S.O. Asks CPAG what the key concerns are in the fight to irradicate child poverty. CPAG has been at the forefront of this political fight for nearly 45 years. Their efforts in research and monitoring poverty levels to deliver clear strategic solutions adds to the debate on what can be done. S.O gets an overview from Head of CPAG Scotland John Dickie. “Our organisation was established in August 2005 as the Scottish branch of CPAG est’ 1963 and since then, we have been active in making a real difference in many of the economically poorest communities in Scotland.”

 

Key Facts and Figures People are considered as living in poverty if they live in households with less than 60% of equivalised median income. This is currently the key measure by which UK and Scottish government measures progress to reduce and eradicate child poverty. Using this measure, and after housing costs are taken into account:

 

• A single person is in poverty if they are living on less than £108 per week

• A lone parent family with two children (aged 5 and 11) are living in poverty if the are living on less than £223 per week

• A couple with two children (again aged 5 and 11) are living in poverty if they are living on less than £301 a week

• 980 000 people in Scotland live in poverty (20% of the population).

• 250 000 children in Scotland in poverty (24% of all children).

 

John added, “The political position still seems to be, if you want to look tough then pick on the welfare system. This obviously means that they intend to attack people already living in poverty through ‘Welfare Reform’ A recent press release by CPAG warns of the Cameron Defect in his proposals for welfare. “These proposals would damage the welfare safety net, undermine family security and plunge children and families into deeper poverty. Any family could find themselves needing the security of welfare support whether as a result of job loss, bereavement, illness or disability and there is no evidence that this big stick approach is needed. Instead of cutting already inadequate benefit entitlements, David Cameron should be setting out how he will tackle the lack of childcare, job insecurity, low pay and discrimination that prevent people moving into real jobs.”  

 

A lack of money leads to the threat of falling into debt, choosing between necessities, going without basics, frequently being caught in a cycle of ‘dead-end’ jobs, and being unable to save. People in poverty describe feeling less worthy, isolated, stigmatised and unable to participate in their community, and data suggest they are more likely to suffer mental distress. They express frustration at government promotion of healthy diets at the same time as being unable to afford the healthiest food.

 

• There is a recognition that important progress is being made in tackling poverty in Scotland. Scottish and UK Government commitments and policy action are having an impact.

• However, there is clear evidence that progress is not fast enough. Current policy is failing many of the children and pensioners it is targeted. In some cases policy appears to be resulting in increased poverty – e.g. for asylum seekers .

• Current government strategy – with its focus on work as the key route out of poverty – is only partially effective. A half of children and working age adults living in poverty are living in households where an adult works .

• Despite improvements in child care provision, a lack of affordable child care is a significant barrier to parents trying to move back into education or work.

• Current policy ignores the wide gap between rich and poor, failing to take account of the link between high levels of inequality and high levels of poverty.  

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