SCOTTISH Labour has announced a 10-point plan to eradicate child poverty through large-scale and sustainable “structural change.”

The plan includes previously announced policies such as an end to universal credit, universal free school meals and a £10 living wage, alongside new pledges including an extra-curricular activities fund to help children of all backgrounds access school trips.

An increase of child benefit by £5 a week and a “right to play,” which would ensure all children’s access to green spaces and play areas, are also included in the plan.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said a combination of “callous Tory welfare reform and SNP timidity” had allowed levels of child poverty to rise in Scotland.

“This is a disgrace that blights our society and demonstrates the glaring need for radical, structural change,” he said.

“But the SNP’s response so far has been a series of piecemeal interventions, pet projects and one-off trials.

“Two of the most deprived wards in the country are in the First Minister’s own constituency.

“How can she bang on with arcane debates over independence while so many of her constituents are struggling?

“Nicola Sturgeon may not hear them. We do. Only Labour will tackle the root causes of poverty as well as the symptoms.

“This election is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a fairer society. When Labour wins, Scotland wins.”

The plan was unveiled in the Glasgow South West constituency, where 33 per cent of children live in poverty according to analysis by the End Child Poverty Coalition.

Labour’s candidate, Matt Kerr, came just 60 votes away from winning the seat, which is held by the SNP’s Chris Stephens, in the 2017 election.

Speaking at his campaign launch at Pollok Community Centre, where the 10-point plan was announced, Mr Kerr said the constituency was home to the country’s busiest foodbank, telling activists “that breaks my heart.”

He pledged to take only a “worker’s wage” as an MP, saying he couldn’t justify receiving the standard £79,468 MP’s salary.

Mr Kerr told supporters: “I can’t take such a wage when other people on my street can’t feed themselves.”