Potential £300 million boost to Scottish GDP.
Figures published by Chief Economist Gary Gillespie estimate that
Scottish Government spending on social security could deliver a
£300 million boost to Scotland’s economy over the short term.
The findings also show that long term investment in labour market
and social security policies could boost GDP by around £180
million a year.
First Minister said:
“In my first Programme for Government I made it abundantly clear
that reducing poverty, delivering growth and providing
high-quality public services would be the driving mission of my
government. We are working to maximise every lever at our
disposal to tackle poverty in our country and having a fair,
green and growing economy is central to that mission.
“Economic modelling published earlier this year estimates that
100,000 children will be kept out of relative poverty next year
as a direct result of Scottish Government policies. These are the
lives of children across Scotland, in every single community,
being improved by the action we are taking.
“Analysis published today shows that as well as improving the
lives of children across Scotland, the investment we are making
in social security spending, alongside measures to help people
into work, could have a significantly positive impact on our
economy, delivering a £300 million boost to the Scottish economy.
“Growing our economy and tacking poverty goes hand in hand, and
that is why my government will continue to use all the powers at
our disposal to build on the progress we are making to make
people’s lives better in Scotland.”
Background
Economic impact of
spending on social security - Technical note - gov.scot
(www.gov.scot)
Child poverty cumulative
impact assessment: update - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Programme for Government -
gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
The Scottish Government has also published a report by the Chief
Social Policy Adviser bringing together evidence on the outcomes
associated with Social Security Scotland spending. This analysis
shows that Social Security Scotland spending is supporting a
variety of Scottish Government outcomes related to reducing child
poverty and material deprivation, improving health and wellbeing
and helping to narrow inequalities.
Examining outcomes
associated with Social Security Scotland spending: an evidence
synthesis - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
