Maternity and Early Years

Overview of the support available for children in Scotland

Information on the best start grant for pregnant women and families with a new baby in Scotland.

On 18 October 2019, CPAG issued judicial review proceedings challenging the treatment of maternity allowance (MA) as unearned income in the calculation of universal credit (UC) awards. A "rolled up" hearing of the case took place in the High Court on 24 - 25 June 2020, meaning that permission to apply for judicial review and the substantive case were considered at the same hearing. In a judgment handed down on 26 October 2020, the judge found that CPAG's case was arguable on two grounds, but ultimately found in favour of the Secretary of State. CPAG applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal on behalf of the claimants. The permission application was considered at an oral hearing on 23 June 2021 and permission was refused.

Best Start grant rules for people taking responsibility for a baby.

Deadline for Best Start grant school age payments, new tax credit rates, caselaw and more

Childcare update, Neonatal expenses fund, Best Start Foods and vitamins, caselaw and more