Eradicating Child Poverty in Scotland: A Political Goal under Devolution

When Trainspotting was published, Scotland’s child poverty was one of the highest amongst western countries. By 2024, the rate has decreased and is lower than in the other nations of the UK. This article deals with the policies which have been enacted since 1999 under devolution, first related to the provision of public services and then with welfare, thanks to an extension of the powers of the Scottish Parliament. Alleviating child poverty is thus a goal shared by all political parties and it is high on the political agenda in Scotland. Yet, it is also being instrumentalized, both by those who advocate independence and those who defend the Union.