A Message from SallyAnn Kelly, Chief Executive: Tackling Child Poverty
The Scottish Government’s progress report on their Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan highlights the concerning picture of rising child poverty against a backdrop of increasing financial pressure for already struggling families across Scotland. With 1 in 4 children in Scotland already living in poverty the impact of coronavirus will only exacerbate child poverty further. At Aberlour we are seeing thousands of children and their families across Scotland already at breaking point either falling into poverty or being pushed deeper into poverty, as a result of the pandemic. Across the country many more families than usual are looking for help from our services due to financial problems. Our Urgent Assistance Fund for families with nowhere else to turn has seen a 1400% rise in applications for financial help since March this year.
As a member of the End Child Poverty in Scotland coalition we continue to urge the Scottish Government to act now to provide immediate financial support for low income families and limit the financial impact of coronavirus on struggling families. Children have a right to grow up safe, healthy, fed and warm, and the Scottish Government has a duty to ensure an adequate income for families so they can provide for their children. Failing to act now will mean that child poverty will rise further and the long-term consequences for Scotland’s children will be devastating.
SallyAnn Kelly
Chief Executive
Aberlour – Scotland’s Children’s Charity
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