Child poverty falls in Scotland by 10 per cent

Child poverty in Scotland fell by almost twice the level in England over a decade, new analysis in the run-up to the independence referendum has shown.

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Report: Benefit changes likely to increase child poverty

More than half (54%) of children in workless families in Scotland are in poverty, compared with 10% of those in working families.

Changes to benefits are likely to have increased poverty for children in workless families further, the report says.

Progress on reducing child poverty has stalled after a steady reduction and the rate is set to rise again.

The challenge for each side of the referendum campaign is to demonstrate how a country where no child grows up and remains in poverty can be achieved.

– JRF Scotland advisor Jim McCormick.

Tackling the issue must be a priority for governments at Holyrood and Westminster regardless of the referendum outcome, JRF Scotland advisor Jim McCormick said.

Child poverty falls in Scotland by 10 per cent

Child poverty in Scotland fell by almost twice the level in England over a decade, new analysis in the run-up to the independence referendum has shown.

The proportion of children in poverty dropped 10%. Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Archive/Press Association Images

The proportion of children in poverty dropped 10% in the decade to 2011/12, compared with six percentage points in England, according to a report by the New Policy Institute (NPI) for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

Despite this success, the charity warned progress had stalled as it published the first of three referendum briefings ahead of the vote on September 18.

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