Child Poverty: scale, trends and distribution in Scotland

This factsheet explains that addressing child poverty will require a greater attention to in-work poverty, lack of appropriate job opportunities, costs of living and, crucially, the role of the social security system.
The Scottish Government, NHS Health Boards and local authorities have a shared responsibility to contribute to this challenge, through the Child Poverty Act. While many of the actions required to reduce child poverty need to occur a national level, there is a lot that can and is being done locally. The sample outcomes planning tool for local action to reduce child poverty can also help in understanding local need, including among priority groups, and identifying appropriate actions. It’s not right that almost one in four children in Scotland currently live in relative poverty and that it is much higher among priority groups. It’s not fair that it is expected to rise to more than one in three by 2021. While it is found everywhere, the level of child poverty varies across Scotland and has changed over time. Successfully tackling child poverty can help contribute to a healthier, fairer Scotland.

Find the factsheet here.