Ending child poverty relies on solving Scotland’s housing crisis, warns charity

Ending child poverty in Scotland can only happen by tackling the housing emergency, says Shelter Scotland.

A report by Shelter Scotland and Aberlour claims Scotland’s housing emergency and child poverty are inextricably linked, as more than 10,000 children are currently trapped in temporary accommodation.

The Scottish government and 12 Scottish councils have declared a housing emergency.

And last week, the Scottish government announced that rent caps would be brought in for rent control areas as part of its Housing (Scotland) Bill.

Children being driven into poverty by high housing costs

According to the housing charity, high housing costs are driving 50,000 children in Scotland into poverty.

First Minister John Swinney says tackling child poverty is at the heart of his government’s mission.

However, Shelter Scotland’s report warns that this goal won’t be achieved unless the housing emergency is properly addressed.

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: “There’s an undeniable link between child poverty and Scotland’s housing emergency; this briefing sets that out in clear terms.

“It should be a source of great national shame that tens of thousands of children are being driven into poverty by soaring housing costs, and that more than 10,000 children in Scotland are living in temporary accommodation, trapped in the homelessness system.

“The Scottish Child Payment is a positive and welcome intervention, but the evidence shows it’s just not enough; the First Minister simply can’t achieve his aim of eradicating child poverty if he doesn’t first end the housing emergency.”

Mr Swinney has previously said his government is committed to rent controls to help give more protections to tenants and stop rising rent increases.

This is despite, the Scottish government’s own economic agency warning that rent controls will only make the housing crisis worse.

Provide safe and secure housing for children and families

Aberlour chief executive, SallyAnn Kelly OBE, says the government must do more to help children in temporary accommodation.

She said: “Children have a right to grow up free from poverty. The government has a duty to realise that right and this includes providing safe and secure housing for children and their families.

“Unsafe, cramped and temporary housing undermines the lives and life chances of far too many of our children. Poverty damages the lives of children today and sabotages their futures tomorrow. The First Minister has said ending child poverty is his number one priority.

“That commitment must be matched by clear actions and investment, ensuring the best interests of all our children drive policy, not financial imperatives. It is clear that ending child poverty can only happen by tackling the housing emergency.”

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