Household-level data supplied by Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has identified 13,117 families with 24,727 children in Glasgow classed as living in poverty.

With this information, the council will implement the programme by initially directly contacting 3000 families with children aged between 0 and 5 as part of the Child Poverty Programme.

This direct engagement will enable the council as well as third sector partners to get a better understanding of family circumstances at an early stage and respond to what is needed.

To support this work, the Scottish Government has allocated £650,000 for the Glasgow Helps team to deliver this positive outreach. Another £350,000 has been given to the Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS), who will collaborate with third sector partners to expand the range of services available to families.

Early work has begun in Drumchapel where 100 families have received letters offering support.

Previously, Glasgow City Council has used DWP data to carry out work to identify and tackle child poverty, including producing the Understanding Child Poverty report and the Child Poverty dashboard.

Councillor Ricky Bell, depute leader of the council, city treasurer and city convener for Financial Inclusion, said: “Glasgow has been at the forefront of identifying system barriers that limit how public services can address child poverty. This data-sharing agreement has helped to break down those barriers by creating a direct link to families who are eligible.

“I cannot praise this groundbreaking scheme enough. It is a fantastic opportunity to reach some families who do not already engage with us. Tackling poverty is the responsibility of not just the council, but our third sector partners as well, and together we can make a difference in delivering support to families in need.”

Cross party support from elected members at the City Administration Committee welcomed the funding today (Thursday 21 May) and the recommendations.