First minister out to prevent child poverty

Nicola Sturgeon has launched anewbid to eradicate the “fundamental wrong” of child poverty.

The first minister said a fresh bill would allow her government to “refine” its approach to tackling deprivation, whichis “simplyunacceptable”.

Around a fifth of children are thought to live in poverty in Scotland. Charities have welcomed Ms Sturgeon’s announcement, but opposition politicians said legislation has to be backed up with action.

Thegovernment’spoverty tsar, Naomi Eisenstadt, was also reappointed by the first minister yesterday.

Speaking on a visit to the Prince’s Trust charity, Ms Sturgeon said: “It is simply unacceptable that children are growing up in poverty and we must do all we can to tackle the inequality that still exists in 21st-century Scotland. While we have made progress as a govern- ment through the child poverty strategy, it’s clear from feedback frommy independent poverty adviser, Naomi Eisenstadt, and others thatwemust keep striving to do more, and we need to do more to enshrine our distinctly Scottish approach in law.

“The consultation and bill will allow us to refine our approach and ensure it best meets the needs of those who so desperately need it, and I amdelighted to announce it on the same day as I announce Naomi’s reappointment.”

A report by Ms Eisenstadt published in January put forward a series of recommendations to lift people out of poverty.

The bill follows the UK Government’s decision last year to replace the Child Poverty Act, which established a duty for governments to eradicate the problem by 2020, with new legislationwhichwillrequire ministers to report regularly on measures affecting a child’s life chances.

Ms Eisenstadt said: “This legislation will maximise the chances that all people living in Scotland lead productive and healthy lives.”

Nicola Sturgeon wants children to have equal chance