“The latest figures on child poverty in Inverclyde are a disgrace and clearly shows that Westminster isn’t working for Scotland”, said Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland).
A new report has highlighted the ‘disgraceful’ extent of child poverty in Scotland – and shows exactly why powers over the economy and welfare should be in Scotland’s hands, rather than Westminster’s.
The report by the Campaign to End Child Poverty confirms that over one in four children in Inverclyde now live below the poverty line. Across Scotland the figure is one in five children – with child poverty growing by three per cent in the last year as the impact of Westminster’s cuts agenda continues to his families and communities across the country.
Today’s report follows on from previous figures showing that Westminster’s policies could force another 100,000 children in Scotland into poverty by 2020.
Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said:
“It is unacceptable that children in a rich country like Scotland should be facing up to living in poverty.
“But unfortunately we are seeing more children living in poverty due to UK Government’s welfare reforms and austerity drive which will see the next round of cuts due in 2017-18.
“Without having the relevant powers to tackle the issue of poverty, then no matter who is in power in Holyrood, then they will always be doing a job with one hand tied behind its back. The issue of the bedroom tax, introduced by Labour and extended by the Tory/Libdem coalition, proves this point.
“This is why Scotland needs control over welfare policy and has since made a submission to the Smith Commission for more powers, and to gain full responsibility over welfare.
“Full powers over welfare and social policy will allow us to tackle child poverty and allow Scotland to become a fairer country.”
“The fact that the Tory conference cheered as George Osborne announced his latest round of cuts which will hit working families is a chilling reminder of the attitude of the Westminster parties to social justice – the race to the right between Labour and the Tories amounts to nothing less than a shameless and sustained attack on the poor.”
Details of the report can be found here: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scotlands-poverty-shame-laid-bare-4440064
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