Thursday June 25th 2026
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Child poverty in the Scottish Borders has fallen to its lowest level in more than ten years, councillors were informed today.
The new Scottish Borders Child Poverty Report 2025/26 shows that child poverty currently stands at 15 per cent.
While this represents important progress, the rate remains slightly higher than the Scottish average and seven wards continue to have a higher percentage of children under 16 living in relative low-income families, after housing costs, than Scotland overall.
The figures show that progress is being made, but that continued targeted, partnership-led action by Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders, Community Planning Partners and the partnership Child Poverty Group is needed to reduce poverty and inequality further across the region.
During 2025/26, partners focused on practical, place-based support designed to reach families where and when they need help most, members of full council learned on Thursday, June 25.
Examples highlighted in the report include vocational pathways at Hawick High School, the Adopt and Adapt programme, Berwickshire Swap and The Clothes Loop, Baby Bank provision, health visiting and midwifery support, and the Child Poverty Accelerator Fund.
Through the Adopt and Adapt programme, Berwickshire Swap has supported around 300 families, with projects expected to reach up to 2,500 individuals as they continue to develop.
Community events have also supported clothing access for 723 children across 14 events in seven towns and villages.
The Child Poverty Accelerator Fund has delivered 922 client contacts, generated £456,262 in total financial gain, supported 193 referrals to other organisations and provided 57 financial capability advice discussions with individuals.
Councillor Robin Tatler, SBC’s executive member for Public Safety and Resilience, said: “It is encouraging to see child poverty in the Scottish Borders fall to its lowest level in more than a decade, although still higher than the Scottish average.
“The slight decrease reflects the impact of sustained national and local action, and the commitment of partners working together across our communities.
“However, we know that many families continue to face significant pressures – which are currently predicted to increase in the coming months. That is why our focus remains on practical, targeted support that is shaped around local need and delivered in partnership with communities. I would urge anyone who is struggling to make ends meet to contact our team on 0300 100 1800.
“The progress made during 2025/26 shows what can be achieved when services work together in a joined-up and place-based way. Our priority now is to build on that work in 2026/27, strengthen early intervention and make sure families can access the right support at the right time.”
In 2026/27, Scottish Borders Council and partners will continue to focus on targeted support for families, including school breakfast clubs, employability support, No One Left Behind activity, locality planning in areas such as Burnfoot, Bannerfield and Langlee, and further work to improve early intervention through pre-birth, maternity, parenting and family support services.
More information about cost of living support is available online from Scottish Borders Council at: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/benefits-grants/cost-living-crisis-support
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