Ending Child Poverty – Scotland Leading the Way

Eradicating child poverty is the First Minister’s top priority. Across Scotland, too many children grow up facing barriers simply because of the circumstances they were born into. Westminster has failed families, and the persistence of child poverty across the UK is a clear sign of that.

But in Scotland, SNP policies are making a real difference. The Scottish Child Payment now supports the families of over 326,000 children, with more than £1 billion issued since its launch in 2021. This vital support ensures children have the essentials they need and helps families stay afloat during difficult times.

Looking ahead, the Scottish Government has committed to lifting a further 15,000 children out of poverty in 2026 by mitigating the impact of Westminster’s unfair two-child limit. These actions show that Scotland is charting a different path, one that puts fairness and opportunity for children first.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation predicts child poverty will rise in other parts of the UK by 2029. But thanks to policies like the Scottish Child Payment and the two-child limit mitigation, Scotland is “bucking the trend.” We are showing that with the right policies, and the right priorities, we can deliver a brighter future for every child.

Martyn Day said:

“Child poverty is not inevitable. With SNP policies, we are giving families the support they need and proving that Scotland can lead the way in fairness and opportunity. Every child deserves a chance to succeed, and we will keep working to make that a reality.”

Ending child poverty is not just a policy goal – it’s a moral responsibility. The SNP will continue to take action to make sure every child, no matter where they grow up, has the chance to thrive.