This report on child poverty in migrant families was commissioned by the Scottish Government. Migration Policy Scotland was asked to bring migrant perspectives into the evidence gathering and engagement for the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026–2031.
Peer-research approach
The report summarises key findings from peer research carried out by Migration Policy Scotland. Twelve researchers with lived experience of migration conducted structured, questionnaire-based interviews with 48 migrant parents living in cities, towns, villages and rural areas across Scotland. The team then used these findings to guide discussion at an online workshop with 19 participants from migrant-led advice and support organisations, as well as welfare advice, employability, housing and homelessness services.
Key insights
The report presents insights linked to the Scottish Government’s four strategic themes.
First, increasing earned incomes.
Second, reducing costs and maximising incomes.
Third, delivering holistic whole-family support.
Finally, breaking cycles of poverty.
Our findings show that inequalities linked to migration experience and to the immigration system have a significant impact on poverty in migrant families. As a result, these issues require further consideration during the development of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026–31.
Recommendations
To address these challenges, the report recommends several actions.
• Take targeted action to raise awareness of entitlements. This will help ensure that migrant families can access high-quality advice and support.
• Use the most effective information channels to reach migrant families. For example, embed outreach in a range of institutions and services.
• Strengthen partnership working between migrant-led and mainstream organisations. This includes attention to roles, funding, capacity building and training.
• Develop place-based models of partnership and service delivery. These should use flexible approaches and metrics so they can respond to emerging and changing diversity across different areas.
The report can be downloaded using the link on the right.t.