Child poverty drive is missing those in greatest need
Tom Lloyd
Monday, February 4, 2008
Efforts to tackle child poverty are in danger of leaving behind children and families in the greatest need, MPs have warned.
The Scottish Affairs Select Committee has found evidence that children living in the most hardship in Scotland have not benefited from wider reductions in child poverty.
In its Child Poverty in Scotland report the committee stated: "The poorest children are not helped if the government meets its targets only by reaching those just below the poverty line."
The MPs added that this approach also threatens the government's long-term target of eradicating child poverty by 2020.
The committee praised efforts to tackle child poverty, and noted that Scotland has seen greater progress than the UK overall. But it also said the rate of progress appears to be slowing, and more investment is needed.
In its Child Poverty in Scotland report the committee stated: "The poorest children are not helped if the government meets its targets only by reaching those just below the poverty line."
The MPs added that this approach also threatens the government's long-term target of eradicating child poverty by 2020.
The committee praised efforts to tackle child poverty, and noted that Scotland has seen greater progress than the UK overall. But it also said the rate of progress appears to be slowing, and more investment is needed.
