The SNP calls on Labour to tackle child poverty, warning growth alone won’t help struggling families
The JRF’s report shows Scotland’s child poverty rate might drop to 21.8% by 2029. However, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland are expected to see increases in their rates.
The JRF suggests targeted support, like the Scottish Child Payment, to help families. They believe it’s unfair to make struggling families wait for economic growth.
Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, says the report should wake up the UK Government. She believes no child should live in poverty in a wealthy country like Scotland.
Somerville highlights that while child poverty rates in Scotland may improve, more action is needed. She urges the UK Government to abolish the two-child limit on benefits.
An Essentials Guarantee would ensure everyone has access to basic needs like food and shelter. The JRF has called for this guarantee before.
The JRF also mentions that the new Labour Government’s recent budget moves are not enough. They need to do more to tackle child poverty effectively.
Paul Kissack, JRF’s chief executive, insists that credible strategies must rebuild the social security system. He argues that economic growth alone won’t solve child poverty.
Somerville points to the SNP Budget, which aims to eradicate child poverty through various investments. She believes scrapping the two-child cap could lift many children out of poverty.
A UK Government spokesperson states that no child should be in poverty. They are working on plans to improve living standards and support low-income families.
Overall, the report shows Scotland is doing better than other parts of the UK, but there’s still a long way to go in the fight against child poverty.
