£5.8 million to fight child poverty in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced £5.8 million to prevent child poverty.

Seven projects working in communities will share the funding to drive transformation in whole family support.

The recipients will provide support for families, scale up efforts to tackle child poverty, and improve early child development.

The money comes from the £50 million Whole Family Wellbeing Funding allocation for 2026-27.

First Minister John Swinney made the announcement during a speech on eradicating child poverty at Centrestage in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. The speech highlighted the need for charities and government to streamline collaborative efforts to eradicate child poverty, making it easier for people to access support.

Swinney said: “Eradicating child poverty is my top priority and as a result of our bold action, child poverty rates are lower in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.

“No child should have to worry about essentials such as food or a warm home because of circumstances beyond their control. While child poverty has reduced, even one young person growing up in poverty is one too many.

“My government is focused on building a support system that is seamless and tailored, that responds flexibly and quickly to people’s needs – and offers the right support at the right time."

The Dundee Pathfinder Fairer Futures Partnership is one of the recipients of this round of funding.

Dundee City Councillor and Convener of the Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure committee Steven Rome said: “The Dundee Pathfinder is a collaborative effort to support families experiencing poverty. By drawing on local expertise, the Pathfinder has brought more than £2.4 million into households since October 2022. This is helping many people move into employment and training, improving the lives of entire families.”