Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2018-2022: annex 4
Results of the Scottish Government's children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment on the policy development of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2018-22.
CRWIA Stage 3
Data Collection, Evidence Gathering, Involvement of/Consultation with Stakeholder Groups - key questions
1. What does the evidence tell you?
The evidence is clear that poverty levels vary, depending on a number of factors. [3] We have used the evidence based to identify priority families within the TCPDP as follows:
- Larger families (3+ children)
- Families with young mothers
- Families with a disabled adult or child
- Minority ethnic families
- Families with a child under 1 year old
- Lone parent families
A recent JRF report [4] highlighted that there are clear links between poverty and other issues such as mental health and educational attainment. For example, the Growing Up in Scotland study has found that children in the lowest income households are more likely to experience the following negative outcomes than those in the highest income households:
| Highest income (top fifth) | Lowest income (bottom fifth) | |
|---|---|---|
| Longstanding illness/disability by age 3 | 14% | 19% |
| General health during first 4 years assessed as ‘fair’ or ‘bad’ (as opposed to ‘good’) | 12% | 26% |
| Below average vocabulary ability at age 5 | 20% | 54% |
| Below average problem-solving ability at age 5 | 29% | 53% |
| High social, emotional or behavioural difficulty at age 8 | 3% | 18% |
| Lowest level of life satisfaction at age 8 | 19% | 29% |
As well as being harmful to children and families, child poverty brings significant economic costs. A 2013 study found that the high levels of child poverty cost the UK at least £29 billion a year. This included the cost of policy interventions, long term losses to the economy, lower educational attainment and poorer mental and physical health.
2. What further data or evidence is required?
There is a substantial evidence base, which provides national and local estimates of poverty and inequality.
However further evidence will be required at a local level to develop effective solutions dependent on needs assessed in that area.
3. Has there been any consultation on the development of the proposal(s)?
As outlined in Stage 2, a wide ranging consultation has been undertaken with individuals and groups representing the interests of children and young people; with particular focus being paid to groups at greater risk of poverty.
As part of this consultation process participants have been asked to consider the key areas of focus within the Plan, and to consider potential actions.
This complements consultation with key stakeholders and with relevant Parliamentary Committees.
4. Should children and young people be further involved in the development of this policy? Are there particular groups of children and young people whose views should be sought?
The consultation has been robust and has involved key organisations representing and bringing together groups of young people to discuss the issues.
These have included;
- Young Scot
- The Children’s Parliament
- The Prince’s Trust
Additional engagement will be arranged as required.
5. Should other stakeholders and experts be further involved in the development of this policy?
Stakeholders representing children and young people, alongside parents at higher risk of poverty will provide key insight into developing the individual actions of the plan, as appropriate.
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