A new report from Save the Children Scotland, “Navigating a Path to End Child Poverty in Scotland: Getting to 2030”, has stated that the country is not on course to meet its legally-binding child poverty targets.

Almost one in four children in Scotland are currently living in poverty, meaning the interim milestones set under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 have already been missed.

The report calls for “bold investment” in social security, including strengthening the Scottish Child Payment and progressing work on a Minimum Income Guarantee to ensure families have enough to live on. It also highlights the need for employment to lift families out of poverty through flexible work, affordable childcare and targeted employability support (particularly for mothers).

Alongside income measures, the authors emphasise the importance of sustained investment in the services families rely on – from childcare and mental-health support, to community-based and early-years provision. They argue that meeting the 2030 targets will require a whole-government approach which supports priority families most affected by poverty, including single parents, families with babies, minority ethnic families, households with a disabled family member, and young parents.

The report asks all political parties to commit to urgent, practical and long-term action to give every child the chance to grow up safe, secure and free from poverty.

To view or download the “Navigating a Path to End Child Poverty in Scotland: Getting to 2030” report in full, please visit the Save the Children Scotland media website.