We want Scotland to be a place where people are healthier, happier and treated with respect, and where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally.
Cost of living crisis: find out what help is available
Actions
We:
- are tackling child poverty by addressing the underlying causes of deprivation and improving the circumstances in which children grow up
- are working to create a social security system in Scotland based on dignity, fairness and respect
- are taking action to tackle food insecurity
- are providing access to free period products
- are supporting debt and welfare advice services
- have established an independent Poverty and Inequality Commission to scrutinise what we are doing and advise on what more can be done to tackle poverty and inequality
- have adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include ending poverty, ensuring access to education and achieving gender equality.
- established the Fairer Scotland Duty that places a legal responsibility on certain public bodies in Scotland to actively consider how they can reduce inequalities of outcome caused by socio-economic disadvantage, when making strategic decisions
Background
We want Scotland to be a place where people are healthier, happier and treated with respect and where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally.
Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of the three critical and interdependent missions for the government, alongside focus on a fair economy and strengthening public services.
These missions, as outlined in the First Minister’s policy prospectus, and underpinned by our National Outcomes, will make a difference in tackling the issues which matter most and grasping the opportunities we have, to improve the lives of people across the country.
Statistics and research
Further information about income and poverty is available from income and poverty statistics.
Bills and legislation
The Child Poverty Act (Scotland) Act 2017 set targets for the reduction of child poverty by 2030 and places duties on Scottish Ministers to prepare delivery plans regularly, and report annually on progress.
Contact
Telephone: 0300 244 4000 (for local rate throughout UK and for mobiles)
Post:
Scottish Government
Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh EH6 6QQ