The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 was passed by the Parliament on 8th November 2017 and received Royal Assent on 18th December 2017.

The intention of the Child Poverty Act is to ‘set targets relating to the eradication of child poverty’ as well as making provision for plans and reporting relating to achievement of these targets.

The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 requires the Scottish Government to meet four income based child poverty targets by 2030 and report on the actions they will take to meet those targets.

In addition the Act places a duty on local authorities and health boards to report annually on what they are doing to contribute to reducing child poverty.

The local child poverty action report must set out a range of commitments to address the key drivers of poverty:

  • Increasing income through employment;
  • Maximise income from the social security system; and
  • Reducing household costs.

West Dunbartonshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board’s annual report: