Poll reveals most Scots support emergency action to ease poverty crisis

Most Scots want emergency action to ease the lives of children growing up in poverty, according to an opinion poll.

The survey commissioned by Aberlour, a leading children’s charity, suggests the majority of Scots back increasing financial support and debt relief for families on the lowest incomes.

One in four young Scots are now living in financial hardship, according to research, with the number rising to one in two in the poorest postcodes as experts warn poverty is sabotaging the health, education and life chances of thousands of children.

The survey shows more than half of Scots support increasing the Scottish Child Payment by 50% from just under £27 to £40 a week while almost three in four believe struggling families should be given more support with public debt, like rent and council tax.

Aberlour welcomed the results saying most Scots understand the escalating poverty endured by young Scots is a national emergency and demands emergency action.

SallyAnn Kelly OBE, chief executive of Aberlour, said giving financial support for families is the most effective response to the unfolding crisis but warns the pursuit of public debt is trapping many in a cycle of debt and hardship.

Kelly said:

It seems clear most Scots would like the lives and life chances of young people growing up in poverty to be better protected.

“The impact of poverty on children, families and communities is escalating and demands effective and urgent action.

The poll of more than 1000 Scots suggests 56% support the Scottish Child Payment, which has been hailed as a crucial benefit for the poorest families, being increased to £40 a week from £26.70. 

Only 19% oppose increasing the child payment while one in four had no opinion.

The survey also shows almost three out of four Scots (70%) support action to ease the burden of public debt, like council tax and rent arrears, on the poorest families while 65% believe pursuing the debt is trapping families in poverty

The poll, conducted by nfpResearch, also shows 65% of Scots believe poverty is undermining the education of young Scots with 83% supporting free school meals for more children.

Aberlour has urged the Scottish Government to increase the Scottish Child Payment and for UK ministers to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

Kelly said:

In Scotland, increasing the child payment to £40 would bring huge benefits to some of our poorest families.

“However, on average, families are paying £80 a month to public bodies, and there is no point in giving with one hand and taking with the other.

The survey results coincides with Aberlour launching its poverty relief fundraising campaign with every pound donated being delivered to families in the most extreme hardship through its Urgent Assistance Fund.

The fund has given more than £3.3m directly to families in just four years to help buy food, heating and clothing with average payments of £306.

Two out of five applicants asked for money to buy food; half needed clothing; and one in four needed help to pay for heating or bedding. 

Kelly said:

This is something that can be changed. Previous governments have changed it.

“It can be done and it is almost always about putting money into households.

“Wider reforms will help in time but, right now, giving direct financial support to the poorest families will help most.

“That must be done with far more impact and urgency.