Poverty in Scotlands Hitting Nearly A Quarter Of A Million Children

The Assembly for Tackling Poverty says Scotlands poverty levels have ``not been improving for a number of years'', and theres now around a quarter of a million Scottish children living in low income households.

They're warning Scotland is facing its ``most difficult'' challenges in tackling poverty in years.

They're also claiming the impact of proposed changes to the welfare system ``are likely to make the situation even worse for many people'', with child poverty increasing and public and voluntary services used by people living on low incomes hit by cuts.

The cost of fuel and food is also set to rise this year - putting more pressure on those on low budgets.

The Assembly, which meets in Glasgow today, is part of a four-year project supported by the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland.

It aims to support community and voluntary organisations to become more involved in developing anti-poverty policy.

Around 500 people, from grassroots community organisations, including voluntary and faith groups, trade unions and academics, and policy makers at local and national level, will spend two days debating and identifying the actions needed to eradicate poverty in Scotland.

Peter Kelly, director of Poverty Alliance, which has organised the Assembly, said: ``The Assembly is a unique event: over these two days more than 500 people will gather to hear evidence about the reality of poverty in Scotland.

``The involvement of people with direct experience of poverty in policy making is not a luxury but is essential if we are to find the right solutions in these difficult times. We just hope that Government, north and south of the border, are listening.''