Damning figures in a new report that reveals the estimated number of children living in poverty in Dumfries and Galloway “is utterly shameful”, according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

The local MSP has called for action from both the UK and Scottish Governments after new research published by the End Child Poverty coalition and carried out by Loughborough University, showed that the number of children living in poverty in Dumfries and Galloway was sitting at 26 per cent in 2021/22 or a shocking 6,751.

Commenting on the report Colin Smyth said: “These numbers for Dumfries and Galloway are utterly shameful.

“Often the extent of poverty can be hidden in rural areas and too many people like to portray the region as one of idyllic living.

“But this report exposes the growing scandal of poverty too many local families face.

“We need to open our eyes to the reality that many children in our region are going to bed hungry at night.

“The pandemic, followed swiftly by the ongoing cost of living crisis, is driving more and more people into poverty and it is our children who are paying the price.

“This must be a wake up call for both the UK and Scottish Governments to address this scandal and put in place a proper plan to tackle child poverty.”

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