Delaying Scotland's child poverty response risks political fallout

The latest Poverty in Scotland 2026 data reveal that close to one million people, including many children, are living in poverty across the country. Although the Scottish Parliament enacted binding goals in 2017 to reduce child poverty to under 10% by 2030/31, current trajectories suggest the target will be missed by a large margin. A proposed review of these targets threatens to undo any gains made so far.

The report calls for radical changes to housing policy, economic structures and the social security system, emphasizing that immediate action is needed rather than deferring measures until the review concludes. Survey results from the Diffley Partnership indicate widespread public belief that local councils are underfunded, underscoring the need for coordinated reforms between national and local governments. The authors contend that without bold, people-focused public-service redesign, political credibility will suffer and families will continue to be left behind.