Targeted support helps reduce child poverty across Falkirk
Child poverty in the Falkirk Council area has fallen, with new figures highlighting the positive impact of local support for low-income families.
The latest data from the End Child Poverty coalition shows that 25.1% of children in Falkirk were living in relative poverty after housing costs in 2022/23, down from 26.2% the previous year - a reduction of nearly 400 children.
While Falkirk’s rate remains slightly higher than the Scottish average of 23%, it remains below the UK average of 31%.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said:
This reduction is a step in the right direction and shows that local partner action can make a real difference but no child should grow up in poverty, and we must not lose sight of the fact that more than one in four children in our area are still affected.
“The figures reflect the work we have been doing with partners to support families, maximise incomes and break down barriers that keep people in poverty.
“Through our Building a Fairer Falkirk strategy, we are using data to identify those most in need, promoting national benefits like the Scottish Child Payment, and ensuring people get the right advice at the right time.
“We have also invested in employability services that support parents to build confidence, gain skills, and secure sustainable work.
“We know there’s still a long way to go, and that progress won’t always be quick or easy, but we’re committed to continuing this work, listening to the experiences of local families, and doing everything we can to reduce inequality in Falkirk.
Local actions that contributed to the reduction include:
- Promoting national support: Targeted local promotion of Scottish social security benefits has led to a 94% take-up of the Scottish Child Payment – the highest rate in Scotland.
- Identifying need earlier: Improved data-sharing between services has helped more families access Free School Meals, School Clothing Grants and Council Tax Reduction.
- Income maximisation: Advice and welfare support services delivered by the Council and Citizens Advice Bureau helped local people secure nearly £16.6 million in financial gains last year – an increase of almost 30% from the previous year.
- Supporting parents: Joint working with the NHS and third sector partners has helped more parents access training and employment, with tailored support aimed at building skills and removing barriers to work.
These measures form part of Building a Fairer Falkirk, the Council’s strategy to reduce financial hardship and improve outcomes for families. The strategy focuses on prevention, partnership, and practical support that meets local need.
The Council is now preparing its first annual impact report on the strategy. This will set out the progress made to date and outline priorities for the year ahead, including:
- Better targeting of support using local data
- Improving how financial help is promoted to families
- Enhancing access to advice and employability services, particularly for parents and carers