Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, has welcomed the announcement of a one-off £2,000 payment from the Scottish Government to young people leaving the care system.

Speaking this afternoon, Keith said:

“I am really pleased that the First Minister has announced the introduction of this payment following the Independent Care Review’s findings that those with care experience have an increased risk of poor mental health, addiction, homelessness, and exploitation.

“The Scottish Government is determined that recipients of support have a stake and a say in the development of the way in which benefits are delivered, and this payment is being co-designed with care experienced people to ensure that it meets their needs and helps to reduce some of the financial barriers that stand in their way as they seek to live independently.

“The SNP Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise by 2030 to all children and young people leaving care and ensuring that they are supported on their journey into adulthood and independence is an important part of that process.

“Moving on to living independently can be a huge adjustment for care-experienced young people and the support that they will now receive through the Care Leaver Payment will, I am absolutely certain, make a real difference to the lives of care-experienced young people here in Clackmannanshire & Dunblane, as it will right across the country.”