Elena Whitham: Support for East and South Ayrshire families

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley representative, Elena Whitham, welcomed the figures that show that £8,149,019 has been paid out to families across the two local authority areas in Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods payments.

According to figures from Social Security Scotland, a total of £164,448,957 was paid out across Scotland for the grants.

Ms Whitham said that “the Scottish Government’s fair and respectful approach to social security is making a real difference to families in Ayrshire".

The SNP government is rightly proud of the different approach we have taken in Scotland to social security. (Image: Elena Whitham MSP) Support in East and South Ayrshire has meant that the cash was paid out between 2018 and June 2024, following 16,630 successful applications.

Commenting on the figures, the SNP representative added: "The SNP government is rightly proud of the different approach we have taken in Scotland to social security – one which, in stark contrast that of the DWP, is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.

“As a result, families across Ayrshire are receiving support despite the very limited powers of Scotland’s parliament and over a decade of Tory and now Labour austerity.

“I am pleased to see 16,630 families receive the support they need in East and South Ayrshire. This will make a real difference to the lives of children as we work towards the First Minister’s mission of eradicating child poverty.”