Best Start Grant - interim evaluation: qualitative research (annex B)

5 Conclusions

The Best Start Grant (BSG) was perceived very positively by the respondents in this evaluation. The consensus was that the BSG application process was straightforward, the use of the grant led to positive outcomes for child and parent alike, it was not stigmatising to receive the payment and the BSG should be promoted in order that all eligible individuals apply for it. Importantly, the BSG was perceived as easing financial strain on low income families at key transitional stages for their children, and prevented some from families from going into debt. As the respondents saw BSG as an entitlement and not as a donation, it allowed them to spend it appropriately, increasing their confidence as parents and carers. As a result of the very positive reception for the BSG, any proposed modifications were relatively minor. This suggests that the BSG is already operating smoothly and successfully across Scotland, and only relatively minor changes should be considered in the near future.

Assuming that the BSG continues to operate in Scotland, this research identified the following issues that can be considered in future developments of the benefit.

• Further promotion of the grant may be required to ensure that all eligible families are aware of the BSG, as there was evidence that not all potential claimants, and indeed not all relevant health and social care professionals, had heard of it. Targeted promotion to specific groups of parents and carers may need to be considered, for example, via kinship carer, Black and Minority Ethnic family and single father support groups. Also, it is possible that those eligible for the Early Learning and/or School Age payments may no longer be in contact with organisations or professionals that can inform them of the grant.
• The potential for the first Pregnancy and Baby Payment for a family to be £600, even if is not for the first child.
• Aspects of communication for BSG applicants may need to be reviewed:
  • Literacy issues: the current application form and process may be challenging for those with issues in reading and writing, as well as those who have English as a second language, though there is support (e.g. telephone helplines) currently available to assist with this.
  • Claimants may need to be informed if there are delays in receiving the BSG.
  • There may be potential to streamline the process for those making multiple applications for different children within a specified time period.
  • The possibility of features such an online live chat function and forms suitable for mobile phones to assist applicants.

Future research should also be considered. A quantitative survey of BSG recipients would enable the Scottish Government to examine the longer-term impact of BSG across Scotland, with follow-up qualitative research to augment this through the further exploration of the views of key respondent types, including those who applied unsuccessfully for the grant.