The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to do more to help families with children on low incomes.

Speaking ahead of today’s budget at the launch of a report on children’s wellbeing in Scotland, the Rt Rev David Lunan said the problem of endemic child poverty must be addressed.

Mr Lunan said: “I would like to see the government have a similar concern, to make sure that people are not suffering. Every policy should be filtered through to see who are the losers.

“Children in Scotland should have stability, support and education. We hope resources will be made available to make this possible.”

The report, entitled “Growing up in Scotland Today”, by the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland, emphasises the need for the church to work in partnership with politicians and other agencies to create ways to encourage and offer support to people fostering or adopting a child. The full report will be discussed by the General Assembly in May.

It also includes recommendations to the SNP administration in Scotland and Labour at Westminster, on dealing with issues affecting children and young people from crime and anti-social behaviour to ending child poverty and exploitation.