New social homes needed as 240,000 children living in poverty, new figures reveal

Shelter Scotland has called for urgent targeted action to deliver more social homes where they are most needed and on services to support families, following figures which revealed 240,000 children are living in poverty, after housing costs are taken into consideration.

At a time when 10,360 children are trapped in temporary accommodation, a ground- breaking report, In Their Own Words, shined a light on the challenges many families face, with finances being a clear theme.  

While figures for 2023/24 show a welcome drop in the percentage of children living in poverty from 23% to 22% in contrast to rising child poverty elsewhere in the UK, one in five children are still living in poverty in Scotland, missing the Scottish Government’s interim target.

Shelter Scotland is calling for urgent action and a targeted approach to housing from the Scottish Government to tackle child poverty.

Director of Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson said:  

“These stark figures are further proof that you cannot end child poverty without tackling child homelessness.  

“While there has been a slight decrease, these figures are still too far high and the Scottish Government has missed its child poverty target.

“We know from our research families are facing a temporary accommodation tax as being in the homeless system can put a massive financial burden on them. The fact that any child is living in poverty should be a source of national anger.  

“Children need stability and security to thrive and we know that families who are trapped in often unsuitable temporary accommodation have their lives put on hold as they can be waiting years for a permanent home.  

“Social housing tackles child poverty and ends homelessness. The Scottish Government knows this. It’s time for action.”