One in three local children living in poverty

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Figures released by the Campaign to End Child Poverty show that 29% of children living in the Forth ward live in poverty, and campaigners believe that these already appalling figures will worsen as welfare reforms bite.

Research figures released on 15 February show that nearly all – 27 out of 32 – local authorities in Scotland have council wards where over 20% of their children live in poverty, and projections by both Government and the Institute for Fiscal Studies expect the number of children growing up in poverty to significantly worsen amidst UK benefit and welfare cuts.

The Campaign to End Child Poverty, a coalition of anti-poverty and children’s charities, has published up to date figures showing rates of child poverty across every local authority, constituency and ward.

It’s a depressingly familiar picture, and it’s absolutely no surprise to see areas like Forth (29%), Leith (28%) and Sighthill/Gorgie (35%, or more than one in three children) at the top (or bottom) of the Edinburgh league table, while at the opposite end of the scale come Inverleith (10%), Colinton/Fairmilehead (9%) and Meadows/Morningside at just 5%.

The statistics, compiled from mid-2012 data, are believed to be the most up-to-date local data on child poverty and they show that there are unacceptably high levels of child poverty in every part of Scotland. However, campaigners are stressing that action by local and national Government in Scotland can make a huge difference in minimising family hardship.

John Dickie, speaking on behalf of Scottish members of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, said: “These latest figures show low-income families both in and out of work have to some extent been protected through recession by benefits and tax credit support. But the hidden picture is far more sinister as the current ripping away of that support is forecast to drive tens of thousands of children into poverty across Scotland in the coming years”.

Recent forecasts indicate that at least 65,000 more children in Scotland will be living below the breadline by the end of the decade.

Back in 1999, politicians promised to end child poverty by 2020 – these latest figures show just how far we’ve still got to go. The government says it remains committed to eradicating child poverty by 2020, however:  “Helping children overcome poverty will make a huge difference not only to their lives but to the lives of their families, communities and to society as a whole. Ending child poverty means tackling a wide range of complex issues to improve children’s chances in life and empowering families to move themselves out of poverty for good.

“There are challenges ahead, but the Coalition’s Programme for Government made clear its commitment to ending child poverty by 2020. Success depends on finding the best long-term solutions to tackling child poverty and the national strategy sets out how the Government proposes to tackle child poverty in the forthcoming years.”

The UK is one of the richest countries in the industrialised world, and yet one in three of our children is living in poverty. Whatever your political persuasion, that just can’t be right.

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STV Appeal raises almost £2 million to tackle child poverty in Scotland

The STV Appeal 2012 has raised an incredible £1,913,080 for children living in poverty in Scotland – and the donations are still flooding in.  That’s £956,540 from fundraising and donations, which was then doubled by the Scottish government, with Alex Salmond confirming the match funding live on STV last night.

The STV Appeal 2012: The Big Live Show, hosted by Lorraine Kelly, showcased the fantastic efforts from fundraisers across the country, including some of the nation’s most famous folk.  From Sean Batty and Jock the Dog’s cycle ride and agility competition, to Fred McAulay walking the West Highland Way, there have been some brilliant challenges in the name of the Appeal this year.

People across the country have taken part in tea parties, bake sales, sponsored walks and a host of weird and wonderful events. Everyone should be extremely proud as the total raised will help change the lives of many children, desperately in need of care.

Paul Brannigan, star of The Angels’ Share, joined Lorraine on the sofa to explain how his life was transformed thanks to youth charity Sidekicks and the time and effort put in by dedicated staff.

From moving video films of young people living in challenging circumstances, to fantastic performance from Amy MacDonald and Michelle McManus and Manran, it truly was a special night and the generosity of viewers will go on to change the lives of many children in Scotland, for the better.