CHILD poverty in Scotland has fallen, in "contrast" to the rest of the UK, new figures from the Scottish Government have shown.
Compared with the previous year’s statistics, relative child poverty in 2023-24 reduced from 26% to 22% in Scotland while absolute child poverty fell from 23% to 17%, annual statistics published on Thursday showed.
However, interim targets to reduce child poverty in Scotland were missed. The Scottish Government had aimed to have relative child poverty at 18% and absolute child poverty at 14% by 2024.
UK Poverty statistics, also published on Thursday, showed levels of relative child poverty at 31% and absolute child poverty at 26%, both nine percentage points higher than in Scotland.
The Scottish Government argued that UK Government policies are “holding back” Scotland’s progress in eradicating child poverty.
The Scottish Government added that if its UK counterpart had heeded its calls to end the two-child limit and replicate the Scottish Child Payment in Universal Credit, figures estimated relative child poverty could be reduced by an additional 100,000 children in 2025-26.
Modelling from the report does not take into account the UK Government’s own impact assessment of Labour's welfare cuts, which stated an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, will be plunged into poverty.
Responding to the figures, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville (below) said eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority.
She said: “Our policies are having to work harder than ever to make a difference, against a backdrop of a continuing cost of living crisis, rising energy costs and UK Government decision making. However, we know these policies are working.
“Statistics published today show that, although we have not met the interim child poverty targets, the proportion of children living in relative poverty has reduced and year-on-year rates are now lower than they have been since 2014-15, while the proportion in absolute poverty has also fallen with the annual figure the lowest in 30 years.”
Somerville added: “Decisions taken by the UK Government are holding us back, and yesterday’s Spring Statement will only make things worse. The DWP’s own figures show that proposed welfare cuts will drive 50,000 more children into poverty, which must call into question their commitment to tackling child poverty.
“I have already written to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to seek reassurance about the purpose and direction of the UK Government’s Child Poverty Taskforce. The Taskforce’s credibility has been drastically undermined by the policies announced by the UKG in the past few days.”
Professor Stephen Sinclair, chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission, said although the Scottish Government has taken positive action, considerable work is required to meet the statutory 2030 child poverty targets.
He said: “The Scottish Government deserves credit for the positive action it has taken to reduce poverty and address inequalities, notably with such policies as the Scottish Child Payment and commitment to mitigate the effects of the UK’s two-child limit.
“Nevertheless, although today’s figures show that some progress has been made, the Scottish Government’s interim child poverty targets have not been met and even a single child living in poverty is unacceptable.
“Considerable work is required to meet the statutory 2030 child poverty targets to which all parties in Scotland are committed. The Scottish Government must redouble its efforts and commit the resources required to fulfil its ambition to eradicate child poverty. Its next child poverty delivery plan, to be published in 2026, is the final opportunity to set out a clear and credible path to achieve this national mission.
“The Commission calls upon all parties to contribute constructive and effective proposals to meet our statutory and moral obligation to Scotland’s children.
"The UK Government also has a responsibility to state clearly and convincingly how its forthcoming child poverty strategy will make a real difference to the wellbeing and prospects of our children, particularly in the light of yesterday's announcements which will see an additional 50,000 children across the UK pushed into poverty.”
Oxfam Scotland head Jamie Livingstone said: "Fewer children in poverty is positive, but this legal target was missed due to insufficient investment.
"The Scottish Child Payment shows that policy choices do make a real difference.
"But political leaders continue to shield the wealthiest from paying their fair share of tax."
Fiona King, senior policy manager at Save the Children Scotland, said: “Today’s figures show that Scotland’s investment in social security is making a difference, but not nearly enough is being done to give all children in Scotland a decent start in life.
"In contrast to what is happening across the rest of the UK, it is positive to see child poverty reducing across Scotland for the first time in many years. But the legally binding interim child poverty targets have been missed. That means too many children being denied an equal opportunity to thrive. We are deeply disappointed to have not seen more progress.
She added: “We are now at a crossroads. Politicians from all parties must now choose to work together for a better future for children in Scotland and take bold action we know the public wants to see on child poverty. There is not a moment to lose.”
