Poll reveals most Scots support emergency action to ease poverty crisis

Most Scots want more done to ease the lives of children growing up in poverty, according to research.

An opinion poll for Aberlour Children’s Charity reveals the majority of Scots back increasing financial support and debt relief for families on the lowest incomes.

Almost one in four children in Scotland are growing up in poverty with the number rising to one in two in the poorest postcodes as experts warn the crisis is sabotaging the health, education and futures of thousands of young people.

The survey shows 61% of Scots would like to see the Scottish Government increase support for the poorest families while almost seven out of ten (69%) agreed families’ low income is damaging children’s education and ability to participate in school activities.

Aberlour welcomed the results saying most Scots understand the escalating poverty endured by children is a national emergency demanding emergency action.

Justina Murray, chief executive of Aberlour, said giving financial support to families is the most effective response but warns the pursuit of public debt is trapping many in a cycle of debt and hardship.

She said:

This poll is a timely reminder to our political leaders that the overwhelming majority of Scots want the lives and life chances of disadvantaged children to be better protected.

“We live in one of the world’s wealthiest countries where child poverty should no longer be sabotaging young lives.

“The gap between good intentions and impactful change, between policy and practice, must be closed to lift families out of poverty and, most importantly, keep them out.

The poll of more than 1000 Scots, conducted by nfpResearch in September 2025, also reveals 80% support free school meals for more children with 71% urging the Scottish Government to clear all school meal debt.

Meanwhile, 70% said long-term public debt, such as council tax and rent arrears, is keeping families trapped in poverty. A landmark report, commissioned by Aberlour, Trussell and One Parent Families Scotland, last month revealed women in Scotland are more likely to face financial hardship because of government debt collection.

Detailed analysis of the anonymised records of 71,000 people seeking debt advice in Scotland reveals 57% were women and they owed most in public debt, like council tax and rent with single mothers and those living in households where a child or adult is disabled are particularly at risk.

Aberlour, one of Scotland’s most respected children’s charities, marked its 150th anniversary this year when first minister John Swinney, attending a special event at the National Museum of Scotland, hailed its work underpinning the “national mission” to eradicate child poverty.

Maree Todd, minister for drugs and alcohol, also commended the charity’s record in keeping families together at the launch of a report detailing the work of Aberlour’s Intensive Perinatal services and two landmark recovery houses for mothers and their babies earlier this month.

She said:

We know that women often face additional challenges and get extra stigma when seeking recovery, making it harder to get the help they need. 

“We also know that women need different and specialist services like those offered by Aberlour. That work is vital in keeping families together and giving children the best possible start in life.

This article was written for The Sunday Post and published on Sunday 14th December 2025.