This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7225835.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Benefits 'should tackle poverty' Benefits 'should tackle poverty'
(10 minutes later)
The benefits system should be simplified to help tackle child poverty, according to MPs.The benefits system should be simplified to help tackle child poverty, according to MPs.
A report by members of Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee said more needed to be done to meet the target of halving child poverty by 2010.A report by members of Westminster's Scottish Affairs Committee said more needed to be done to meet the target of halving child poverty by 2010.
It highlighted the complexity of the benefits system and said the poorest children were not being helped by means tested benefits such as tax credits.It highlighted the complexity of the benefits system and said the poorest children were not being helped by means tested benefits such as tax credits.
An estimated 250,000 children in Scotland are living in poverty.An estimated 250,000 children in Scotland are living in poverty.
However, greater progress has been made in tackling the issue in Scotland, compared with the rest of the UK.However, greater progress has been made in tackling the issue in Scotland, compared with the rest of the UK.
With a significant proportion of children living in poverty having at least one parent who was in work, the committee said the tax and benefit system must "ensure that no-one in full time work is living in poverty".With a significant proportion of children living in poverty having at least one parent who was in work, the committee said the tax and benefit system must "ensure that no-one in full time work is living in poverty".
Action is urgently needed Mohammad Sarwar MPAction is urgently needed Mohammad Sarwar MP
It called on the UK Government to do everything possible to make sure families know what help they are entitled to.It called on the UK Government to do everything possible to make sure families know what help they are entitled to.
It highlighted the problems working parents can face, such as low pay and access to childcare.It highlighted the problems working parents can face, such as low pay and access to childcare.
Committee chairman Mohammad Sarwar said: "While we are pleased that some progress has been made in the last 10 years, much more must be done.Committee chairman Mohammad Sarwar said: "While we are pleased that some progress has been made in the last 10 years, much more must be done.
"There are 250,000 children still living in poverty in Scotland today so action is urgently needed."There are 250,000 children still living in poverty in Scotland today so action is urgently needed.
"We look forward to continuing the historically close collaboration between the UK Government and the Scottish Executive in order to tackle child poverty and build on the work already done.""We look forward to continuing the historically close collaboration between the UK Government and the Scottish Executive in order to tackle child poverty and build on the work already done."
In 1997, the UK Government set targets of halving child poverty by 2010 and eliminating it altogether by 2020.In 1997, the UK Government set targets of halving child poverty by 2010 and eliminating it altogether by 2020.
'Serious concerns'
But the report claimed "significantly more resources" would be needed to reach the 2010 target.But the report claimed "significantly more resources" would be needed to reach the 2010 target.
'Serious concerns'
While MPs said the introduction of child tax credits had been a "key factor" in reducing child poverty, they also highlighted "serious concerns" about the take-up levels for these compared to child benefit, which is universally available.While MPs said the introduction of child tax credits had been a "key factor" in reducing child poverty, they also highlighted "serious concerns" about the take-up levels for these compared to child benefit, which is universally available.
They also claimed there was evidence the poorest children were not being helped by means tested benefits, arguing that in that context, increases in child benefit "seem attractive".They also claimed there was evidence the poorest children were not being helped by means tested benefits, arguing that in that context, increases in child benefit "seem attractive".
John Dickie, of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, claimed research showed that £4bn a year needed to be spent if the 2010 target was to be reached.John Dickie, of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, claimed research showed that £4bn a year needed to be spent if the 2010 target was to be reached.
He said: "That might sound a lot, buts it's only 0.3% of GDP."He said: "That might sound a lot, buts it's only 0.3% of GDP."
Save the Children also urged the government to act on the report. Douglas Hamilton, from Save the Children Scotland, said additional assistance should be targeted to children in the most severe poverty.
"The time for talking is over, the next thing we want to see from government is action," he said.