Official child poverty statistics: Nearly a quarter of Scotland’s children still in poverty 

• “Stark reminder” how vital Scottish government focus on child poverty is, say campaigners
• “Crystal clear that social security is critical to preventing child poverty”
• New CPAG analysis shows child poverty costs the UK £39.5 billion a year 

Today’s official Scottish government poverty statistics show 250,000 children (24% of all children) were still living in poverty in Scotland in the period 2019 to 2022.  Children remain at significantly higher risk of poverty than pensioners (15%) and working age adults (21%). The figures show levels of child poverty broadly stable in Scotland, but pre-date the full roll out of the Scottish child payment. 

DWP statistics also published today show that across the UK 350 000 more children were pulled into poverty in 2021/22.  Child poverty campaigners say this was largely because the UK Government cut the £20 universal credit (UC) uplift half-way through the year.  A shocking 4.2 million children (29%) are now living in poverty across the UK.

But, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) warns, the number across the UK will now be even higher now – 19 months on from the £20 universal credit cut. 

In contrast CPAG says child poverty should soon be falling in Scotland as a result of the roll out of the Scottish child payment and increases to its value (see note below).  CPAG analysis suggests sustained investment in the Scottish child payment means the statutory child poverty target to reduce child poverty to less than 18% by 2024 is still within reach. But, they warn, the rising cost of living, with the cost of basic essentials rising fastest, is outstripping the value of extra Scottish government support. The campaigners point to analysis by independent think tank IPPR Scotland for Save the Children and the Trussell Trust that concludes the payment will need to rise to at least £40 by the end of the parliament (see note below). 

Commenting on the figures John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland said:

“In a rich country these scandalous levels of child poverty are utterly unacceptable and a stark reminder how vital the Scottish Government’s focus on child poverty is. The next First Minister must not just sustain but increase the crucial investment being made in the Scottish child payment. Its crystal clear from these trends across the UK that social security is critical to preventing child poverty.”

The charity also today publishes research which estimates child poverty costs the UK £39.5 billion a year – in lost tax and earnings, unemployment benefit and additional public services spending. (see below).

Mr Dickie continued:

“Its children that pay the highest possible price for poverty – they pay with their health, their well-being and their life chances.  Our research shows the country also pays a heavy financial price.  The human cost for the children in today’s figures is incalculable.   The economic fallout for all of us is vast.  But if the political will is there, child poverty can be fixed."

Today’s Scottish Government Poverty and income inequality statistics show some families are at even higher risk of poverty. A shocking 34% of children in families with more than two children live in poverty, up from 32% in the period 2017-2020.

Commenting on the especially high risk faced by families with more than two children Mr Dickie continued:

“The UK governments two child limit is driving increasing numbers of children into poverty and needs to be scrapped at source, but here in Scotland Holyrood ministers should act to use the Scottish social security system to mitigate its impact. Their own analysis shows that reversing the impact of the two-child limit would be a most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty.”

CPAG’s new research estimates the wider societal costs of child poverty based on costs to the economy due to the greater risk of unemployment and lower earnings potential of adults who grew up in poverty, and of the additional amount spent on public services to help address the damage done to children growing up in poverty.  The research, commissioned by CPAG from Donald Hirsch, estimates that this year child poverty will cost the UK £39.5bn.

Notes to editors:
Official Scottish government Poverty and Inequality statistics are published today here
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 requires Scottish Ministers to ensure less than 18% of children are living in poverty by 2023/24 and less than 10% of children are living in poverty by 2030. 
The Scottish child payment was introduced by the Scottish Government in February 2021 at a rate of £10 per week for each child under six in families in receipt of universal credit and equivalent means tested benefits. It was increased to £20 in April 2022 before being rolled out to all eligible under 16s at a rate of £25 from November 2022. 
CPAG’s report The Cost of Child Poverty in 2023 is here  The report updates calculations carried out in 2008, 2013 and 2021. A summary of the key findings and CPAG’s policy recommendations is here 
Today’s UK wide Households Below Average Income statistics are here
IPPR Scotland analysis on value of Scottish child payment is here 

For further details and interviews contact John Dickie, Director of Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland on 07795 340 618