New Child Poverty Figures Unacceptable (Aberdeen North Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen North Liberal Democrats <anne.carmichael@btinternet.com>

New Child Poverty Figures Unacceptable

January 26, 2010 6:15 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Borders MP Michael Moore has slammed Government Ministers over their child poverty record after a new report from Save the Children UK revealed that almost one in ten Scottish children are living in extreme poverty.

The new research suggests that to cover basics such as bills, clothes and transport the poorest families in Scotland would need to see their average income increase by £113 per week.

Statistics from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation released in December 2009 showed that that the total number of children living in low income households in the UK now stands at 2.1 million, the highest it has ever been. This is an increase of half a million since 2003/4, with a significant proportion of this rise predating the economic downturn and recession.

Official figures released in 2009 showed that average income in the Borders is the second lowest in Scotland at £18,771 - almost £14,000 less than in some areas of Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:Michael Moore MP: Borders

'These latest child poverty figures are shocking and illustrate just how important it is that the costs of the financial crisis are not borne by those families who can afford it least.

'The unfortunate truth is that there is a vulnerable minority of families in the Borders who have been excluded from the benefits of economic growth in recent years.

'Although the economy is no longer in recession - albeit by a wafer thin margin - the downturn has put thousands of additional children at risk of sliding into poverty. With the current system of means-tested benefits and tax credits inadequate, the Government must do more to ensure that families and vulnerable groups are offered all the support they need to weather this crisis.'

Notes:

In their 'Severe Child Poverty In Scotland 2010' report, Save the Children defined children as living in severe poverty if they were part of a family living on less than £12,220 a year (for a couple with one child).