The Scottish Child Payment Amendment Regulations 2027: referral from Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing

Ed Pybus
Chair
Scottish Commission on Social Security
Area 1C South (Mail Point 6)
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

By Email: info@socialsecuritycommission.scot

9 November 2026

Dear Ed

The Scottish Child Payment Amendment Regulations 2027

I enclose a draft copy of the Scottish Child Payment Amendment Regulations 2027, made under sections 79 and 95 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, along with a draft explanatory policy note. I am pleased to provide the Scottish Commission on Social Security with the formal request for scrutiny of these draft Regulations and request that the Commission prepare and submit a report to the Scottish Ministers in accordance with their function under section 22(1) of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018.

As you are aware, the Scottish Government announced during the Scottish Budget statement on 13 January 2026 that it will increase Scottish Child Payment to £40 for children under one. This will see qualifying families receive £40 per week for every child under one. Payments will commence during 2027-28, subject to parliamentary approval. The Scottish Child Payment Regulations 2020 provide the legislative basis for SCP and set out the rate that is payable for each child. In order to introduce the rate for under-1s, the Scottish Child Payment Regulations 2020 are intended to be amended by the Scottish Child Payment Amendment Regulations 2027.

The Scottish Government engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders ahead of the announcement of the under-1s rate in the Budget. This engagement also informed the latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan and the positioning of the under-1s rate within it. The Delivery Plan was informed by a call for evidence, which was undertaken by the Scottish Government between February and April 2025.

My officials have prepared draft versions of the relevant impact assessments, which are also attached. Please note that these impact assessments have been provided for information only and officials will undertake further work to finalise them before the Regulations are formally laid before Parliament.

I would request your scrutiny report be provided within the standard 12-week scrutiny period in line with standing arrangements and therefore submitted by 1 February 2027.

I have sent a letter to the Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Committee to notify them that our proposals have been submitted to the Commission. As ever, I am grateful for your continued work in ensuring that devolved social security delivers a system that meets the needs of the people of Scotland.

Finally, I want to extend my thanks to the Commission for considering these Regulations. Eradicating child poverty in Scotland is a national mission. These Regulations, and your work in scrutinising them, are an important part of achieving that mission.

Yours sincerely,

SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE