Tom Arthur MSP has warned that Anas Sarwar’s New Year’s pledge to cut spending on tackling child poverty would be “devastating” for children and families across Renfrewshire.
In a speech on Monday, Anas Sarwar set out that if Labour were in power in Scotland they would immediately seek to cut spending on Social Security support payments. This includes the Scottish Child Payment.
This approach from Mr Sarwar mirrors that of his London boss Sir Keir Starmer, who as Prime Minister has chosen to keep the two child benefit cap.
Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South constituency, said: “Anas Sarwar has kicked off 2025 just as he left 2024, ditching values which were once synonymous with Labour and going back on his word.
“The Labour Party in Scotland is now the party of austerity cuts, and if Mr Sarwar wants to cut vital support like the Scottish Child Payment he should come out and say it.
“It’s clear the height of Scottish Labour’s ambition for Social Security Scotland is turning it into another DWP with all the horrendous sanctions that go along with it.
“This SNP Government however has put forward a budget that provides hope to the people of Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, ensuring those who need support the most get it. It is now up to opposition MSPs to back it.”