The city’s Child Poverty Action Plan has been welcomed by the council’s
Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee.
The plan sets out actions for the next four years across services and
promotes greater use of data, the adoption of good practice, and enhanced
partnership working.
Actions include maximising the uptake of free school meals and school
clothing grants, with a focus on lone parent families, ethnic minority
families, families with a child under 1 year of age, and other priority
groups.
Committee convener Councillor Christian Allard said: “I am pleased to see
the progress made with the development and adoption of the Child Poverty Action
Plan for 2022-2026.
“As a council we remain committed to securing the best outcomes for children
across our city and this action plan will support that aim, including making
Aberdeen a child-friendly city.”
Committee vice-convener Councillor Desmond Bouse said: “We look forward to
implementing the Child Poverty Action.
“The Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee wants to ensure that no child is
missing out on educational opportunities due to their financial situation at
home.”
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 (the Act) was adopted in 2019 and
describes steps required to be taken by the Scottish Government, local
authorities and health boards to tackle child poverty.
As the plan is developed, longer term targets to be achieved by 2030 will be
added.
The Child Poverty Action Plan will also be considered by the Community
Planning Aberdeen Board next month.