John Swinney announces £5.8m for child poverty groups

Scotland’s First Minister has announced £5.8 million in funding for child poverty groups ahead of a new strategy being announced this week.

John Swinney announced the move during a visit to Kilmarnock on Monday, with seven groups due to benefit.

The funding comes from the £50m whole family wellbeing fund for the 2026-27 financial year.

The First Minister 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.”

He added: “I am proud that the experiences of children and families are at the heart of our forthcoming Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will be set out in Parliament this Thursday.

“We are charting a path to work in harmony with charities and the third sector so that systems come together as one, providing a brighter future for children across the country.”

Child poverty has reduced in Scotland in recent years.

Charity Aberlour will receive almost £2m for its mother and child recovery homes, which help women tackle addiction issues without being separated from their children, with £1.88 million going to a project which allows GPs to offer support to those in poverty.

Grow Your Own Routes, a programme delivered by the charity Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs in partnership with six charities across Scotland, received £1.26m, with £320,000 given to Foundations for Families, which identifies and supports young people at risk of “criminal exploitation”.

The Inverclyde Transformation Initiative will receive about £250,000, Open Kindergarten will get about £75,000, and the Dundee Pathfinder Fairer Futures Partnership will receive £50,000.