Book Description

Child poverty in Scotland has reduced significantly since 1997 due to unprecedented levels of investment and a political determination to reduce poverty, but the Scottish Affairs Committee expresses some concern that such progress maybe slowing. The objective of halving child poverty by 2010 will require extra resources and commitment. Poverty can be endemic from generation to generation, but reducing child poverty can break such a cycle of deprivation. Child poverty reduction can occur through improving the incomes of parents, but an integrated strategy between the Scottish Executive and local authorities could bring about greater improvements, though problems still remain with inconsistencies and complexies within the welfare system. The Committee believes the key to the reduction of child poverty lies in tackling low pay, job retention and career advancement. Also access to affordable childcare could improve the opportunities for parents to undertake training. Child Tax Credits have also been a key factor in reducing child proverty, but greater awareness of individual entitlements could be improved. Also the tax and benefits system must be flexible enough to respond to the changing needs of individuals in moving out of poverty trap.