Only 26% of Scots think ministers are doing enough on child poverty, poll finds

Only around a quarter of Scots believe the Scottish Government is doing enough to tackle child poverty, a poll has suggested.

The polling, for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) charity by the Diffley partnership, found 83% agree reducing child poverty should be one of the Government’s top priorities.

Some 26% said they agree or strongly agree that ministers are doing enough to tackle the issue, while 42% either disagree somewhat or strongly disagree with the statement.

More than 2,100 Scottish adults were polled in early August.

The JRF said a planned review of Scotland’s legally-binding child poverty targets should not delay action on the issue.

It warned the current targets for reducing poverty are “extremely unlikely” to be met as not enough has been done since they were set in 2017.

Chris Birt, associate director for Scotland at the JRF, said: “The Scottish Government hasn’t put bold enough policies in place and at scale fast enough, and the result is that targets meant to transform children’s lives are now extremely unlikely to be met.

“The existing targets have driven some positive action, not least the Scottish child payment, but it is time for both the Scottish Government and Parliament to restate a bold vision of a Scotland where no child grows up in poverty.

“They should do so confidently, driven by overwhelming public and cross-party support for reducing child poverty to stay right at the top of John Swinney’s list of priorities.

“The public are expecting more action here, and it’s time for our politicians to catch up.

“Regardless of where the review of the targets lands, it cannot put children’s futures on hold and act as a pause on bolder Government action.

“To succeed in meeting new targets, the Scottish Government needs to get a running start.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Human Rights Commission released a separate assessment saying not enough has been done to reduce poverty rates.

Professor Angela O’Hagan, chairwoman of the commission, said there should be a human rights-based approach.

She said: “Almost a million people in Scotland are living in poverty. People are hungry.

“People are homeless or living in inadequate housing and cannot access vital services like healthcare and social security.

“This is a serious human rights issue. The Scottish Government and other public bodies are failing to meet their human rights obligations.”

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We have been clear that our priority is to create a fairer, more prosperous Scotland and that eradicating child poverty is our defining mission.

“In consultation with key stakeholders, the Scottish Government will review the types of targets we use to make sure our legislation accounts for all efforts across Government in ending child poverty while steadfastly committed to maintaining a targets-based approach.

“The Scottish Government welcomes the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s challenge and agrees that public service reform can unlock greater prosperity.

“It is about refining systems to deliver priorities – such as reducing the cost of living, eradicating child poverty, and improving access to healthcare and community-based support.

“Preventative, joined-up systems are exactly what this Government is delivering to respect, protect and fulfil people’s rights.”