Levels of poverty decrease, but the number of people living in deprivation is still unacceptable.
The number of people living in poverty in Scotland would fill Hampden Park multiple times.
Even though levels of deprivation have dropped in the past year, the country’s 52,000 seat national stadium (pictured) could still be filled 18 times over by those struggling to get by.
Scottish Government figures revealed that 730,000 people in Scotland are living in relative poverty – the equivalent of 14% of the population and a decrease of 90,000 on the previous year.
This figure, which looks at what people live on after housing costs have been paid, includes 210,000 children living in deprivation.
The figure, which works out at 22 % of Scottish youngsters, represents a decrease of 10,000 from the previous year – but this was branded “unacceptable” by charities and politicians.
These levels of child poverty in Scotland show the shocking reality of the UK government’s austerity agenda
Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “While we welcome news that the official figures on poverty have fallen, there is no room for complacency.
“The number of people living in poverty in Scotland would fill Hampden Stadium over 18 times.
“There are too many children in Scotland still growing up in unsuitable housing, without enough to eat, and missing out on the things which many of us take for granted.
“Both governments need to take action to ensure that everyone in Scotland is afforded the best start in life."
John Dickie, director of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, said: “Any falls in headline child poverty figures are welcome, but the harsh reality is that over one in five children in Scotland are still living in poverty, and levels of material deprivation appear to be rising.
“There can be no room for complacency, especially when ongoing cuts and freezes to the uprating of family benefits look set to erode family incomes in the years to come.”
Social justice secretary Alex Neil admitted the figures are unacceptable, and added: “These levels of child poverty in Scotland show the shocking reality of the UK government’s austerity agenda. Westminster’s approach of slashing budgets is having a damaging impact in Scotland, with 210,000 children now living in relative poverty.
“While these figures are inexcusable, I dread to think how many more people will be pushed into distress and despair as a direct result of the UK government’s proposed £12 billion cuts to the welfare budget.”
