Child poverty in Scotland has seen a small decrease, but crucial targets remain out of reach according to the latest official figures.
The newly published statistics cover the period up to March 2024 and paint a picture of poverty levels that have remained broadly stable over the last decade.
Children continue to face higher poverty rates than both working-age adults and pensioners in Scotland.
Three-year average figures show that 23% of children live in relative poverty after housing costs, compared to 20% of working-age adults and 15% of pensioners.
The use of three-year averages helps smooth out annual fluctuations and give a clearer view of long-term trends.
Adults under 25 in Scotland are more likely to experience poverty than older adults, a trend that has persisted over time.
Relative poverty rates have changed little across most age groups despite economic pressures and policy efforts.
The data highlights stark inequalities among different communities, with minority ethnic households in Scotland facing higher poverty rates than white households.
Muslim adults are disproportionately affected by poverty compared to those identifying as Christian or having no religion.
Part of this disparity may be due to younger age profiles within Scotland’s Muslim population.
The report also reflects progress towards targets set by the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.
In 2023-24, relative child poverty fell to 22% and absolute child poverty dropped to 17%, both slight improvements on the previous year.
Despite these reductions, both figures remain above the interim targets set for that year under the Act.
Persistent child poverty in Scotland rose to 23%, a marked increase that also exceeds the interim target.
Persistent poverty measures children who have lived in poverty for multiple years, raising serious concerns for long-term outcomes.
This data can be more volatile year on year but is a key indicator of sustained disadvantage.
The latest estimate for combined low income and material deprivation sits at 9%, just above the interim target.
However, comparisons to earlier years are difficult due to updates in how material deprivation is measured.
The overall picture in Scotland shows only limited progress on tackling poverty, with many targets still unmet.
While the rates have not worsened drastically, the lack of significant improvement is a concern for campaigners.
Experts continue to call for more ambitious, targeted policy interventions to address the root causes of poverty.
Scotland’s most vulnerable families, particularly those with children, continue to face financial pressure despite policy commitments.
The statistics are a reminder that tackling poverty is a long-term challenge that needs renewed focus and sustained investment.
