Lorraine Williamson
Catalonia has announced a €700 million initiative to combat one of its most pressing issues: child poverty. From 2025, the regional government will roll out a series of reforms aimed at making social support more accessible and reducing long-term inequality.
The strategy was presented by regional president Salvador Illa and Minister of Social Rights Mònica Martínez Bravo. At its heart lies a commitment to tackling poverty and the barriers that prevent families from escaping it.
A third of Catalonia’s children live in poverty
More than 442,000 children and adolescents in Catalonia currently live below the poverty line. That’s one in three.
Poverty on this scale does not only affect children’s immediate well-being. It also limits their access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities in later life. According to estimates, the economic cost of child poverty in Catalonia exceeds €11 billion annually.
“Poverty is a social emergency, but also a financial burden we can no longer afford,” Martínez Bravo said.
Key welfare scheme to be overhauled
The centrepiece of the reform is a revamp of the Renta Garantizada de Ciudadanía (RGC), a basic income support scheme. Currently, many families find the process of applying overly complex and bureaucratic.
The updated system will:
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Increase the number of people receiving support from 113,000 to 170,000.
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Raise the annual budget from €500 million to €800 million.
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Remove penalties for those who find part-time work.
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Introduce a single application system available both online and in person.
Officials say these changes are aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring those in need are not left behind.
Joining forces with national support schemes
Another major change involves closer coordination between the RGC and Spain’s national income scheme, the Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV). At present, overlap between the two has caused confusion, resulting in many children missing out on support.
By improving integration, the government hopes to reach an additional 350,000 minors—around 44% of Catalonia’s children.
Tackling the roots of inequality
This reform is part of a wider agenda from Illa’s administration, which also includes investment in housing, education, healthcare, and employment. The aim is to address the root causes of inequality rather than just its symptoms.
Experts stress that tackling child poverty pays off. Reducing hardship early in life leads to lower public spending in areas such as health and criminal justice over time.
Community involvement will be key
The plan has been welcomed by non-profit organisations, though many urge the government to prioritise implementation.
“This is a big opportunity—but only if the system becomes easier to access,” said a spokesperson for Save the Children.
Local authorities, who will be responsible for much of the delivery, have called for more resources. In response, the regional government has pledged extra funding and closer cooperation with municipalities.
New focus
Catalonia’s pledge marks a shift in how the region approaches child poverty. The focus has moved from temporary support to lasting change. Whether this policy delivers real results will depend on how effectively it reaches the families who need it most.
Spain´s child poverty crisis