First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed that eradicating child poverty remains his government’s top priority.
Speaking in Glasgow after meeting with representatives from the charity sector, local government, and academia, Mr Swinney said Scotland is united in a shared mission to end child poverty once and for all.
The discussions, held with those working directly on the front line of family support, aimed to help shape the Scottish Government’s next Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.
The First Minister said he was encouraged by the passion and insight of those dedicated to tackling one of the nation’s most pressing issues.
“In Scotland we have a shared, collective mission to end the scourge of child poverty once and for all,” he said.
“I have been greatly encouraged by my discussions with representatives from the charity sector, those working in public services and indeed everyone with valuable insight into the issues facing many families.”
“I welcome their input and believe that we are making real progress by coming together in this way and we will continue to collaborate as we develop our next Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.”
Mr Swinney highlighted that child poverty rates in Scotland are nine percentage points lower than in the rest of the UK, crediting targeted support such as the Scottish Child Payment and investment in early years and family support.
However, he warned that more must be done and urged the UK Government to follow suit.
“I commit that my government will continue to do everything we possibly can to bring child poverty down even further.
“But I am also calling on the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to match Scotland’s ambition in the Budget later this month,” he said.
“The UK Government must take similar action and demonstrate that it is serious about ending child poverty.
“For too long, successive UK governments have taken decisions that have made child poverty worse, not better.
“I am calling on them to finally do the right thing and play their part in ensuring not a single child has to endure the hardships of poverty.”
The meeting in Glasgow marks the beginning of a new phase in the Scottish Government’s drive to reduce child poverty through collaboration, community investment, and a commitment to long-term change.
