The Scottish Government’s plan sets out how it intends to meet the statutory 2030 child poverty targets. It builds on previous actions since 2018 and outlines what will be delivered in 2026–27, alongside broader priorities for the next Parliament.
Key commitments in this plan include:
- £4.1 billion over four years for affordable homes (to support the delivery of 36,000 homes and provide up to 24,000 children with a place to call home).
- Additional £9 million in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) to address the freeze in Local Housing Allowance.
- Continued mitigation of the bedroom tax and benefit cap.
- Introducing Awaab’s Law in the rented sector on 6 October 2026, subject to Parliament’s agreement, starting with damp and mould to ensure landlords promptly address issues.
- £2 million for the Fund to Leave to support women experiencing domestic abuse.
- £64 million for fuel poverty measures through Area Based Schemes.
- Further £1 million for the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund.
- Over £2 million for the Council Tax Debt project.
RCPCH Officer for Scotland, Dr Mairi Stark, said:
We welcome the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to eradicating child poverty. With 22% of children in Scotland still living in relative poverty, the impact on children’s health is stark and the need for action is urgent.
We strongly support measures such as a national breakfast club offer, action on damp and mould through Awaab’s Law, increased support for school clothing grants, and enhanced family payments. However, some proposals do not go far enough. Universal free school meals for all primary pupils and wider eligibility for school clothing grants are essential steps still missing. And while increases to the Scottish Child Payment are welcome, we believe it should be raised to £40 per week for all children immediately.
As the 2030 targets draw closer, these commitments must go further. Achieving them will require significant investment and a focus on tackling the root causes of health inequality, ensuring every child grows up healthy, safe, and supported.