It's time for action to eradicate child poverty in Scotland

The Herald Scotland

28-04-2025

As Commissioner, I must listen extensively to children and young people from across the country. They tell me loud and clear that reducing poverty should be a priority. They describe how they are affected, the impact it has on their families, and seeing the impact on their friends. They can be direct, with one child sharing simply: 'My family can barely afford food and rent.'
One young person told me they wanted food banks to hand out goods that didn't need to be cooked because putting the hob or oven on was too expensive. Another said their friend had to wear all their jumpers and jackets inside because they couldn't afford to put the heating on. This is the reality some children in Scotland are facing.
The Herald's series investigates child poverty (Image: Damian Shields) The First Minister has committed to eradicating child poverty as his government's number one priority. The Scottish and UK governments both have duties, and different levers they can use, to tackle poverty. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was incorporated into Scots law last year, and it says governments must use all available resources to enable children to access all their rights.
Increasing the Scottish Child Payment is one clear action the Scottish Government should take. In practice, this means increased financial support to families who need it. Families tell us that the money they have does not go far enough – we need social security to be increased, and for the UK Government to end the two-child benefit cap.
Read more:
Food bank support for children in Scotland 'worse than ever'
80,000 children currently live in 'very deep poverty'
Rebecca McCurdy: I grew up in poverty - this is why I'm writing about it
No child should be hungry, cold, or living in inadequate housing. Every child should have a safe, secure, and affordable home. There is an urgent need for more social housing.
Children are experts in their own lives, and they have a right to be heard and for their views to be considered. When it comes to poverty, children need to be meaningfully involved in national and local child poverty action plans. Community organisations, youth workers, opportunities for sport and leisure are under increasing threat – we need investment and early intervention measures to support children and their families.
Addressing child poverty must move from a vision to a reality. Politicians can and should make the necessary decisions to finally eradicate it.
Nicola Killean is the Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland