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Achieving Our Potential

Today sees the launch of a £7.5million initiative to fight poverty and income inequality in Scotland.

“Achieving Our Potential” is a joint approach by the Scottish Government and COSLA in the fight against poverty. The programme highlights key actions needed in Scotland to improve income levels for employees, to raise awareness of statutory workers’ rights and  to support those people who find it hardest to get into jobs or use public services. There are also calls for the UK government to transfer responsibility for personal taxation and benefits to Scotland, simplify the tax credits scheme and increase the availability of childcare vouchers.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon, said:
“This Government has a new level of ambition for Scotland and is determined to deliver real and lasting change. That is why I am delighted to be launching this joint Framework with COSLA. For too long Government has tinkered at the edges of poverty or focussed on treating its symptoms. We can and must do better. There is however, much work already underway. Through the Fairer Scotland Fund we are providing £435 million over three years to help our local partners achieve better outcomes for the most disadvantaged areas and individuals. Just last week I unveiled our new fuel poverty programme and today I have announced that we will invest up to £7.5 million on key commitments in the Framework.
Our challenge has been increased by the global economic downturn. This government has taken early and decisive action, within our current powers, to develop a Scottish Economic Recovery Plan.
While we are taking this immediate action in the face of this downturn, we will not lose sight of the steps required to achieve sustainable growth for all and I believe with a collective national effort we can finally begin to bring about the change that is needed.”