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Poverty is still a reality in Scotland today. The UK Government's policy for combating poverty is characterised by ambitious targets, particularly for the reduction of child poverty. There is evidence to suggest that these policies have had a positive effect in reducing poverty in Scotland over the past ten years. Nevertheless, there is still more work to be done.
We believe that the recent progress on reducing poverty must continue over the next decade. To achieve this, more resources and an even greater effort will be needed to reach those groups that have not yet benefited from the economic growth enjoyed by the UK as a whole.
In order for this to happen, the Government needs to make a concerted effort to present a coherent anti-poverty strategy across all policy areas, joining up across Government departments as well as with the work of the Scottish Executive and of local government in Scotland. On present evidence, we do not believe that the Government is doing enough to 'poverty-proof' all of its policies and to exploit the available opportunities to integrate services.
The introduction of the minimum wage has made a significant contribution to reducing poverty. The setting of an appropriate rate needs further investigation, but in principle, pay should be fixed at a level so that no-one in full time work is living in poverty. We recommend that the minimum wage should apply to apprentices and work-based trainees.
This inquiry has highlighted a number of issues that are of particular concern. The Government's focus on work as a route out of poverty has been responsible for a substantial part of the reduction in poverty that has been achieved so far. The Government cannot rely on economic growth alone to reduce the inequalities in society. Those that remain out of work face considerable barriers in the form of inadequate childcare, geographical isolation, employer attitudes, provision for disabilities and, in some cases, a loss of self-confidence. A considerable amount of work will be needed to remove these obstacles and we are not confident that the Government appreciates the scale of the task it faces.
Our evidence also suggests that some of those who have entered work in recent years have taken on low paid jobs with few prospects of advancement. Those in seasonal employment can hover around the poverty line in a 'no pay, low pay' cycle. Sustainable routes out of poverty can be provided by genuine career paths which, although they may start on relatively low pay, offer the chance of progression. The relatively poor progress that has been made on reducing poverty amongst single adults of working age is evidence of the problems in this area.
Rural poverty, fuel poverty and debt have been particular focal points for this inquiry. Each of these areas raises distinctive issues. We are concerned that, despite good intentions, there is a lack of integration and too much complexity.
The breadth and scope of this inquiry were extensive. We have therefore decided to publish our Report on Poverty in Scotland in two volumes. This Report focuses on issues surrounding the definition and measurement of poverty; the effectiveness of Government policy in rural and urban communities and the problems of fuel poverty and debt. In the course of the inquiry, the Committee received considerable evidence on the subject of child poverty. The reduction of child poverty is the aim of high-profile Government targets, whose success or failure will affect not only those currently living in poverty, but generations to come. We have therefore decided to produce a separate Report on this important subject, which we expect to publish shortly.
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