Council chiefs have reacted to the shock statistics by insisting that the wellbeing of all children in East Renfrewshire is their “absolute priority”.

And the local authority has reiterated its commitment to eradicating inequality.

A council spokesperson told the Barrhead News: “The wellbeing, attainment and experiences of all children and young people in East Renfrewshire is our absolute priority.

“We work extremely hard to offer our young people and their families support through a variety of services.

“This research offers us the opportunity to consider what more can be done as we try to ensure all young people in East Renfrewshire have equal opportunities and life experiences.”

Community leaders have also recognised the efforts being made by the council to improve conditions in places such as Arthurlie.

Rita Connelly, director of Auchenback Active, said: “We have seen deprivation here for more than 20 years but the situation is improving.

“Local people like me have fought hard consistently, as well as working alongside the council, to make sure that things continue to get better.”

The hope is that groups such as Auchenback Active, which meets at the ARC, can help to address the imbalance of people living in poverty.

The Scottish Government has also spoken out, highlighting work being done across the country to identify and tackle child poverty.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Scotland is now the first part of the UK to set ambitious targets to tackle child poverty, showing how serious we are about reducing inequality and eradicating child poverty.

“We are determined to take action through our first national Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, backed by our £50million fund, which will be published this month.”