Scottish Social Justice Secretary pledges brighter future for every child ahead of child poverty plan

Plans to eradicate child poverty in Scotland will bring hope to families who are feeling the pinch, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said.

Ahead of the publication of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-2031 later today (Thursday 12 March), Ms Somerville and First Minister John Swinney will visit an Edinburgh family hub to meet parents that have benefitted from holistic whole family support, such as income maximisation and child development programmes, this morning.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:  

“This plan will provide a brighter future for every child, bring hope to families who are really feeling the pinch, and build on the progress that we have delivered in our drive to eradicate child poverty.

“It will focus on tackling the root causes of child poverty, boosting incomes, and reducing everyday costs. It will also include details on how we will further embed support where people need it, when people need it, by ensuring the public and third sector act as one in communities across the country.

“Through bold action, rates of relative child poverty in Scotland have reached the lowest in almost a decade, standing 9 percentage points below the UK average. Policies only seen in Scotland, like the Scottish Child Payment, are central to this, and giving more children the opportunity to thrive. Ensuring that is the case for every child remains our top priority.”

Background

The Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-2031 will publish on Thursday 12 March.