Families who are out of work are still around one third short of what is needed to pay the costs of raising a child according to a new report.

It has led to calls for more action from the UK and Scottish governments and to act with greater urgency to get help to those who need it most.

Among the actions called for are the UK government to increase universal credit and family benefits by at least 7% to match inflation, which is rising to the highest level in decades.

Even with policies yet to be fully introduced like free school meals for all primary pupils and the doubling of the child payment there will still be a 30% gap from what is needed.

The gap is wider in the rest of the UK, which leads to the researchers concluding policies in Scotland are making a difference but that more is needed.

The report for Child Poverty Action Group child builds on calculations which find that the minimum cost of bringing up a child in the UK, excluding childcare costs, is around £76,000 in a couple family and £103,000 in a lone parent family. The new Scottish analysis includes the impact of Scottish policies such as the Scottish child payment, minimum school clothing grants, best start payments and free bus travel.

John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, said: “This shows just how big a difference long campaigned for policies like the doubling of the Scottish child payment and roll out of universal free school meals will make.

“But it’s vital Holyrood Ministers press ahead to ensure they are all delivered this year and that all families are able to take up the extra support they are eligible for. ”