Scottish Government marks Challenge Poverty Week

As Challenge Poverty Week begins, Scottish first minister John Swinney has said the Scottish Government is committed to putting “more money in people’s pockets".

He said that the Scottish Government’s cost of living guarantee, which includes free bus travel for 2.3 million people, more than £6,000 in early learning and childcare support for each eligible child, free prescriptions and other measures, is delivering real savings for families across the country.

According to statistics, the proportion of Scottish children living in absolute poverty has reached its lowest level in 30 years. The rates of both relative and absolute child poverty in Scotland were 9 percentage points lower than the UK average for 2023-4.

It is estimated that Scottish Government policies are keeping 70,000 children out of relative poverty in 2025-26 - this is expected to grow over time to reach 100,000 children by 2028-29.

Swinney said: “Tackling child poverty is this government’s defining mission and our determination is backed up by a commitment to put more money in people’s pockets and deliver real savings to support families.   

“There are fewer children in poverty in Scotland than the rest of the UK because we have made bold policy choices backed by an unwavering resolve. 

“The Scottish Child Payment was benefitting around 322,000 children and their families as of the end of June. Our free school meals programme is providing nutritious meals to more than 230,000 primary school pupils. We have cut costs for commuters by scrapping peak rail fares. Some 2.3 million people travel free on buses. And we’re mitigating the two-child limit early next year."