UNICEF report shows governments can reduce child poverty, says CPAG
01.03.05

CPAG in Scotland today welcomed the publication of a UNICEF report drawing on international data that shows that governments can reduce child poverty.

John Dickie, Head of Child Poverty in Scotland, said “The report makes clear that government action can make the difference, particularly action that increases social spending on child and family benefits. In a week where Free School Meals are once again on the Scottish political agenda this is an important message.”

Report highlights value of universal benefits

The UNICEF report highlights the problem of targeting social expenditure on those most in need pointing out that this may lead to a “poverty trap”. Benefits universally provided, though apparently more expensive, avoid this poverty trap, the report says.

Mr Dickie continued “If we are going to make further progress toward ending the scandal of a rich country like Scotland having 280,000 children living in poverty we need to shift the balance toward universal benefits aimed at children. Benefits like universal free school meals from the Scottish Executive and increased child benefit from the UK government.”

For further information contact:
John Dickie, Head of Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland,
Mobile 0779 534 0618, Office 0141 552 3656.

Notes:

1. According to the Government’s most recent figures 280,000 children in Scotland live in poverty. That is, they live in households with less than 60% of the median household income after housing costs. This is the primary method used to measure the number of children experiencing poverty and amounts to only £175 a week for a lone parent with two children or £253 for a couple with two children.

2. For further details on the UNICEF Report see
http://www.unicef-icdc.org/presscentre/indexNewsroom.html

3. CPAG’s ten steps to a society free of child poverty are:

• All political parties to commit to eradicate child poverty.
• Poverty proof policies – make each consistent with eradicating child poverty.
• Uprate the combined value of child tax credit and child benefit at least in line with the fastest growing of prices or earnings. The element of this that is child benefit ought to be maximised.
• Increase the adult payments within income support in line with those for children.
• Reform the administration of tax credits and benefits – ensure they get the right amount, to the right people at the right time.
• Ensure all children have full access to the requirements – meals, uniforms and activities – of their education.
• Provide benefit entitlements to all UK residents equally, irrespective of immigration status.
• Work towards better jobs, not just more jobs.
• Introduce free at the point of delivery, good quality universal childcare.
• Reduce the disproportionate burden of taxation on poorer families.

Read CPAG's manifesto to eradicate child poverty
Download a copy of the manifesto (180 KB pdf file)
Download a leaflet summary of CPAG's manifesto (471 KB pdf file)