The Scottish Government's national mission to tackle poverty and
end child poverty will be highlighted by ministers across
Government this Challenge Poverty Week.
Social Justice Secretary will speak at a
joint Poverty Alliance and Joseph Rowntree Foundation launch
event for the week on Monday 7th October, where she will point to
the breadth of activity and commitment across all Scottish
Government portfolios to eradicate child poverty.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Somerville said:
“Ending child poverty is the top priority of this Government and
we are determined to do all we can to deliver action at the pace
and scale required to meet our targets.
“We have allocated £3 billion a year since 2022-23 to polices
which tackle poverty and the ongoing cost of living crisis. This
includes providing free bus travel for around two million people,
free school meals for all children in primaries one to five, and
social security benefits and payments which are only available in
Scotland.
“Modelling published in February estimated Scottish Government
policies will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty this
year, with the Scottish Child Payment alone keeping 60,000
children out of poverty.
"The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK
government however this must be matched with action in the budget
this month. That includes immediately abolishing the two-child
limit, and following this government's lead by matching the
Scottish Child Payment.”
