Scotland makes strong progress on child poverty as new plan sets future direction

Scotland is making “real and lasting change” in reducing child poverty, according to a new government progress report that highlights major investment, effective policy action and improved outcomes for families across the country.

The 2025–26 Best Start, Bright Futures progress report shows sustained action is delivering measurable results. Scottish Government policies are estimated to keep around 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year, while also halving the number experiencing deep poverty. Child poverty rates in Scotland remain substantially below the UK average, underlining the success of targeted intervention.

The report comes alongside the publication of the next delivery plan, Supporting Children and Families to Thrive: Bringing Hope, Building Futures 2026–2031, which sets out how progress will continue in the years ahead.

First Minister John Swinney emphasised the importance of focusing support where it is needed most saying:

“We recognise that to eradicate child poverty, we must focus our efforts and support on those at the greatest risk of poverty. At the core of this is our approach to Whole Family Support, ensuring families get the right support when they need, where they need, for as long as they need.

This report details some of the real progress we have made… expanding our Fairer Futures Partnerships… and building the foundations for flexible delivery of services which meets the needs of the people and families served.”

Central to this progress is a comprehensive package of support designed to boost incomes, reduce living costs and improve access to services. Key measures include the expansion of the Scottish Child Payment, now available to all eligible under-16s and estimated to keep around 50,000 children out of poverty this year alone.

This work is backed by significant financial commitment. In 2025–26, more than £3.1 billion is being directed to low-income households, with nearly £1.5 billion specifically benefitting children. This represents an increase of more than £960 million since 2018–19. This sustained investment reflects a long-term focus on tackling the root causes of poverty.

The report highlights progress across a wide range of areas, with nearly 100 actions delivered or operating at scale since 2022. These span employment support, childcare, social security, housing and transport—demonstrating a joined-up, whole-system approach.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, highlighted the scale of delivery:

“This report details nearly 100 actions… including more than doubling the value of the Scottish Child Payment… expanding Fairer Futures Partnerships… and continuing to support families to enter and access employment through… high quality funded early learning and childcare.”

Key initiatives include expanded early learning and childcare, free bus travel for under-22s, and programmes such as “Bright Start Breakfasts”, supporting up to 20,000 children. These measures are helping reduce everyday costs while opening up opportunities for families.

A strong focus on whole family support remains central, with integrated, person-centred services ensuring families receive the right help at the right time.

Despite ongoing economic pressures, ministers continue to describe tackling child poverty as a “defining mission.” With the new Bringing Hope, Building Futures plan setting out the next phase of action, Scotland is positioning itself to build on this progress and move closer to its ambition of eradicating child poverty for good.

Read Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan: Progress Report 2025-26 here.

Read Bringing Hope, Building Futures: Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2026-2031 here.