish Child Payment which is the most effective way to alleviate poverty. Children can’t wait.”
The latest child poverty statistics from the Scottish Government can be viewed here: Child poverty summary
Last year Children First worked with 1000 families struggling to make ends meet to provide financial wellbeing support.
If you are a parent or carer who is worried about money, call the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a web chat.
AberlourChief ExecutiveSallyAnn Kelly OBE said: “Aberlour acknowledges the slight reduction in child poverty however is disappointed that the figures remain significantly above the interim target, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to meet the 2030/31 goal. Too many children in Scotland still grow up in poverty.
“Scottish Government actions, particularly the Scottish Child Payment, are beginning to make a difference. However, with looming financial uncertainty due to UK-level benefit changes, more action is needed over the next five years to sustain progress.
“Despite challenges, the target remains achievable if the Scottish Government prioritises investment, leverages all policy tools, and collaborates with the UK Government where necessary. Increased investment in social security, particularly a significant rise in the Scottish Child Payment, is essential.
“However, social security alone won’t lift families out of poverty long-term. It must be combined with action on housing, employment, childcare, and addressing the public debt crisis. Immediate support is needed for those in greatest need, alongside long-term strategies to build community capacity and create sustainable routes out of poverty.
“Scotland must move from managing poverty to preventing it. The First Minister must uphold his commitment to ending child poverty as a top priority. We cannot fail Scotland’s children.”
Save the Children Scotland’s Fiona King said: “Today’s child poverty stats show that positive policy choices, including the Scottish Child Payment are making a difference, but not nearly enough is being done to give all children a decent start in life.“
Campaigners say it’s not too late to end the injustice of child poverty
Responding to today’s figures on poverty and inequality in Scotland, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “People in Scotland want a compassionate country beyond the injustice of child poverty. Today’s figures finally confirm what we all feared – we are not on course to build that better future.
“In Scotland we have clear, legal targets to reduce child poverty that the Scottish Parliament approved unanimously. But with the interim targets now missed, it is vital that our politicians do more to turn their words and commitments into the fundamental action we need.
“Child poverty is shameful. It highlights that our social security system and economy are failing to deliver what we all need to build a better life and a better future. By allowing such levels of poverty to persist we are denying children their rights and undermining the social foundation that they need to thrive, develop their talents, and achieve their potential.
“But it’s not too late. There are concrete, practical things that the Scottish Government can do now to meet our legal child poverty targets in 2031. They can increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week. They can invest in flexible, accessible childcare. They can expand free school meals. They can strengthen the public services that we all rely on. And they can work to build a well-being economy with good jobs, secure hours, and real Living Wages.
“We have choices to make in our country, about how we unlock our country’s wealth to investment in the common future. We must invest in policies like the Scottish Child Payment to invest in our children’s future. Together, we can build a Scotland beyond the injustice of needless poverty.”
Children and young people see dangerous and explicit online content as the number one threat they face according to a new survey commissioned by the charity Children First with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
79 percent of young people in Scotland said they are moderately to extremely worried about seeing harmful online content and 78 percent are anxious about the impact of social media according to figures released today by Scotland’s national children’s charity.
Children First said the figures provide further “shocking” evidence of the depth of Scotland’s national childhood emergency, as they revealed less than one in four of the young people who completed the survey said that childhood is better now than it was for their parents.
The charity’s survey quizzed more than 2,460 children and young people aged 11-25 across Scotland about their lives.
Smartphone usage also came out as a top concern alongside worries about mental health.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “The level of fear and anxiety that children and young people feel about the dangers of being online and the impact on their mental health is shocking.
“That less than a quarter of young people say their childhood is better than their parents, shows how deep the national childhood emergency goes. We must take children’s concerns seriously and act with urgency.
“Our teams have seen a surge in children coming to us who are distressed and at risk of serious harm. We are extremely grateful to the generous players of People’s Postcode Lottery, whose support helps us to be there to help children and young people recover from trauma and abuse. But the terrible reality is that the online threats to our children and young people are growing daily.
“Children can’t protect themselves; everybody needs to help keep them safe. Technology platforms need to stop shirking their responsibility for children’s online safety. They must put children before profit and make young people’s safety their top priority.
“We understand how overwhelming online dangers can feel for parents and carers and are here to help. Anyone who is worried about a child can contact Children First’s support line for help.”
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been supporting Children First’s work to protect children across Scotland for over 17 years. Last year alone players raised £900,000 for the charity awarded by Postcode Children Trust.
Children First has been working with young people to understand their concerns about online harm. At a recent workshop, young people revealed worries about cyber-bullying, the dark side of social media, the sharing of photos and videos without permission, the use of artificial intelligence, unwanted contact from strangers and being served dangerous and explicit content.
Commenting on Snapchat, Jessie said: “you don’t know who you are meeting on there,” Beth added: “I have 84 boys trying to add me as a friend… I don’t know any of them.”
Laura said she “think(s) AI is a lot more dangerous than it is good, until there are proper regulations, but there probably won’t be enough regulations ever.”
Children First’s Scotland-wide confidential support line can be called free on 08000 28 22 33 or contacted by webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk.The charity’s support line is open 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the first time.
Latest Public Health statistics show 90.6% of those who were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from October to December– the Scottish Government standard is 90%.
The figure is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1896869761587273986
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.
“We want everyone to get the support they need, when they need it. Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.
“However, we are on the right path and the £123 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”
Responding to the latest CAMHS referral figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “While the progress on meeting CAMHS waiting times should be applauded, it shouldn’t deflect attention from the still growing mental health crisis among Scotland’s children and young people.
“Numbers of referrals to CAMHS have risen by almost a fifth and our teams across Scotland are seeing rapidly rising levels of worry and anxiety among the children and young people who come to us for support.
“The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.
“The Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.”
With worrying levels of children experiencing anxiety, distress and fear, this children’s mental health week, Children First is asking people to leave a gift in their Will to help protect the next generation of children in Scotland.
With Scotland’s children in the grip of a mental health crisis, Scotland’s national children’s charity predicts their support services will be needed more than ever.
In November, the charity revealed that nearly 100 referrals a day were being made to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) across Scotland, following a freedom of information request (FOI). More than 60 percent of people who call Children First’s national support line are worried about a child’s emotional wellbeing.
The charity has launched a campaign asking the public to make their legacy a brighter future for Scotland’s children.
Michelle Supple, director of fundraising, marketing and communications at Children First, said: “There is a childhood emergency in Scotland and an increasing need for the vital services we offer children and families across Scotland.
“By leaving a gift in your Will to Children First, you are leaving a legacy to protect Scotland’s children and give them a brighter future, a gift for generations.
“These special gifts ensure we can keep babies, children and young people safe and help them recover from trauma today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”
For over 140 years Scotland’s national children’s charity has protected children from harm and supported them to recover from trauma and abuse through its national and local services, including a support line for anyone in Scotland who is worried about a child.
Thanks to gifts left in Wills to Children First, young people can have a better future, due to the emotional and practical support the charity provides for children and young people to recover and move forward after difficult experiences.
Reflecting on their experience with Children First, one young person said: “Children First really helped me. I’ve grown more confidence, have volunteered at a mental wellbeing group and got my first proper job.”
Anyone interested in leaving a gift in their Will to Children First or receiving a free legacy guide can visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/legacy.
As festive bills start to arrive, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh not to suffer in silence and get in touch with their support line.
January is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s national children’s charity. The new year can be extremely tough for families who face worries about Christmas spending and increased living costs during the colder weather.
Getting advice early can make a huge difference to families and can help address any issues before they escalate and help them back to financial health.
To get on the front foot for 2025, Children First’s expert support line team have put together some handy hints for healthier finances.
Children First support line is here to help families with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. They work with parents and carers by listening to any worries they may have about their finances and then put a plan in place to navigate their difficulties.
Sinead Haddow, service manager at Children First said, “Talking about your finances can be really daunting and we understand it can cause lots of anxiety for families.
“Our friendly support line team will listen to your worries, free of judgement, and start to help you put together a plan to get back to financial health.
“When families speak to us, it may be the first time they have had a good night’s sleep in months.
“Pick up the phone to our support line today, by calling 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
“Whatever way families want to contact to us, we’re here to listen.”
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Children First said: “January can be a tough time for many children and families.
“Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery the Children First support line can offer free, confidential, support to any family anywhere in Scotland, which many families tell us can feel like a lifeline.”
Last year, Children First helped almost 1,000 families to put £1.9 million back into their pockets through unclaimed benefits, grants and budgeting.
The charity can also provide expert support on debit and helped double the number of families in 2023-2024 to manage over £813,000 in debt.
Children First support line is here to help families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. From mental health, money worries and online harm to struggles at school the charity’s support line can offer free help and advice thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Children Trust.
Have you ever fancied abseiling off the UK’s tallest whisky distillery? Now is your chance to take on a sky-high challenge for a great cause – raising vital funds to protect Scotland’s children.
Scotland’s national children’s charity, Children First has limited spaces available to descend 100ft down Scotland’s first ever vertical distillery, Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh on Sunday 11th May.
The unique experience gives participants fantastic views across Edinburgh’s skyline and the historic Royal Yacht Britannia.
Funds raised from the event will go towards supporting Children First’s work to protect children from harm and to support them to recover from trauma and abuse. The charity helps children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support.
Michelle Supple, director or fundraising, marketing and communications at Children First, said: “We’re very excited to offer Children First supporters the chance to take part in this brand-new fundraising event.
“It provides a unique opportunity to see Edinburgh’s landscape from a different angle while abseiling down the Port of Leith Distillery.
“All children should have hopes, dreams and opportunities. But, for many they don’t exist. At Children First we work with families, funders, supporters, partners and volunteers to protect all Scotland’s children. Every penny raised from this fantastic event will help to transform children’s lives and give them a brighter future.
“Our fundraising team are on hand to support you every step of the way to make a difference for Scotland’s children and young people.”
Event details:
Date: Sunday 11th May 2025
Location: Port of Leith Distillery, 11 Whisky Quay, EH6 6FH
Registration Fee: £20
Minimum fundraising target: £200
Age requirement: Participants must be aged 11 years and older
The 2025-26 Budget will deliver progress for the people of Scotland, with a record increase in frontline NHS spending, and plans to lift 15,000 children out of poverty by mitigating the UK Government’s two-child limit from 2026.
Setting out the Budget to Parliament, Finance Secretary Shona Robison said the government had listened and would now act on the priorities of people, businesses and organisations across the country – delivering progress for Scotland, by Scotland.
The 2025-26 Budget includes:
a record £2 billion increase in frontline NHS spending taking overall health and social care investment to £21 billion to reduce NHS waiting lists, making it easier for people to see their GP, and progress the Belford Hospital, Monklands Hospital and Edinburgh Eye Pavilion projects
funding for universal winter heating payments for older Scots, and investment to allow the mitigation of the two-child cap from 2026
tax choices that freeze income tax rates, increase the Basic and Intermediate rate thresholds to put more money in the pockets of low and middle-income earners, and provide business rates relief for hard-pressed local pubs and restaurants
a record £15 billion for local government to support the services communities rely on and £768 million to provide 8,000 more affordable homes
£4.9 billion of action on the climate and nature crises to lower emissions and energy bills, protect the environment, and create new jobs and opportunities
a real-terms uplift of 3% for spending on education and skills to maintain teacher levels and invest in school infrastructure, as well as new funding to put more breakfast clubs in primary schools
a £34 million uplift for culture in 2025-26
The Finance Secretary said: “I am proud to present a budget that delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.
“Parliament can show that we understand the pressures people are facing. We can choose to come together to bring hope to people, to renew our public services, and deliver a wealth of new opportunities in our economy.
“This Budget invests in public services, lifts children out of poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency, and supports jobs and economic growth.
“It is a budget filled with hope for Scotland’s future and I look forward to working with all parties in Parliament to secure agreement around its provisions.”
£6.9 billion total investment in social security, including the Scottish Child Payment
almost £4.2 billion across the justice system in 2025-26, including £1.62 billion for policing to support capacity and capability, £881.1 million for prisons, including £347 million for the prison estate to deliver HMP Glasgow and HMP Highland, and £159 million for community justice services to support the wider use of community interventions
over £2.6 billion towards public transport to support bus, rail and ferry services and increases the dedicated funding available to the four councils operating their own ferry services to £50.3 million
over £660 million for rural communities to support the crucial contribution of Scotland’s farmers, crofters and the wider rural economy
almost £90 million to protect, maintain and increase our woodlands and peatlands, to restore more than 15,000 hectares of degraded peatland and ensure the creation of more than 11,000 hectares of woodland across Scotland
a £34 million uplift for culture in 2025-26, building on the £15.8 million increase in the last Budget to take the total incremental increase in culture funding to almost £50 million – the halfway point in our commitment to increase funding to culture and the arts by £100 million more annually by 2028-29
£6 million for the National Islands Plan to deliver infrastructure projects designed in partnership with islanders to support successful and resilient island communities
protection for free tuition and a 3.5% increase in total investment in Higher Education, compared to a 3.08% increase in university funding in England
Ben Macpherson MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s budget commitment to provide significant additional funding for the Granton Waterfront regeneration project, with a long-term agreement to be formalised in 2025.
Having spoken regularly about Granton in the Scottish Parliament this year, and previously, to promote the area as a strategic development site for Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole, Ben Macpherson MSP is delighted that the Scottish Government has committed financial support to significantly progress the City of Edinburgh Council’s ambitions plans.
The budget statement by Shona Robison MSP included: “I can confirm today that we will be working with Edinburgh City Council to unlock over 800 new, net zero homes at their Granton development site.”
In the Scottish Parliament, during the Budget statement and question session, Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith said: “As the local constituency MSP, I believe passionately in the significant potential for the development of Granton Waterfront to help tackle Edinburgh’s housing challenges, to transform the northern part of our capital city for the common good, and to deliver economic growth, new opportunities and multiple positive benefits for existing communities and our country more broadly – that’s why I have worked constructively to highlight all of this to Ministers, and am therefore delighted and grateful that the Finance Secretary has committed to working with City of Edinburgh Council to deliver 800 more homes.
“Can the Finance Secretary say more about the Scottish Government’s commitment to the development of Granton Waterfront – as a strategic site – and the positive impact this will deliver for the people of Northern Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole?”
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Shona Robison MSP, replied: “Ben Macpherson is absolutely right, the Granton Waterfront development is a big deal for Edinburgh, and we will work with Edinburgh Council over the coming months and hope to announce a deal on the detail early in the 2025-26 financial year to support this multi-year project.
“And I talked in my statement about it unlocking 800 new net-zero homes of mixed types and tenures but also sustainable transport links and placemaking initiatives.
“This can be a gamechanger for Edinburgh and I am very acutely aware of the housing need in Edinburgh, and I think this will go a long way to helping as part of this solution.”
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, added: ““This is a very significant step forward towards tackling Edinburgh’s housing emergency and realising all of North Edinburgh’s remarkable potential.
“I have passionately and consistently supported the regeneration of Granton Waterfront throughout my time as the MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and have worked to be a constructive link between the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council in this collective endeavour.
“The vacant and derelict land in Granton has the potential to be transformed into a new residential hub and a destination to visit for locals and tourists alike – just like in Dundee and other waterfront cities across the world. It is fantastic that the Scottish Government has committed to this vision and given pivotal financial backing to make it happen!
“Edinburgh continues to face significant, various housing challenges and building more affordable homes is crucial in helping to tackle this. With Scottish Government support, the development plans for Granton will deliver transformational change to benefit the local area and the wider economy.
“It has been a consistent priority since my election to promote and deliver more affordable housing in Northern Edinburgh – as well as accompanying infrastructure and facilities in the area, like cultural and creative hubs, opportunities for small businesses to thrive, and key services such as schools and health centres – and I look forward to seeing the development of Granton benefit the people of Edinburgh in the years ahead, and the additional investment and opportunities that will be created.”
BUDGET REACTION:
Responding to today’s Budget statement by the Finance Secretary, John Dickie, Director of Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, said: “The Finance Secretary is absolutely right to mitigate the two-child limit in the absence of abolition at UK level.It’s a pernicious policy that pushes 15,000 children into poverty in Scotland alone.
“Investing in social security for families is key to delivering on the First Minister’s number one priority of eradicating child poverty.
“The devil will be in the detail and families really can’t wait until 2026 to see their incomes boosted, so an above inflation increase to the Scottish child payment is still needed in the meantime.
“But there is no question this is the right focus for prioritising spend. We need the UK government take the same approach to investing in family benefits as a matter of utmost urgency.”
CHILD POVERTY ACTION GROUP
COSLA
Responding to today’s Scottish Government draft budget, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “The two-child limit is a huge injustice that has no place in a compassionate society – because every child matters and every child should get support they need.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s proposals today, and we hope that the UK Government works positively and quickly to get this extra support to households with children. We hope it adds to the pressure to scrap the two-child limit across the UK.
“With record numbers of children in temporary accommodation, additional investment in affordable homes and homelessness prevention is necessary and welcome. But we know that more social homes are needed to tackle the housing emergency in Scotland – meeting that challenge requires further investment.
“Many of our members have called for the Scottish Government to make up the difference for pensioners who have had Winter Fuel Payments taken away from them. They will welcome today’s plans.
“We have worked directly with people who are forced to live on a pittance by the unjust UK asylum system, and we supported their campaigns for free bus travel. It is welcome that the Scottish Government have allocated to funding to that proposal, which will increase their freedom to build a life beyond poverty and take part in society. We hope this is the start of a move to provide bus passes to more people – starting with those eligible for benefits.
“But we can do more. There are around 240,000 children in poverty in Scotland. We need to go further and faster if we are going eradicate child poverty.
“That means more immediate support through the Scottish Child Payment and using our powers over tax and investment to build a stronger society for all of us – especially people in poverty.”
POVERTY ALLIANCE
SAVE THE CHILDREN SCOTLAND
SCVO
SCOTTISH HOSPICES
“Today @scotgov announced £768m to buy or build 8k affordable homes next year. It is a sign it’s taking the housing emergency seriously but it is only a reverse of previous cuts. As a result, it’s a cut in real terms as same money buys less now compared to two years ago.
“Though it is a step forward, 8,000 homes is a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed There are 243,000 people on waiting lists in Scotland. The last decades have seen the decimation of council housing because of a lack of funding, stock transfer and right to buy.
“This government needs to deliver more social housing by allocating greater funding for stock buy back and for social and council house building programmes, to ensure more people have a stable, secure, affordable place to live.”
LIVING RENT
We welcome the budget statement from the Scottish Government signalling the value it places on culture & the arts.
Culture is the beating heart of Scotland & this budget offers us all hope for a more stable, positive future.
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Creative Scotland wholeheartedly welcomes the positive news of the substantial uplift for Culture, including Creative Scotland, in the Scottish Government’s draft budget announced today.
In 2025/26, Creative Scotland’s draft Grant-in-Aid budget from the Scottish Government will be £80m, up from £51.4m in the previous year. Included in this is an additional £20m, specifically for use in supporting the Multi-Year Funding programme and an additional £2m to support delivery of Screen Scotland’s strategy.
The Board of Creative Scotland will meet on 16 December to agree the final budget for Multi-Year Funding and a further update will be made following that meeting.
The final outcomes from the programme will be announced by the end of January.
Creative Scotland’s Chair, Robert Wilson, said: “Today’s draft budget announcement by the Scottish Government is enormously welcome. The major boost to Multi-Year Funding and other activities opens up wider opportunities, and we are grateful to the Scottish Government for this significant vote of confidence in Creative Scotland and the creative and culture sector.
“This is especially positive in the light of the long-term financial challenges the sector has been dealing with and will enable people and organisations to once again look forward with more confidence.”
CREATIVE SCOTLAND
Today’s budget released by the Scottish government is a “step in the right direction” but comes too late to ease the winter crisis already hitting some of the country’s A&Es.
This is the response from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) following the budget announcement today – Wednesday 4 December 2024 – by Finance Secretary Shona Robison MSP.
Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM’s Vice Chair for Scotland said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to addressing many of the systemic issues that have plagued our health care system – its patients and staff – for far too long.
“However, it has not come soon enough to ease pressures faced by A&Es who are working under extreme pressure to care for patients right now.
“We restate our commitment to working with the Scottish government to bring an end to this reality and #ResuscitateEmergencyCare in Scotland, for generations to come.”
The budget statement comes just one day after an Audit Scotland report revealed the number of people remaining in hospital because their discharge has been delayed – often due to a lack of social care capacity – is the highest on record.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
In response to today’s Scottish Government Budget,Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Older people across Scotland will be relieved to see the return of some help with winter energy bills through the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from next year.
“For many not currently receiving Pension Credit, or those just above the eligibility, this money is desperately needed. Although not what they were originally due to receive, last week’s decision has been welcomed by older people in financial hardship across Scotland.
“It’s also good news that Scottish Social Security has been uprated with inflation, including entitlements that are important to older people, such as Pension Age Disability Payment and Winter Heating Payment. Many people in later life will be reassured that this has been confirmed.
“We are pleased to see that the Scottish Government is focussed on supporting renters. Over recent years both the number of older people renting privately and the proportion in poverty has risen. The increase in the Discretionary Housing Payment funding pot is an important lifeline to many older private renters, making up rent shortfalls, and the increased investment in social homes building should give tenants of all ages more security.
“However, it is concerning that the Scottish Welfare Fund, which can be a crucial safety net for older people when emergencies occur, such as needing help with food or heating costs, has not been increased.
“Generally, the older people in financial hardship that we speak to will feel heard by the Scottish Government today. However, we remain concerned about older people this winter. Going forward, the Scottish Government must continue to make decisions that improve the lives of older people in poverty.”
INDEPENDENT AGE
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland,said: “We know from our annual survey that local government finances in Scotland are hanging by a thread. One in four councils are afraid they won’t be able to pass a balanced budget next year. Three quarters are warning that they may not be able to do so within the next five years. Today’s Budget from the Scottish Government does not engage with the scale of that challenge.
“Local government may welcome commitments to the New Deal with Local Government continuing work on a fiscal framework and plans to deliver new revenue raising powers. However, they will be dismayed to see how much funding continues to be ring fenced.
“There is an increase in core funding in today’s Budget but it doesn’t cover the ever growing costs of core statutory services.
“The Scottish Government has responded to the concerns of councils and has removed the freeze on council tax rises, but the Cabinet Secretary’s expectation that record funding levels should mean councils do not need to put up council tax is too complacent.
“The truth is that even with the additional funding announced today, local authorities will still need to raise council tax and make cuts to services and will still edge closer to being unable to balance their books.”
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION UNIT
Commenting on the Finance Secretary’s Budget statement this afternoon, Director of CAMRA Scotland Stuart McMahon said:“Pub goers and licensees will be raising a glass to the news that the Scottish Government are finally introducing help with the burden of business rates that have contributed to scores of pubs having to close their doors in recent years, and at a higher rate than elsewhere on these islands.
“Pubs are a vital part of our social fabric and it is right that they will now get the same 40% reduction in business rates that pubs in England get. It is also encouraging that pubs on island communities will continue to get a 100% reduction with their business rates.
“In order to make sure our pubs survive and thrive at the heart of our communities ministers must now commit to reforming the entire Business Rates system to make it fairer. The Scottish Government should level the playing field between online and bricks-and-mortar businesses and finally end the shocking overpayment that pubs have to cough up under the current system.”
CAMRA
Mary Glasgow, chief executive at Children First said: “The Cabinet Secretary says this budget will lift children out of poverty but given that Scotland faces a childhood emergency it is difficult to see how.
“The promise of jam tomorrow, in the form of mitigating the UK two-child cap does nothing to alleviate the plight of thousands of children and families across Scotland who are going hungry today.
“We called on the Scottish Government to invest in early help and support for families and to increase the Scottish child payment. It is disappointing that they have chosen to delay investing in children rather than taking immediate action. Children can’t wait.”
Best performance since national target was set – but charities say targets are still being missed
Almost 90% of children and young people accessing mental health services started treatment within 18 weeks of referral from July to September – the best performance since a national target was introduced a decade ago.
Latest Public Health statistics show 89.1% of those who were assessed as suitable for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks – the Scottish Government target is 90%.
The figure is up five percentage points on the previous quarter and 13.5 percentage points on the same quarter the previous year.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We are working hard to ensure that everyone gets the support they need, when they need it, so the continued improvement in CAMHS waiting times is very welcome.
“These positive figures are testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for. While the national standard applies only to each quarter, it is also encouraging that the highest ever monthly performance – 91.3% was recorded in September.
“However we know there is still more to do, which is why we have provided local authorities with more than £65 million, since 2020, to develop and deliver community-based mental health support for children, young people and their families. We have also invested £16 million a year to work towards ensuring every secondary school in Scotland has access to school counselling services.”
Children 1st Chief Executive, Mary Glasgow.
Responding to the latest CAMHS quarterly waiting list figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “Today’s figures show thousands of children are still in desperate need of support.
“It’s a decade since the Scottish Government committed to 90 percent of CAMHS referrals being seen within 18 weeks. This target has still not been met.
“Our teams across Scotland are supporting young people who are frightened, worried, anxious and need help now. The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.
“Ahead of tomorrow’s budget, the Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.
“We want to see more funding so that families can quickly get support for their children when they need it.”
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a budget for mental health tomorrow (4th December).
The call comes as the latest waiting time figures from Public Health Scotland published today (3rd December), indicate that 115 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending September 2024.1
The figures also show that a total of 4,231 children and young people were still stuck on waiting lists to start treatment at the end of that quarter.
This comes against the background of an increasing level of violent incidents in the classroom, a result in part due to the current mental health emergency, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support
However, it should be noted that despite this challenging situation, only 0.75 per cent of the total NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/23 financial year.2
Indeed, spend on mental health services generally has declined by 4.5 per cent in real terms over the past three years.
The SCSC is calling the Scottish Government to up its game in the budget and make the treatment of mental health issues a key national priority, prioritising spending and avoiding a potential lost generation of children and young people with mental health problems.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that more than 4,200 children and young people are still waiting for treatment from mental health services, with 115 waiting over a year, is extremely alarming.
“We are facing a mental health emergency and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a major effect on classroom behaviour, impacting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.
“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to up its game and make the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people an absolute priority in the forthcoming budget.”
