Policy Overview: June 2024 Manifesto Special
As the General Election on 4th July closes in, we’ve had a look at the manifestos of the main parties* fielding candidates in Scotland to see what they offer parents, carers and families.
Some of the big policy areas being discussed at a UK level, such as education, health and childcare are devolved to the Scottish Parliament. So they are largely out of scope this time. But there are still plenty of areas where manifesto pledges could have real impact on families living in Scotland, including employment, welfare entitlements, energy and immigration policy.
In this policy overview, we take a dive into some specific policies aimed directly at parents and carers and which would apply to families living in Scotland. We have put more details in tables to allow better comparison between parties. If a party is not mentioned, it is because they have not made any specific pledges in this area.
Maternity, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave and Pay
Four parties (Labour, Lib Dems, Scottish Greens and SNP) make specific commitments to improving entitlements to maternity, paternity or shared parental leave and pay. There is a particular emphasis in all four parties on measures to increase shared parental leave between parents. However there are differing levels of detail about what this will mean for parents. The most ambitious party in this area is the Scottish Greens who pledge to increase statutory maternity, paternity and shared parental leave and pay to 52 weeks full pay, a huge shift for paternity leave and pay in particular.
Table of pledges on maternity, paternity and shared parental leave and pay
Two Child Limit
Four parties (Alba, Lib Dems, Scottish Greens and SNP) have pledged to remove the Two Child Benefit Cap, a move long called for by End Child Poverty Coalition members.
Table of pledges on the two child limit
Child Benefit
Four parties (Conservatives, Lib Dems, Reform and Scottish Greens) propose changes to Child Benefit entitlements. For the Conservatives and Scottish Greens this is focused on removing barriers for higher earners, whereas for the Lib Dems and Reform the emphasis is on the early years.
Child Maintenance
Three parties (Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform) have recognized the need to reform the Child Maintenance Service and pledge to take action here.
Table of pledges on child maintenance
Other relevant policy pledges
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As Scotland moves ever closer to commencement of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation)(Scotland) Act 2024, both the Lib Dems and SNP have committed to working towards the UNCRC being incorporated in law at a UK level.
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The Scottish Greens want to pursue pilots of Universal Basic Income, which will include entitlements for children (paid to parents / guardians) and a single parent supplement.
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The Lib Dems have pledged to end the young parent penalty in Universal Credit which sees under-25s receiving considerably less.
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The Conservatives controversially plan to introduce compulsory National Service for 18 year olds.
Children and Families Sector Manifestos
Some of members, partners and wider network have published their own manifestos for the General Election, outlining what they think the next UK government needs to do to improve the lives of children, young people and families. Below is a selection of five organisational manifestos we believe are making important calls:
*Alba Party, Reform, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party (Conservatives), Scottish Labour Party (Labour), Scottish Liberal Democrats (LibDems), Scottish Greens, Scottish National Party (SNP).
