Local Labour MSP Colin Smyth has said that a Scottish Labour commitment to increase Child Benefit by £5 a week could help over 25,000 kids living in Dumfries and Galloway.

According to the most recent figures, 25,650 children in Dumfries and Galloway qualify for child benefit, living in just over 11,000 families.

The region is the 4^th worst in Scotland for child poverty, with 42.3% of children living in material deprivation.

Scottish Labour supports the ‘Give Me 5’ campaign made up of children’s charities and faith organisations.

Colin Smyth MSP believes that an increase would help improve the life chances of the region’s most vulnerable children.

Colin Smyth MSP said, “Under both the SNP and the Tories, families in Dumfries and Galloway are struggling and recent economic shocks will only make finances for local families worse.

Scottish Labour has repeatedly called for the powers of the Scottish Parliament to be used to see real change for children and families. An increase in child benefit of just £5 a week would benefit over 25,000 children in Dumfries and Galloway, lifting many out of poverty in a region with one of highest child poverty levels in Scotland. Now, more than ever, we need policies such as this to create a society that works for the many, not the few.”