This map shows how child poverty varies across communities along the M74 corridor in South Lanarkshire.  While overall child poverty is similar to the Scottish average, there are significant differences between local areas.

The map highlights a clear social gradient in child poverty rates.  Ranging from minimal child poverty at Junction 5, Raith, which increases to 37% over a distance of around three miles (Junction 6, Hamilton), and then decreases, except for a slight increase at Junction 10, Lesmahagow (27.4%) followed by a decrease at Junction 11, Happendon, Kirkmuirhill and Lesmahagow to a rate of 16.4%.

These differences reflect the unequal distribution of health and wellbeing across communities and are closely linked to deprivation and wider social and economic inequalities.

Understanding these patterns is an important part of the South Lanarkshire Marmot Place Programme and supports a more targeted, place-based approach to reducing inequalities and improving health outcomes for local people.

Child Poverty Map