Stronger scrutiny on child poverty

Together with children’s charities and anti-poverty organisations, the Commissioner has written to the Scottish Parliament calling for stronger scrutiny of progress on ending child poverty.

The letter calls for a dedicated Parliamentary Cross-Committee to hold the Scottish Government to account on meeting Scotland’s legally binding child poverty targets by 2030/31. It also asks Parliament to consider creating a People’s Panel, so children and families with experience of poverty can help shape the work.

The letter warns that, despite progress, 1 in 5 children in Scotland are still growing up in poverty, and says this must be the Parliament where ending child poverty is prioritised above all else.