This morning, the Scottish Government published child poverty statistics for 2023-24, the year of the statutory interim child poverty targets.
Commenting on the publication of these official measures of progress towards Scotland’s child poverty targets, Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission Professor Stephen Sinclair 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.”