We want to contribute to a reduction in the number of families living in poverty in Scotland by maximizing the potential income available to them through the social security system. As the system moves from tax credits to universal credit over the next few years, our focus is on the families who rely on this vital support, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable families including:

• Low-paid and temporary workers with childcare needs
• Lone parents
• Young parents
• Families affected by disability or caring responsibilities
• Families affected by addiction, violence or imprisonment

The importance of getting the finances right in the early years cannot be underestimated. Growing up in poverty has a negative impact on children’s health, education and lifetime opportunities. Without an adequate income it is very hard for parents to provide for a child’s basic needs and participate fully in society. Information on benefits, grants, help with childcare costs and other entitlements can make a real difference and enable parents and early years workers to concentrate on the important job of parenting.

We aim to increase the capacity of front line agencies in health, education, childcare and the public or voluntary sector to provide accurate, high quality and effective information on financial support for families with children, from pregnancy to school years. We aim to achieve this through:

• Information - see our Tax Credits Toolkit
• Training
• Factsheets
• Our regular e-bulletins - read past editions and sign up
• Our advice line

We are always looking to improve our services to meet your needs, so if there is information or training you would like us to provide for agencies working with families, please get in touch.