Update on Employability Funding – Best Start, Bright Futures

29 September 2022

The Scottish Government published its 2022-23 Programme for Government on 6 September 2022, making clear the desire to do more to help people now in relation to the cost of living crisis.

The Deputy First Minister’s statement to Parliament the following day further set out the significant financial challenges we currently face , and the steps the Scottish Government has taken and will take to manage the economy and maximise the support available to help those in need.

Ministers have had to make difficult decisions to direct spending to deliver the best outcomes for people against the backdrop of significant economic upheaval. As a result, additional funding that had been planned to invest through the No One Left Behind approach to support the employability response to Best Start, Bright Futures, will not be made available this financial year.

The long term commitment remains to build a wealthier and fairer country. Measures set out in the Programme for Government will help support the people who need it most - including through greater flexibility around Discretionary Housing Payments and the further increase to the Scottish Child Payment from November when it will also be expanded to eligible children under the age of 16.

Employability continues to play a part in Scottish Government’s longer term plans as set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, as a key pillar in tackling of child poverty. Over £59 million is committed to No One Left Behind in 2022/23.

Tackling child poverty is a national mission and the Scottish Government will continue to work together with partners to deliver the actions set out within Best Start, Bright Futures and to develop future phases of No One Left Behind.