Challenge Poverty Week 2026

Summary

That this House welcomes Challenge Poverty Week 2026, coordinated by the Poverty Alliance, which took place across Scotland from 5 to 11 October; recognises the contribution of the organisations, community groups, trade unions, charities, local authorities, public bodies and businesses who took part; expresses concern that almost one million people in Scotland, including around one in five children, are living in poverty; further recognises that poverty and inequality are not inevitable but are the result of complex historical challenges and political and economic choices at a UK and Scottish level, and that poverty is experienced unequally, with women, lone parents, disabled people and people from minority ethnic communities disproportionately affected; notes that tackling poverty requires food security, housing, healthcare, education, social security, fair work, energy affordability and support for children, families and communities; also recognises that the Scottish Government and the UK Government respective decisions on reserved and devolved areas such as housing, healthcare, education, transport, social security, employment rights, wages, energy and wider economic policy are essential in combatting poverty in Scotland; believes that everyone should have access to an adequate income, high quality education, healthcare, housing, affordable services and fair work that provides security and dignity; commends the work of the Poverty Alliance and all those who took part in Challenge Poverty Week; and calls on the UK Government and the Scottish Government to work together with local authorities, public bodies, the third sector and communities to build a Scotland free from poverty.

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Timeline

1. 12 October 2026

   Early Day Motion

   That this House welcomes Challenge Poverty Week 2026, coordinated by the Poverty Alliance, which took place across Scotland from 5 to 11 October; recognises the contribution of the organisations, community groups, trade unions, charities, local authorities, public bodies and businesses who took part; expresses concern that almost one million people in Scotland, including around one in five children, are living in poverty; further recognises that poverty and inequality are not inevitable but are the result of complex historical challenges and political and economic choices at a UK and Scottish level, and that poverty is experienced unequally, with women, lone parents, disabled people and people from minority ethnic communities disproportionately affected; notes that tackling poverty requires food security, housing, healthcare, education, social security, fair work, energy affordability and support for children, families and communities; also recognises that the Scottish Government and the UK Government respective decisions on reserved and devolved areas such as housing, healthcare, education, transport, social security, employment rights, wages, energy and wider economic policy are essential in combatting poverty in Scotland; believes that everyone should have access to an adequate income, high quality education, healthcare, housing, affordable services and fair work that provides security and dignity; commends the work of the Poverty Alliance and all those who took part in Challenge Poverty Week; and calls on the UK Government and the Scottish Government to work together with local authorities, public bodies, the third sector and communities to build a Scotland free from poverty.

   Source: Early Day Motion

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Sponsors

• Martin Rhodes · Labour · Primary sponsor

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