Category Archives: Campaigning
Changes to benefits – October update
There are a number of changes taking place to the benefits system. From October, the maximum rate at which deductions can be made from Universal Credit, to repay an advance payment, will be reduced from 40% to 30% of the …
Impact of UK welfare policies in Scotland
Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry, examining the impact of UK welfare policies in Scotland. OPFS submission says welfare reform and the freezing of social security payments are the key cause of a dramatic increase in child poverty …
Can you get help with childcare costs if you have more than 2 children?
Yes, you can get help to pay for childcare for all qualifying children even if you only get child tax credit, universal credit and help with housing costs for two. If you are affected by the ‘2 child limit’ you …
A Royal invitation
Over the last year and a half, Anne Baldock (pictured above with FM Nicola Sturgeon MSP) from OPFS took taken part in the Best Start Grant expert working group. The group contributed to the legislation, design and delivery of the …
Scottish government consultation on fraud in the social security system – OPFS Response
OPFS welcomes the commitment that the Scottish Social Security Agency will treat those who use the service with dignity, respect and fairness. The process of developing the suite of early years benefits – Best Start Grants in particular – has …
OPFS Response to Scottish Parliament Inequality Debate
One Parent Families Scotland has responded to comments made by Michelle Ballantyne MSP when she said the poor “can’t have as many children as they like” during a debate about inequality in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. Marion Davis, head of …
Social Security and In-Work Poverty Inquiry Submission
OPFS replied to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee inquiry into social security and in-work poverty. The Committee’s focus is on the potential impact of Universal Credit on in-work poverty and indications of increasing needs in working households. Single parents …
Social Impact Report – Flexible Childcare Services Scotland
If you are a single parent on a zero-hours contract how can you get reliable childcare when you need it, and which doesn’t leave you worse off? How do you pay for childcare in order to retrain for work or for better …
New £100 minimum national school clothing grant
Thousands to benefit from minimum £100 grant. An estimated 120,000 families will benefit from a new £100 national minimum school clothing grant in Scotland as a result of partnership working between Scotland’s Local Authorities and the Scottish Government. Thanks to …
