SNP and Labour Governments should tackle poverty like covid emergency, says top campaigner

SNP and Labour Governments Urged to Prioritise Fighting Poverty Like Covid Emergency

A prominent campaigner has called for urgent action to address the child poverty crisis in Scotland, comparing the response needed to that of the Covid-19 emergency. SallyAnn Kelly, the chief executive of Aberlour, stressed that the resources and focus directed towards tackling the pandemic should also be allocated to support low-income families. Despite initiatives like the Scottish Child Payment, data shows that approximately 240,000 children in Scotland, about 24%, were living in relative poverty in 2023, a figure that has remained largely unchanged since the SNP came into power in 2007. The impact of welfare policies from the previous Tory government has been cited as a significant factor in the persistently high levels of child poverty.

Kelly emphasised the need for a similar level of ambition, determination, and urgency in combating poverty as was demonstrated during the lockdown period. She contended that the swift and effective measures implemented to address covid should be replicated to safeguard families and protect children from the harsh effects of poverty. The campaigner highlighted the stark contrast in responses to the two crises, noting that while decision-makers were directly affected by the pandemic, the same level of empathy and understanding seems absent when it comes to poverty, which is often viewed as a distant issue affecting others.

Aberlour advocates for both the UK and Scottish governments to play pivotal roles in significantly reducing child poverty. Kelly urged First Minister John Swinney to use the upcoming Budget to increase the Scottish Child Payment from £26.70 per week and called on Keir Starmer to abolish the two-child cap on benefits enforced by the Labour Government. While acknowledging positive steps such as the SCP and efforts to enhance workers’ pay and conditions, she underscored the need for immediate emergency relief to alleviate the current hardships faced by families.

The campaigner’s comments come as Aberlour launches a fundraising initiative to provide poverty relief, with every donation directly assisting families in dire need through the Urgent Assistance Fund. Labour MSP Paul O’Kane echoed the call to address child poverty effectively and decisively, highlighting the impact of years of Tory austerity and SNP inaction on the issue. With ongoing efforts to tackle child poverty on various fronts, including enhanced social security measures and the establishment of a Child Poverty Task Force, the commitment to eradicating this societal blight remains a top priority for policymakers.

In conclusion, the urgent plea to address child poverty with the same vigour and speed as seen during the covid emergency underscores the pressing need to protect vulnerable families and children from the lasting impacts of economic hardship. By prioritising poverty alleviation measures and demonstrating a collective resolve to combat this crisis, governments can make significant strides towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.

Insights and Summary:
The article highlights the urgent call from Aberlour chief executive SallyAnn Kelly to treat child poverty with the same urgency and determination as the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It underscores the need for swift and effective action by both the SNP and Labour Governments to address the persistent issue of child poverty in Scotland. The campaigner’s plea for emergency relief and sustained efforts to combat poverty reflects a broader call for prioritising social justice and equality in policymaking. As the debate on poverty relief continues, the overarching message resonates with the imperative of collective action to protect the most vulnerable members of society and build a more inclusive future.