Families Outside comment on recent Child Poverty Stats
Whilst the figures published on the 22nd March 2024 show that child poverty levels in Scotland have remained broadly stable amidst rising levels across the rest of the UK, that 240,000 children across Scotland remain trapped in poverty is a shameful indictment of our society. Whilst the full impact of the Scottish Child Payment is not yet reflected in these figures, they nonetheless show that the Scottish Government is quite simply not going far enough, fast enough to fulfil its commitment to shift the dial on child poverty, putting its own legally binding targets in jeopardy. A bold policy package and investment in tackling child poverty is urgently needed if the targets are to be met. For the estimated 20-27,000 children who experience a parent’s imprisonment in Scotland each year, there must be further targeted action to reduce the crippling costs imprisonment imposes on the families left behind and to improve access to funds and financial support, to help mitigate the role of imprisonment in creating, sustaining, and deepening poverty amongst children and families. Particular issues requiring urgent action include supporting families with the high costs of maintaining contact (e.g. travel to prisons) and supporting those families affected by a loss of Child Maintenance.
Our financial impact report highlights the different costs that put further pressure on families when supporting someone in prison. You can read it here.
Read the full report with stats here.