Hopelessness is becoming the new norm for struggling Scots
Scots families are being “locked into poverty” by a “failing” social security system as a lack of action by Westminster and Holyrood is keeping more than a million in poverty.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation said people were “being short-changed by a lack of political courage.”
The findings are contained in a new report by JRF he proportion living in “very deep poverty” – measured as those earning below 40% of the median income – has surged to 40% of all families in Scotland, up from 26% in the mid-1990s.
The JRF urged the new UK government, which it says retains most of the spending and social security powers in Scotland, to reverse the “policy failings” of the previous administration.
Chris Birt, associate director of the JRF in Scotland, said: “Our report shows that a new consensus is needed to tackle stubborn rates of hardship.
“The law describes social security as an ‘investment in the people of Scotland’ but people struggling to get by are being short-changed by a lack of political courage. Poverty comes down when social security is enhanced.
“The new UK government provides a key opportunity for politicians in both of Scotland’s governments to seize their powers, and responsibilities, to deliver compassionate support for people in Scotland.
“Far too many people experience daily struggles to get by and deserve better than platitudes about waiting for growth or tough decisions. People all over Scotland have tougher lives than our wealthy nation should tolerate, it is high time that changed.”
researchers found that 95% of lone parents rely on benefits as part of their income, as well as 83% of those with three or more children and 62% of families where someone has a disability.
It said the two-child benefit cap contributed to a high rate of poverty among families with three or more children.
The report also found that despite 54% of families from a minority ethnic background experiencing poverty, only 38% receive social security.
Children and working-age adults in households where someone has a disability are more than three times more likely to be in poverty and go without essentials such as a warm home or winter coat.
The Scottish Government said it was doing everything in the scope of its powers and “limited budget” to tackle and reduce poverty.
Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We have allocated £3bn a year since 2022-23 to polices which tackle poverty and the ongoing cost of living crisis. This includes providing free bus travel for around two million people, free school meals for all children in primaries 1-5, and social security benefits and payments which are only available in Scotland.
“Modelling published this week by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that UK Government investment in social security could bring hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty across the UK.
“The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK government however this must be matched with action in the budget this month.”
