Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2022-2026 - annex 5: impact of policies on child poverty

Best Start Grant

Best Start Grant aims to help tackle the impacts of child poverty by giving eligible families additional money when their children make transitions in the early years, adding to the family budget and avoiding the need for borrowing. This policy replaces the Sure Start Maternity Grant in Scotland.

• Income from social security and benefits in kind

Enhanced life chances (e.g. health, wellbeing, capabilities, longer term goals)

Potential size of impact

It is estimated that between 57,200 and 58,800 payments will be made annually over the period of the plan.

Type of impact

Direct impact through increasing income from social security.

Certainty of impact

Interim evaluation showed that the payments eased financial strain on low income families, prevented some families from going into debt, and led to positive outcomes for child and parent alike.

Priority families targeted by policy:

• Lone parents
• 3+ children
• Disabled
• Minority ethnic
• Baby < 1
• Mothers aged <25

The target group is low income families (with a pregnant women or a young child) in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Under 18s, and 18 and 19 year olds who are still dependent on someone are automatically entitled, without the need for a qualifying benefit. To maximise take up, a single form can be used to apply for Best Start Foods, Best Start Grant and Scottish Child Payment. Social Security Scotland has taken a proactive approach and has written to families directly inviting them to apply. Information can be obtained from DWP and HMRC to identify families who may be eligible.

Tracking progress

Social Security Scotland publishes statistics on applications and payments for Best Start Grant. Best Start Grant is being evaluated in accordance with the principles set out in the Social Security evaluation strategy. The interim evaluation was published in December 2020. Policy impact is identified using a "theory of change". The evaluation gathered information on the immediate impacts on wellbeing and financial stability. A final evaluation will be undertaken in 2024 and will look at the impacts where all three Best Start Grant payments were received for a child.