Labour and SNP leaders face off over stark inequality warning
A REPORT THAT child health in Scotland is “amongst the poorest in Western Europe” dominated discussion at Holyrood’s first minister’s questions today (Thursday 26 January).
Released by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the report highlighted ongoing concerns about the nation’s health inequalities on children in the poorest families.
Labour leader Kezia Dugdale claimed SNP budget plans would exacerbate the current financial strain on those with little support, while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her government was committed to tackling inequality.
“A new report published today exposes the horrific gap between the richest and the rest in Scotland,” Dugdale said.
“The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health say that a child born in a poorer background is more likely to suffer from ill health than a child from a wealthier area.
“In 2016, after a decade of SNP government, a child’s path in life is largely determined before they leave the womb based on how much money their parents have. How does the first minister think cutting £327m from local services will change that?”
“The link between poverty and poor health is highlighted throughout this report. It is estimated that more than 210,000 of Scotland’s children live in poverty.” RCPCH report
Dr Steve Turner, RCPCH Officer for Scotland, wrote in the report that: “Child health in Scotland is amongst the poorest in Western Europe. Over 210,000 children live in poverty, 28 percent are overweight or obese and approximately 400 infants, children and young people die each year, with a significant number of these deaths potentially avoidable.”
Dr Turner added that current Scottish Government policy in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) approach was a “strong foundation” to tackle inequality.
Nicola Sturgeon said the report was significant, and provided a challenge for the government to go further to tackle poverty and inequality: “It is an important report,” she told the Labour leader.
The Scottish Government’s draft budget will be voted on for the first time next week, with a ongoing debate over whether greater action on taxation is necessary to tackle inequality.
“It has important messages for the Scottish Government and, but indeed important messages for government right across the UK. Firstly it’s important to note at the outset, the report’s view – and I’m quoting now – ‘There have been notable improvements in health indicators for children over recent years…There is much that the Scottish Government is doing to reduce the impact of inequality, and there is much in Scotland that can be celebrated and learned from.’
“However, that said, I also agree with the report that there is much more required to be done and we cannot be complacent. So we will consider carefully all the recommendations in this report. Many of the recommendations are already in train.”
Sturgeon highlighted smoking, obesity, and mental health strategies as examples raised in the report that are government priorities.
The Scottish Government’s draft budget will be voted on for the first time next week, with a ongoing debate over whether greater action on taxation is necessary to tackle inequality.
Picture courtesy of Scottish Parliament TV
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