New report calls for stronger action on Child Poverty in Scotland

Date: 21st October 2026
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

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A new report by Joseph Rowntree Foundation warns that Scotland is at risk of missing its target to reduce child poverty, despite the Scottish Government describing tackling poverty as a key priority.

Data for 2022 to 2025 shows that 21% of children in Scotland live in relative poverty. Overall, 17% of people in Scotland are living in poverty, including 11% in deep poverty and 7% in very deep poverty. More than nine in ten children experiencing poverty belong to at least one of the Scottish Government’s priority family groups.

The report warns that current government plans will not do enough to meet the target of reducing relative child poverty to 10% by 2030-31. It calls for more ambitious targets and a stronger, properly funded plan to help families struggling with poverty. Only 26% of people surveyed agreed that the Scottish Government is doing enough to tackle child poverty. The report also highlights concerns about local councils, with many people believing they do not have enough funding to provide the services their communities need. People on low incomes and those living in more deprived areas reported poorer experiences of local services.

It calls on the Scottish Government to provide councils with more stable funding and reform how local government is financed. Councils are also urged to make tackling poverty a priority by improving access to childcare, housing, transport, education and employment support.

Read and download the report on Joseph Rowntree Foundation webpage