What is the wider impact of Scottish Child Payment? New Workshop Summary Published

What is the wider impact of Scottish Child Payment (SCP)?

That was the question at the heart of a recent workshop hosted by ADR Scotland in partnership with the University of Glasgow. Bringing together researchers, policymakers, local government, third-sector organisations and people with lived experience, the event explored emerging evidence on how the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) may influence a range of outcomes for children and families, including financial wellbeing, health, education and parental employment. 

Presentations showcased new and ongoing research on the impact of the SCP, while roundtable discussions identified priorities for future research, evaluation and data development. A recurring message throughout the day was that understanding the full impact of the SCP requires looking beyond poverty measures alone and considering SCPs role within a wider system that includes employment, childcare, housing, health and education. 

Discussions also highlighted the importance of linked administrative data, stronger cross-sector collaboration and embedding lived experience in both research and policy development. Participants emphasised the need to continue to build a robust evidence base that can support future decision-making and help improve outcomes for children and families across Scotland. 

We've now published a full workshop summary report, capturing the key presentation highlights, discussion themes and recommendations for future research. 

Read the Workshop Summary Report

Professor Anna Pearce, Professor of Social Epidemiology and Child Health Equity at the University of Glasgow notes:

“This co-produced research agenda goes beyond identifying priorities for future research. It calls on us all to communicate evidence clearly, challenge misinformation, and ensure that children’s rights and equity remain central”  

 

Dr Serena Pattaro, Senior Research Fellow at University of Glasgow and Lead for “Work, welfare and the economy” research theme at ADR Scotland, highlighted:

“It is crucial that we lay the foundations for the data infrastructure needed to understand the longer-term effects of the Scottish Child Payment (SCP). Linked administrative data, alongside other data resources, can help us build a more complete picture of how the payment affects children and families on low incomes. This includes looking beyond poverty and financial outcomes to understand its potential impacts on children’s health and wellbeing, education and future employment, as well as the circumstances of their parents and siblings. Building this evidence base will be essential to informing future policy development and decision-making.”