6 Conclusions
143. Our
inquiry has confirmed that a welcome reduction in poverty has
taken place over the past ten years, particularly amongst vulnerable
groups such as pensioners and children. This reduction must continue
over the next decade. 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.
144. This inquiry
has highlighted a number of issues that are of particular concern.
The Government's focus on work and the national minimum wage as
routes 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 or provision for disabilities. 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.
145. 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 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.
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.
146. Rural poverty,
fuel poverty and debt have been particular focal points for this
inquiry. Each of these areas raises distinctive issues, discussed
in detail above. We are concerned that, despite good intentions,
there is a lack of integration and too much complexity in these
areas. The Government could do more to integrate different policy
streams and to work co-operatively with stakeholders, including
local authorities, with whom relationships appear to have weakened,
and the Scottish Executive.
147. The
fight against poverty has not yet been won. Recent progress in
reducing poverty must continue over the next decade. 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.
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