Tackling Child Poverty
Too many families find themselves trapped in the grip of poverty and it can be difficult to find the key to unlocking a more secure financial future. Action is being taken in West Lothian to help families break free of the grip of poverty.
Right now, 1 in every 4 children in West Lothian is living with poverty. We want all children to have the best start in life, but parents often face multiple barriers to financial security. Low income, insecure employment and high costs of living can make breaking free of poverty seem impossible.
We asked families their thoughts about living with money worries:
"I worry about the effect on my children, in particular, being able to prepare them for a secure future. I don't want to have to feel like they are missing out compared to their peers"
"The worst thing is the stress caused by money worries and trying not to show the children how bad things are"
"Money worries never leave you, it's always on your mind, not knowing if you can pay your bills and feed your children"
The Scottish Government has set targets to reduce levels of child poverty across Scotland. By the year 2030, we are working toward a society were fewer than 1 in 10 children experience poverty and less than 1 in 20 children face persistent poverty lasting 3 out of the last 4 years.
Local authorities and health boards have a duty to produce an annual report detailing local action taken to help us work towards these targets. Read the Local Child Poverty Action Report 2022-23 (PDF, 335 KB)(opens new window) to find out more about what is being done in your local area.
