Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Child Poverty

Wednesday 12 February 2020 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scottish Government has powers to address poverty through devolved programmes like skills, education, health, and employment.
  • Real wages have risen for over 22 months and total wages increased by 3.2%, with the national living wage set to rise to 8.72 in April and to 10.50 by 2024.
  • The Minister welcomed the Scottish child payment measure, provided it is effective in reducing child poverty.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Scotland Children & Families
Context

There is a high level of child poverty in Scotland, with one in four children living below the poverty line. The Institute for Fiscal Studies predicts an increase to about 37% by 2021.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had on the level of child poverty in Scotland? It is estimated that 230,000 children in Scotland live in poverty, which is higher than many European countries. Poor children often achieve less in school and suffer chronic illness or poor mental health. The Institute for Fiscal Studies predicts a rise to about 37% by 2021. Does the Minister agree that Tory policies such as the two-child benefit cap, zero-hours contracts, and universal credit contribute to this increase?

Answer from Will Quince

The Government are committed to tackling poverty. Since 2010, over 400,000 people have been lifted out of absolute poverty and income inequality has fallen. The Scottish Government has powers to address poverty through devolved programmes like skills, education, health, and employment. Both Governments should work together on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly acknowledge or deny the impact of Tory policies on child poverty in Scotland

How: Disagreed With Premise But No Specifics

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Q2 Alex Cunningham Lab
Employment Children & Families
Context

There are 230,000 children in Scotland living below the poverty line despite many parents being employed full-time.

Question

The Minister should reflect on his answer. Yes, employment growth is positive, but 230,000 children live in families with parents in work. This situation is disgraceful. What actions are this Government taking to address it?

Answer from Will Quince

The Minister noted that real wages have risen for over 22 months and total wages increased by 3.2%. The national living wage will rise to £8.72 in April, with a further increase to £10.50 by 2024. Jobcentres focus on in-work progression.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific measures for tackling child poverty among working families

How: Highlighted Other Positive Aspects But No Direct Answer

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Q3 Tony Lloyd Lab
Economy Children & Families
Context

Children in poverty often experience poor health and employment difficulties, affecting their future life chances.

Question

The Minister must reflect on his answer. Although growth is positive, 230,000 children live below the poverty line despite their parents being employed full-time. This is unacceptable. What are the Government planning to do about it?

Answer from Will Quince

The Minister highlighted that real wages have risen for over 22 months and total wages increased by 3.2%. The national living wage will rise to £8.72 in April, with a further increase to £10.50 by 2024. Jobcentres focus on in-work progression.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific measures for addressing child poverty among working families

How: Focused On Positive Wage Trends But No Concrete Policy

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Q4 Mhairi Black SNP
Scotland Children & Families
Context

Children living in poverty often suffer from poor physical and mental health, employment difficulties, stigma, and low self-esteem.

Question

The Scottish Government's introduction of the Scottish child payment later this year will help 30,000 children out of poverty. Would the Minister welcome this measure?

Answer from Will Quince

The Minister is looking closely at the Scottish child payment measure and its impact, suggesting it could work if evidence supports it. He stressed commitment to working with the Scottish Government on improving life chances in Scotland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly state support for or against the child payment

How: Noted Willingness To Explore Measure

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Q5 Mhairi Black SNP
Scotland Children & Families
Context

The new Scottish child payment will help about 30,000 children escape poverty.

Question

If the Scottish Government's measures work to reduce child poverty, why is it that the UK government is not implementing similar policies?

Answer from Will Quince

The Minister will look closely at the measure. He suggested the Scottish Government should use their powers to reduce housing costs, improve earnings and enhance social security, welcoming their child poverty strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address why they are not implementing similar policies

How: Suggested Exploring The Measure But No Commitment

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Q6 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Scotland Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Scotland Act 2016 transferred many welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament.

Question

Does the Minister share concerns that many of these welfare powers have not been fully implemented by the SNP Scottish Government, with some delayed until 2024?

Answer from Will Quince

The Minister thanked his right hon. Friend and acknowledged their expertise on the issue. He noted that both Governments want to address poverty issues, expressing a commitment to work closely with Scottish Government counterparts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly acknowledge or dismiss concerns over welfare power implementation delays

How: Acknowledged Expertise But No Direct Response

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