Child poverty strategy for Scotland

Plans to tackle child poverty in Scotland have been published by the Scottish Government. The new strategy, which covers the period 2014 to 2017, is aimed at tackling the causes of poverty by addressing them early.

The Scottish Government said that although child poverty in Scotland has fallen in recent years, it is set to increase to levels last seen in 2003-04 due to the impact of benefits reforms introduced by the coalition government in London.

Key strategy aims

• Maximising household resources through advice on welfare and benefit changes, and help to find employment and manage debt.
• Improving every child’s life chances through actions on educational attainment, health and early years development.
• Making sure children’s environment is suitable through actions on housing, regeneration and community empowerment.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: 'We know that work can reduce the risk of poverty, but work is not always enough on its own. This strategy continues our preventative approach aimed at maximising household resources, improving children’s life chances and providing sustainable places. However we now have an increasing focus on mitigating against the harmful effects of Westminster welfare reforms. These changes to the system will not only impact on the most vulnerable in our society – they will also set progress back at least ten years'.

Source: Child Poverty Strategy for Scotland: Our Approach 2014-17, Scottish Government
Links: Strategy | Summary | Scottish Government press release | Barnardos press release | CPAG press release | JRF blog post | BBC report