Fury at 45p-a-week child payment rise

Anti-poverty groups want higher-than-inflation lift

- PAUL HUTCHEON

THE SNP government has been slammed after it increased the flagship anti-poverty benefit by just 45p a week.

The Budget rise for the Scottish Child Payment is lower than the latest rate of inflation.

Ruth Boyle of the Poverty Alliance said the increase is "simply not enough".

John Swinney has said cutting child poverty will be his top priority as First Minister.

The SCP, currently £26.70 a week, is paid to low-income families for every child they have.