With 10,360 children currently trapped in temporary accommodation, the charity’s groundbreaking report “In Their Own Words” sheds light on the significant challenges faced by many families, with financial strain emerging as a recurring theme.

Although the percentage of children living in poverty in Scotland decreased slightly from 23% to 22% in 2023/24, contrasting with rising child poverty levels across the UK, new figures reveal one in five Scottish children still live in poverty, falling short of the Scottish Government’s interim target.

Shelter Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to adopt an urgent and focused approach to housing to effectively tackle child poverty.

Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland, stated: “These stark figures reinforce the fact that child poverty cannot be eradicated without addressing child homelessness.

“While the slight decrease is welcome, the numbers remain unacceptably high, and the Scottish Government has missed its child poverty target.

“Our research shows that families in the homeless system face a ‘temporary accommodation tax,’ as the financial burden of being in such housing can be overwhelming. The fact that any child is living in poverty should be a national outrage.

“Children need stability and security to thrive, yet many families remain stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation for years, waiting for a permanent home. Social housing is a proven solution to child poverty and homelessness, and the Scottish Government must act now.”

IPPR Scotland echoed these concerns, emphasising that without increased investment, the government will continue to fall short in addressing child poverty. Earlier this week, the think tank released a briefing paper warning that without enhanced social security support for families, the government is set to miss its legally binding 2030 child poverty target.

Dave Hawkey, senior research fellow at IPPR Scotland, said: “No child should have to live in poverty. These figures highlight the significant work still needed to achieve the First Minister’s top priority of eradicating child poverty.

“Our recent modelling confirms that devolved policies, particularly the Scottish Child Payment, are making a positive impact. As a result, child poverty in Scotland is projected to be significantly lower than in the rest of the UK.

“However, even with optimistic assumptions about parental employment and current social security policies, Scotland is on track to miss its 2030 targets—potentially by a large margin.

“The UK Chancellor’s Spring Statement exemplifies the dangers of balancing budgets by cutting welfare. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that recent UK Government measures could push over 50,000 more children into poverty. While changes to disability benefits in England and Wales do not directly impact devolved benefits, they will exert immense pressure on Scotland’s budget, making it even harder to meet the 2030 targets.

“The Scottish Government must outline a clear, costed plan to ensure it meets its commitments. This should include enhanced support for parents seeking sustainable employment and increased investment in measures such as the Scottish Child Payment, which directly improve the living standards of children and families in poverty.

“At the same time, the UK Government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to tackling child poverty through its upcoming child poverty strategy.

“Tinkering with the current system won’t be enough. Like climate change, addressing child poverty requires an open discussion about shared prosperity and fair distribution of financial burdens. Politicians must be honest about the need for higher taxes to build a fairer, more sustainable society.”

Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty by 2030, despite the challenges posed by external economic factors.

“Eradicating child poverty is our top priority, and we remain dedicated to meeting the 2030 targets set unanimously by the Scottish Parliament,” she said.

“Our policies are making a difference despite the pressures of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, rising energy costs, and UK Government decisions that exacerbate the problem. The latest statistics show that while we have not met the interim child poverty targets, relative poverty rates are now at their lowest since 2014-15, and absolute poverty has fallen to a 30-year low.

“While the Joseph Rowntree Foundation predicts rising child poverty in other parts of the UK by 2029, they recognize that policies like the Scottish Child Payment and our opposition to the two-child benefit cap have helped Scotland ‘buck the trend.’

“However, UK Government policies continue to hinder our progress. The recent Spring Statement will only worsen the situation, with the DWP’s own figures showing that welfare cuts will push 50,000 more children into poverty. This raises serious questions about the UK Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty. I have already written to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall seeking reassurances regarding the UK Government’s Child Poverty Taskforce, whose credibility has been severely undermined by recent policy decisions.”