MSP backs child poverty consultation

Clare Haughey MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government ’ s newly launched consultation on ending child poverty.

The consultation comes ahead of the Child Poverty Bill which will be introduced next year and will form part of the overall approach to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland.

The Scottish Government aims to eradicate child pov e r t y – and this consultation asks for comments on the proposals to introduce four statutory income targets seeking to drastically reduce child poverty by 2030, as well as how existing work can be strengthened.

Ms Hau g h e y said: “I am delighted to see the Scottish Government taking this active approach to end the blight of child poverty.

“Tackling deep- seated inequalities is the job of all society so we need everyone across local authorities, business, the third sector and those who experience poverty to work together.

“The Child Poverty Bill consultation will allow further evidence and ideas to emerge, helping to build on efforts already underway – such as free school meals, a commitment to the Living Wage of £8.25 per hour, the Scottish Attainment Challenge and duties to tackle inequalities of educational outcome due to socio- economic disadvantage.”

Ms Haughey also praised the SNP for taking action to try to tackle the problem and added: “The Scottish Government sees child poverty as a priority – and this bill consultation shows that the SNP in government will work hard to end the cycle of poverty in Scotland once and for all.”