Persistent Poverty in Scotland 2010-2015

Chapter 2: Scotland compared to other UK countries

2.1 People in persistent poverty by UK country

Scotland generally had lower persistent poverty rates when compared with England, Northern Ireland and Wales, especially after housing costs.

Before housing costs the Scottish persistent poverty rate in 2010 - 2015 (8 per cent) was slightly lower than in England (9 per cent), Northern Ireland (11 per cent) and Wales (10 per cent). After housing costs the difference was greater with the Scottish persistent poverty rate (9 per cent) below that of England, Northern Ireland and Wales (all 12 per cent).

Charts 3 and 4: Persistent poverty by UK country, all individuals

Before Housing Costs

After Housing Costs

2.2 Children in persistent poverty by UK country

Persistent poverty rates before housing costs were slightly lower in Scotland than in other countries. The difference was greater after housing costs. In Scotland 12 per cent of children were in persistent poverty in 2011 to 2015 after housing costs compared to 16 per cent in England, 17 per cent in Northern Ireland and 20 per cent in Wales.

Charts 5 and 6: Persistent poverty by UK country, children

Before Housing Costs

After Housing Costs

2.3 Working Age Adults in persistent poverty by UK country

Before housing costs Scottish persistent poverty rates were the same as those in England and slightly lower than those in Northern Ireland and Wales. The after housing costs rates were lower in Scotland than in the other UK countries.

Charts 7 and 8: Persistent poverty by UK country, working age adults

Before Housing Costs

After Housing Costs

2.4 Pensioners in persistent poverty by UK country

The BHC rate of persistent poverty amongst pensioners in Scotland was similar to that in Wales and slightly lower than in England and Northern Ireland. After housing costs the pensioner persistent poverty rate in Scotland (7 per cent) was slightly lower than in England (8 per cent) and slightly higher than in Northern Ireland (6 per cent) and Wales (5 per cent).

Charts 9 and 10: Persistent poverty by UK country, Pensioners

Before Housing Costs

After Housing Costs