Charity says Scotland is on course to miss child-poverty targets

Scotland’s 2017 child-poverty law sets four targets, including reducing the share of children in relative poverty to below 10% by 2030. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) puts the average rate at 21% over 2022–25, compared with a UK average of 28%. The measure is based on household income after housing costs, adjusted for family size. [1]

JRF acknowledges some progress but says the Scottish government’s existing plans will not bring enough change. It calls for better-paid jobs, more flexible affordable childcare, adequate social-security payments and continued provision of affordable housing. It also wants reforms to councils’ role and funding, including council tax. [1]

The government is reviewing its poverty goals after missing some interim targets. Annual poverty figures can fluctuate, and both JRF and the government consider three-year averages more useful for assessing progress. Changes to data collection have also complicated that assessment. [1]

Cosla, which represents Scottish councils, says its members take the report seriously. Its resources spokesperson, Kelly Parry, says funding shortages and rising demand constrain councils, and calls for greater powers and flexible, multi-year funding. [1]