This paper presents an analysis of who is affected by fuel poverty in October 2026, based on analysis of the ONS Living Costs and Food Survey 2024/25. We use a threshold of households spending more than 10 and 20 per cent of their net income after housing costs on fuel. The analysis describes their characteristics, fuel poverty rates, and fuel poverty gaps.
878 young people from across Scotland came online for two special Cost of the School Day sessions for Challenge Poverty Week. Pupils learned more about child poverty and how to tackle costs in their schools to make sure everyone is included and ready to learn, regardless of income.
This Budget represents a chance to build on the success of removing the two-child limit and extending free school meals to all those in families receiving UC in England. If the government chooses to take decisive action now, this will have a dual effect of increasing living standards for millions of households overnight, while also boosting wider economic, health and educational outcomes.
Cost of the School Day Voice network members from Trinity High School in South Lanarkshire went to the Scottish Parliament to demand that more is done to tackle child poverty. They talked to Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing and heard Holly Bruce, a Green MSP, read out their question to the First Minister.
With at least 500,000 additional children in England due to become newly eligible for free school meals (FSM) in September, a new survey shows the big difference wider eligibility will make to qualifying families, with expected gains ranging from a drop in household debt to less hunger and more money to spend on things like food at home, trips and clubs for kids. After a challenging summer for many families and continued rising costs, the change is set to provide some respite for qualifying parents.
