Poverty and Inequality Commission to be created despite SNP opposition

22 Jun 2017

A new Poverty and Inequality Commission is to be created in Scots law – despite SNP attempts to block it.

The proposal by Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Adam Tomkins was voted through in the Scottish Parliament earlier today.

He was backed by other opposition parties to set up the Commission as part of the Child Poverty Bill.

The work of the Commission will be to monitor the Scottish Government’s progress on child poverty, and ensure scrutiny on the targets being set for ministers.

However, the SNP voted against the idea, saying it wasn’t “value for money” and would have too much “downtime”.

Despite nationalist opposition, the amendment went through by five votes to four at the Social Security Committee earlier, meaning the legislation will now be strengthened.

Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Adam Tomkins said:

“It’s vital the Scottish Government is held to account on its work to reduce child poverty in Scotland.

“Establishing this Commission in Scots law will do exactly that.

“It’s disappointing the SNP oppose this but, fortunately, all other parties agreed it was a necessary step to take.

“This will hold the Scottish Government to account on its poverty pledges, and make sure the targets being set are hit.

“It strengthens the legislation and allows scrutiny of Scottish Ministers to be as robust as possible.”

The amendment was voted through 5-4 at this morning’s social security committee.

For more on the Child Poverty Bill, visit:
http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/103404.aspx