Child poverty statistics

Inequalities amplified

04 December 2023
Racial inequalities in child poverty are particularly stark, with over half of children from Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds likely to grow up in poverty. Economic structures that reinforce gender inequality and entrench systemic racism mean that certain groups, including women, children and Black and minority ethnic families are much more likely to be living in poverty.

“Child poverty action must be ratcheted up to meet targets and protect children” say campaigners 

13 June 2023
 Child poverty campaigners respond to latest child progress reports from Scottish Government and independent Poverty and Inequality Commission. •    First Minister urged to, “at the very least”, deliver on campaign commitment to increase Scottish child payment to £30.  •    Scottish government forecasts nine percentage point reduction in child poverty as result of current policy package – “We are seeing very real and substantial progress but it’s not yet enough to meet targets” say campaigners  •    “Scale and pace of action must be ratcheted up to protect children and meet statutory targets.”

Nicola Sturgeon’s legacy on child poverty is one of huge progress, but new FM must complete the job

27 March 2023
As we find out who Scotland’s new First Minister will be. What will this mean for action to end child poverty? Whatever people’s views of her wider legacy there should be no doubt Nicola Sturgeon has made huge progress putting in place the building blocks needed to end the scourge of child poverty in Scotland.

The cost of child poverty in 2023

23 March 2023
The cost of child poverty extends beyond the physical and emotional hardship felt by children growing up in low-income families. In 2008, the total financial cost was estimated to be at least £25 billion a year. In 2023, it has risen to over £39 billion a year.

OFFICIAL CHILD POVERTY STATISTICS:  Nearly a quarter of Scotland’s children still in poverty 

23 March 2023
•    “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 

Official child poverty statistics: 350,000 more children in poverty and numbers will rise

23 March 2023
Today’s annual poverty statistics show an estimated 350,000 more children were pulled into poverty last year, largely because the Government cut the £20 universal credit (UC) uplift half-way through the year.  New CPAG analysis shows child poverty costs the country £39.5 billion a year.

Civic Scotland urges SNP leadership hopefuls to keep child poverty as top priority

12 March 2023
End Child Poverty members in Scotland have written an open letter to the SNP leadership contenders calling on them to keep child poverty a top government priority if they become First Minister

Who are the fuel poor?

13 February 2023
Who is experiencing fuel poverty? What is the relationship between fuel poverty and income? And what is the impact of the mitigations put in place to support people with rising energy costs?

New ‘Cost of a Child in Scotland’ research finds rising costs outstrip additional Holyrood support for families

13 December 2022
A new report commissioned by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland from the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University has found a widening gap between the cost of raising a child in Scotland and actual family incomes, despite the significant impact of Scottish government policies and lower childcare costs.

The Cost of a child in Scotland in 2022 - update

13 December 2022
A report commissioned by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland from the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University has found a widening gap between the cost of raising a child in Scotland and actual family incomes, despite the significant impact of Scottish government policies and lower childcare costs.