We are helping poorest
Commenting on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation statistics, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said:“the Scottish Government is supporting our most disadvantaged and poorest communities through a variety of ways.
“In 2018-19, we invested more than £1.4 billion in support targeted at low-income households, including over £100 million to mitigate the worst impacts of UK Government welfare cuts.
“Through our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan we are meeting the issue head on, including introducing the new Scottish Child Payment worth £10 per week per eligible child.
“We are investing significantly in communities across Scotland, including through the multi-million city region growth deals, and remain focused on achieving inclusive growth. Our £20m Empowering Communities Programme is helping to tackle inequalities and promote local growth and sustainability across Scotland, and through our regeneration programmes, we are also investing more than £31m.”
She added:“we’re tackling the underlying causes of poverty, including driving fairer wages and improving our physical and social environments.
“Over this parliamentary term we are investing over £3.3bn to deliver 50,000 more affordable homes, including 35,000 for social rent.
“We are protecting the most vulnerable by providing free school meals, prescriptions, concessionary travel and free personal care and nearly doubling free childcare hours.
“This approach is backed up with decisive action in health to address alcohol consumption, reduce smoking rates, encourage active living and healthy eating.
“Employment remains high in Scotland and the unemployment rate remains low by historical standards.
“Our investments in employability services, including Fair Start Scotland, is supporting those furthest from our labour market into work.
“We will continue to work in partnership with local government, the third sector and communities to do all we can to tackle the causes of inequality and support the regeneration of our towns and cities.”