MORE than a quarter of a million pounds has been paid out to help children in Inverclyde.

A total of 1,700 families in Inverclyde have benefitted from the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, with the sum of £278,080 distributed to families in the area.

The Scottish Government introduced the new payment in February.

Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan today welcomed the strong uptake.

He said: “The Scottish Child Payment has been described by charities as game-changing and we are seeing that difference across Scotland, including the positive impact it’s having upon the lives of families in Inverclyde.

“Not only is the payment giving low-income families extra support, but coupled with other payments such as the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, eligible families could receive up to £5,200 extra by the time their child turns six.

“I would urge any families in Inverclyde who have not yet applied to do so.

“In Scotland, we are building a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect.

"Contrast that with the system at Westminster where the Tories are planning on cutting Universal Credit at a time when vulnerable families need it most.”