Child Poverty reduces in North Ayrshire

Levels of child poverty in North Ayrshire have fallen by almost five percent, according to a new report.

The End Child Poverty coalition, which is made up of more than 130 organisations including child welfare groups and social justice groups, released its most recent child poverty data for all UK local authorities earlier this week.

The report, titled Local Child Poverty Statistics 2025, shows encouraging signs for North Ayrshire.

The analysis shows the child poverty level (after housing costs) in North Ayrshire reduced from 29.2% in 2022-23 to 24.3% in 2023-24. This is against national averages of 24% and 23% respectively.

In 2022-23 North Ayrshire had the second-highest rate of child poverty in Scotland. However, the reduction of 4.9 percentage points within North Ayrshire is the largest of all Scottish councils over the year.

You can read the council’s Child Poverty Action Plan here North Ayrshire Child Poverty Action Plan 2023 and can also see the full Local Child Poverty Statistics 2025 report from The End Child Poverty coalition.

The council’s Employability Service delivers a range of support through its Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire programme.

Contracted partners delivering Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire include We Work for Families and CEIS Ayrshire, who all contribute to delivering a wide range of support to help individuals prepare and progress into employment.

To access any of the opportunities delivered by Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire please email employability@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

You can also find out how Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire can help you with things like CVs, application forms, Modern Apprenticeships, paid work experience, interview techniques and secure employment. Follow the team on Facebook at “Working North Ayrshire”.

There is also helpful information about getting help with the cost of living on our website. You can find out more about various grants, council tax reduction, budgeting tips and health and well-being support that is available.