Scottish report finds no population-level sign of child payment reducing labour supply
The analysis says available evidence shows no detectable reduction, while warning it cannot rule out effects from future increases.
Event / data period: 2026-10-13
Published: · Updated:
A Scottish Government update published on 13 October examines how Scottish Child Payment interacts with labour-market choices. It finds no population-level indication that the payment has reduced employment, participation or hours worked; trends in Scotland have generally remained similar to those in England.
The authors say administrative data make the effect difficult to identify and that the payment may affect decisions differently for some families. The current payment is £28.20 per eligible child each week, set in April 2026. A £40 weekly premium for eligible children under one is planned for 2027–28; the report does not establish that the increase will have no labour-market effect.
Data
Scottish Child Payment weekly rates
Current weekly payment per eligible child and the announced future premium for children under one.
| Current from April 2026 | 28.2 |
| Planned for 2027–28, eligible children under one | 40 |
Methodology
Amounts are as stated in the Scottish Government analysis published on 13 October 2026. The £40 for 2027–28 is an announced plan for eligible children under one, not the current payment.
Updated:
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