Campaigners demand action as MSPs debate poverty commitments

Child poverty campaigners are calling on the Scottish Government to provide more detail on the action it will take to meet its targets to reduce income inequality and poverty. Ahead of a Holyrood debate on poverty this Thursday (31st January) the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland has sent a briefing to all MSPs highlighting that a scandalous one in four children are still officially recognised as living in poverty. The Group is demanding 'significant additional detail' on how Ministers will meet what, it says, are welcome commitments to tackle poverty and inequality.

John Dickie, head of CPAG in Scotland, says;

"According to media reports the SNP government is to dump 'buzz words' in its battle against poverty. But whatever words are used we need to see real action to back up Minister's welcome commitments to reducing inequality and eradicating poverty. We need to see action to tackle the low pay and lack of childcare that all too often undermine work as a route out of poverty, and action to provide the advice and information people need to get the financial supports they are entitled to. And with local authorities now having more discretion over their budgets it will be essential for Ministers to develop robust agreements with councils to ensure spending benefits our most disadvantaged families."

Media contacts:
John Dickie, Head of CPAG in Scotland on 0141 552 3656 mobile 07795 340 618

Notes for editors

1. For media report on Scottish Government anti-poverty  plans see http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1997266.0.snp_
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