Time to replace targets with real action

Today, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) highlights that the Scottish Government is also at risk of breaching its own law on meeting child poverty targets. It is right to flag this, there are few more important issues in Scotland today. But again, what will happen?

These targets are said to be “legally-binding” but no one will end up in court for failing to achieve them.

Which is the problem. Setting targets, and enshrining an ambition in law can make for very good publicity as well as the impression of progress, but it does not necessarily ensure something will be done.

We do not doubt the Scottish Government has made an impact on tackling child poverty through measures including the introduction of the Scottish child payment. But far more needs happen, and in a joined up fashion across government.

Child poverty cannot be addressed through any one single measure or action plan. There are multiple factors which create a domino effect. A growing economy which in turn relieves pressure on the public purse which then allows local authorities to properly resource services is one example. So far the Scottish Government has rightly set about tackling the symptoms, but has not paid enough attention to the cause.

“John Swinney has said eradicating child poverty is a ‘defining mission’ of his new Government. To achieve that, his Government needs to significantly raise its ambition for transforming children’s lives,” says Chris Birt, associate director for Scotland at JRF, today.

It must indeed.

But please no more unachievable, “legally binding” unenforceable targets. Instead, we need action.