Scottish Child Payment: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment

CRWIA Stage 1: Screening - key questions

1. Name the policy, and describe its overall aims.

The Scottish Child Payment (SCP) is a new benefit being introduced by the Scottish Government to tackle child poverty for low income families in receipt of reserved benefits. It will pay the equivalent of £10 a week per child every four weeks in arrears to families with no cap on the number of eligible children a family can claim for. Early payments of the SCP will be made to families with children under the age of 6 – recognising that, of all children in poverty, almost 60% live in a household where the youngest child is aged under 6, and the early years are key to improving long term outcomes. This is ahead of the payment being rolled out to children under 16.

2.  What aspects of the policy/measure will affect children and young people up to the age of 18?

All aspects of this policy will affect eligible children and will affect some young people who are parents of eligible children. 

3. What likely impact – direct or indirect – will the policy/measure have on children and young people?

Direct.  

4. Which groups of children and young people will be affected?

The SCP will provide financial support to low income families (including young parents) with children under 6 who are in receipt of:

• Child Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

5. Will this require a CRWIA?

Yes. Although the policy is determined to have a broadly positive impact on children and young people, it is important to undertake this impact assessment so that any potential unintended consequences are identified and addressed. A CRWIA also helps to broaden and deepen our understanding of issues around children and young people.

CRWIA Declaration: Tick relevant section, and complete the form.

CRWIA required/not required: Yes

Authorisation:

Policy lead
Rebecca Darge
Scottish Child Payment Policy Lead
Social Security Directorate
Date 25/08/2020

Deputy Director or equivalent
Ann McVie
Deputy Director
Social Security Directorate
Date 25/08/2020