Clydebank’s MSP says the 7,000 children in West Dunbartonshire benefitting from the Scottish Child Payment are evidence the Scottish Government is serious about eradicating child poverty in Scotland.

Marie McNair was speaking as new figures revealed 7,125 youngsters across the local authority are getting the £25-a-week.

Since its inception, 85,565 payments worth £10,236,560 have been paid out to help tackle child poverty in West Dunbartonshire.

And Ms McNair explained the £450 million paid out across the whole country is proof her SNP Government is making tackling child poverty its number one priority.

She told the Clydebank Post: “The SNP Government’s Scottish Child Payment is taking direct action to eliminate child poverty in Scotland, and it is very welcome that it is currently supporting 7,125 children in West Dunbartonshire.

“As we head into the winter months, and with the cost of living crisis continuing to affect households across Clydebank, families will face even tougher challenges, with many struggling to make ends meet.

“The Scottish Child Payment will therefore be even more vital.

“The SNP are taking action to meet our mission of tackling child poverty and I strongly encourage people to spread the word so as many children eligible for this payment get it as possible."

The figures by Social Security Scotland showed there had been 7,725 applications received in West Dunbartonshire, two per cent of the total across Scotland.

Of that figure, 6,540 applications were authorised, 1,020 applications were denied and 110 were withdrawn.