Bringing Hope, Building Futures: Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2026-2031 – annex 8: Children's Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA)

5. Analysis of Evidence

Evidence shows that the approach taken in the previous two delivery plans has made a significant difference, with rates of relative child poverty in 2023-24 falling to the lowest level in almost a decade.

A summary of the wide-ranging engagement we carried out with parents and young people with lived experience of poverty, combined with the nearly 90 responses we received to our written call for evidence is published alongside the plan. Analysis of this feedback reinforced the need for further action to support families ahead of 2030, as well as support for the three drivers of poverty reduction we identified in 2018.

Those we consulted also supported a fourth key theme of ‘supporting children and families to thrive’. We know that the priority family groups may encounter multiple and overlapping challenges that require bespoke and nuanced responses, and the plan therefore focuses on support that is person-centred and meets families where they are. This key theme will strengthen the rights and wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland by allowing them access to the support they need, when they need it and for as long as they need it.

None of these actions in isolation will deliver the systemic shift needed to eradicate child poverty. It is essential that we drive progress in all these areas, alongside partners, to deliver the support families need to break the cycle of poverty.

This third delivery plan represents a strategic framework for delivery across 2026-31. By taking this approach, we will ensure that the Scottish Government remains agile to as yet unforeseen challenges and opportunities, allowing action to be refined and strengthened as needed to drive the progress required in the years ahead. With the Scottish elections due to take place in May 2026, this plan is also designed to give the next administration an opportunity to set their own policy priorities and decide how best to speed up progress.

The specific actions for 2026-27 set out in the plan build on the strong foundations we have had in place since 2017 and aim to accelerate further progress toward the 2030 targets. Across all 15 areas of intervention, this plan sets out how we will build on the action we have taken to date to drive further progress in the year ahead.

Elements of the plan have a wider reach than just tackling child poverty - such as ensuring public transport is available, affordable and accessible - and so will stand to benefit all children.

The plan also aligns with other national plans and strategies focused on improving the wellbeing of Scotland’s children and young people, including Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) and Keeping the Promise implementation plan.

For detailed assessments of the impact on children in Island/Rural areas, see the Island Communities Impact Assessment. See the Equalities Impact Assessment for assessment of the plan's impact in relation to protected characteristics.

We envisage no negative impacts on the rights and wellbeing of any groups of children under the age of 18. The updated Tackling Child Poverty Evaluation Strategy will monitor for any unintended consequences of the policies set out in the plan and will inform any modifications.