Scottish Budget shows positive signs of investing in the right things

Responding to today's Scottish Budget, JRF Associate Director for Scotland Chris Birt said:

“While this budget won't eradicate child poverty, the First Minister’s stated driving purpose, it does show positive signs of investing in the right things.  

“Committing to the eliminating of the two child limit by investing in social security is a positive recognition that political choices can reduce poverty. 

“Reversing the huge cuts to affordable house building is also welcome while we're in the jaws of a housing emergency.

“The Parliament as a whole, however, face the challenge of how the child poverty reduction targets will be met. The budget as drafted should nudge things in the right direction but there remains much work to do. 

“The clock ticking on those targets is getting louder and louder. Families continue to struggle to make ends meet – it’s time for the whole Scottish Parliament to seize the challenge of delivering a Scotland where child poverty is a thing of the past".