Child poverty in Glasgow rose during the pandemic, research shows

Councillor Audrey Dempsey, who set up a family support charity, said children see their parents work 40 hours a week and have nothing to show for it.

Before the pandemic, in February 2020, at least 24 per cent of children were living in relative poverty in the city.

By December 2020 that figure hit 26 per cent, according to statistics gathered by Glasgow City Council. It brought the number of children impacted to 27,995 overall with an additional 2,510 youngsters affected.

Labour councillor Audrey Dempsey has helped families struggling to make ends meet as a founder of charity Glasgow’s No1 Baby and Family Support Service. The mum said there is a “desperation” in the city among families and it is detrimental to everyone from “babies” to “grandparents.”

She said: “I am in and out of houses working with people in poverty who are really struggling. These are not just numbers – these are children in poverty.

“Working poverty is on the rise. Children see their parents working 40 hour weeks and have nothing to show for it.”

The Springburn, Robroyston politician who is newly elected this month added: “I will not be silenced if decision makers are not taking the action that is required.”

Audit Scotland presented the information on poverty from the council in a report entitled ‘Accounts Commission, Local Government in Scotland Overview 2022’ as a case study example.

Praising Glasgow City Council’s research, it said: “This data profiling and analysis is unique to Glasgow, and it provides a detailed ‘snapshot’ of families that will help the council to map and understand the impact of interventions to reduce child poverty.”

The council was contacted for comment.